アレックス田中

Languages I work in

• Portuguêsfluent
• 日本語native

Frequent questions

The questions almost everyone brings to our first conversation.

• Can a foreign resident buy a home in Japan?

  Yes. Japan places no nationality restriction on buying property. The tricky part is the mortgage. Each bank sets its own requirements on visa status, years in Japan and income. I go through what is realistic for you today, without promising what a bank would not approve.

• When is it worth moving my mortgage to another bank (借り換え)?

  When you are struggling to keep up with several payments, such as the house, the car and credit cards. With refinancing we can lighten your monthly bill, and you can make your home nicer too.

• Is it worth refinancing the home I already have?

  It depends on the rate you pay today, the balance left and the remaining term. Switching banks has a cost, in fees and registration, and it only pays off when the saving is bigger than that. I run the numbers on your current loan and tell you plainly whether it is worth it. When it is not, I tell you that too.

• What do I need to have my mortgage reviewed?

  For a first estimate, the repayment schedule of your current loan (返済予定表) and proof of income are enough. Have your other debts and the loans you are paying today at hand too. If it is worth going ahead, each bank asks for its own list, and I send you the exact one before you start gathering paperwork.

• Can I get a mortgage without permanent residency?

  In many cases, yes. Some banks only lend to permanent residents (永住権). Others accept other visa types and look at your years in Japan, time with your employer and income. I take your case to the banks that work with your profile before you set your heart on a property.

• Do I need savings for a down payment?

  Very little. Some banks finance the full price and others ask for a down payment, depending on your visa and income. On top of the price there are purchase costs (諸費用), such as taxes, registration, bank fees and insurance, which end up included in the loan. Only a small amount is asked to reserve the house, and it is returned when the contract is signed. I show you the full figure before you commit to anything.

• Will the mortgage payment be higher than my rent?

  In many cases it ends up similar, and sometimes even lower. That depends on the interest rate, the loan term and the price of the home. I run the simulation and put the two numbers side by side, so you decide from the figures rather than a guess.

• Will you speak my language all the way through?

  Yes. From the first message to signing, including talking to the management company and going through the contract with you. The languages I work in are listed above on this page.

• Does talking to you cost anything?

  No. Asking questions, viewing properties and getting a cost breakdown are all free. The brokerage fee only applies if a contract goes through, and it appears in the breakdown I show you before you sign.