The One Question That Could Save You Over $100,000 When Buying a House in Tampa

House hunting is exciting—until you start seeing the price tags, interest rates, and all those hidden fees. If you’re getting pre-approved for a mortgage, there’s one game-changing question you must ask upfront that could literally save you thousands—if not over $100,000—over the life of your loan.

And the best part? It only takes a few extra minutes.

Ask This Question First

💬 “Can you provide me with a closing cost estimate?”

It sounds simple, but this one question helps you see what your lender isn’t always upfront about—fees, interest rate, and loan terms. When you get your closing cost estimate (also known as a Loan Estimate), you’ll have a full breakdown of what you’re actually being charged beyond the home price.

Now, here’s the smart move: Don’t stop at just one estimate.

Step 1: Shop Around—Fast

Once you get pre-approved, apply with 1–2 other local lenders within 14 days. Yep, you read that right.

⏳ Why 14 days?
Because mortgage credit checks within a two-week window only count as one inquiry on your credit report. So you won’t tank your score just for shopping around.

When you request the same closing cost estimate from each lender, you get a clear, apples-to-apples comparison. That’s where the magic happens.

Step 2: Compare Estimates Side by Side

Put each estimate next to the others and review:

✅ Interest rate
✅ Origination fees
✅ Discount points
✅ Estimated closing costs
✅ Monthly payment
✅ APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

Even a small difference in interest rate can add up to tens of thousands in savings over the life of your mortgage.

📊 Real Talk:
According to Freddie Mac, buyers who get at least 3 mortgage quotes save an average of $76,000. In high-cost areas? That number jumps to over $100K. That’s enough for a major renovation, a college fund—or just peace of mind.

3 More Ways to Save Big:

If you’re looking to stack up even more savings, consider these smart strategies:

1️⃣ Boost Your Credit Score

The best mortgage rates go to borrowers with a credit score of 780 or higher. If you’re not there yet, here’s what to focus on:

Improving your score by even 20-40 points could save you thousands in interest.

2️⃣ Consider an ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgage)

If you plan to stay in your home for 5–7 years, an ARM could be a great option. These loans typically start with a lower interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages, which can reduce your monthly payment significantly in the early years.

⚠️ Just be sure you understand how and when the rate can change later on!

3️⃣ Negotiate a Seller-Paid Rate Buy-Down

In today’s Tampa Bay market, many sellers are willing to offer concessions to close a deal. One smart option? Ask the seller to buy down your interest rate.

This means they pay to lower your rate temporarily (or permanently), helping you save on your monthly payment without having to come up with extra cash at closing.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Here’s the thing—many buyers are so excited to get pre-approved that they don’t even think to ask about fees, rates, or alternatives. But this is a huge financial decision, and you have the right to shop around, ask questions, and find the best fit for you.

Want help finding trusted, local lenders who are transparent, competitive, and easy to work with? As a real estate agent in Tampa, Florida, I work closely with experienced lenders and mortgage brokers—and I’m happy to connect you with someone who fits your needs.

I’ll make sure you’re asking the right questions and comparing the right numbers so you don’t leave money on the table.

📲 Reach out today, and let’s talk about your homebuying game plan—from pre-approval to the front door.