Take part in the House Sweepstakes

Achieving the dream of home ownership is the goal of millions of Brazilians, but the path is not always simple. Intelligent planning, analyzing the best real estate financing options, comparing rates and understanding all the costs involved are fundamental steps for those who want to save money and make safe decisions.

Whether you're looking for a new or used property, an apartment or a house, simulating, comparing and evaluating before closing the deal makes all the difference to your pocket and your family's peace of mind. Have you ever imagined winning your property through a free and legal draw? There are alternatives to this - including an active house raffle from the Link do Bem program, which you can check out here. at this link. But is it worth betting on sweepstakes? And how do they compare with other traditional forms of acquisition? Read on and get all your questions answered!

Types of property available on the market

Before starting your planning, it is essential to understand the differences and characteristics of each type of property. The profile of the property has a direct impact on real estate financing, costs, documentation and even the ease of resale in the future.

New properties

• Description: Newly built properties, usually sold by builders or developers, with structural guarantees and modern finishes.
• Main features: Less need for renovation, possibility of customization, higher initial value.
• Advantages: Factory guarantee, easy financing, simplified documentation and option to buy on the ground.
• Limitations: Higher price, waiting time (in the case of new-build properties), risk of late delivery.
• Who it's for: Those looking for low-maintenance housing who value technology and comfort.

Used properties

• Description: Units that are already inhabited, usually at a more affordable price and in an established location.
• Main features: Various size and location options, possibility of negotiating directly with the owner.
• Advantages: Lower price, privileged location, flexible negotiation, shorter time to move.
• Limitations: Possible refurbishment costs, more complex documentation, limited warranty.
• Who it's for: Those looking for economy, proximity to urban centers or traditional neighborhoods.

Apartments

• Description: Residential units in buildings, with access to common areas and a condominium structure.
• Main features: Security, shared leisure, variety of sizes, garage options.
• Advantages: Reinforced security, added services, real estate financing facilities.
• Limitations: Condominium fees, internal rules, less privacy.
• Who it's for: Small families, singles, couples and those who value practicality and safety.

Houses

• Description: Single-storey or two-storey residential properties with larger private areas and backyards.
• Main features: Privacy, space, possibility of extension, balcony and garden.
• Advantages: More space, freedom of use, lower condominium costs.
• Limitations: Less security, maintenance at the owner's expense, financing may require a more detailed assessment.
• Who it's for: Large families, those with pets, those looking for peace and freedom.

You can browse options and compare property profiles directly on portals such as Viva Real or ZAP Real Estate before making your decision.

Comparing real estate financing

Choosing the right mortgage can save you thousands of reais on the final value of your property. Banks and methods vary in terms of interest rates, minimum down payment, maximum term and requirements - so simulating and comparing is essential. Here's a practical comparison of the main banks and methods available on the market:

Bank / Mode	Interest Rate	Minimum input	Maximum deadline	Strengths
Caixa Econômica / SFH	From 9.00% p.a. (+TR)	20%	35 years old	FGTS, subsidies, wide network
Santander / TR	From 9.49% p.a. (+TR)	20%	35 years old	Down payment in installments, competitive rates
Bradesco / IPCA	From 4.99% p.a. (+IPCA)	20%	30 years	Fixed initial fee, flexibility
Banco do Brasil / SBPE	From 8.99% p.a. (+TR)	20%	35 years old	Conditions for civil servants, use of FGTS
Itaú / TR	From 9.30% p.a. (+TR)	20%	35 years old	Online simulation, agility

These are up-to-date interest rates, but you should always simulate with each bank, as conditions vary according to profile, property value and location. You can carry out a free mortgage simulation directly on the banks' websites and compare the best conditions for your own property. Don't close a deal without comparing the CET (Total Effective Cost), which includes fees, insurance and charges, as well as the nominal rate.

How real estate financing works

Real estate financing is a line of credit created to facilitate the purchase of real estate, making it possible to pay the total amount in installments to the bank, while the buyer is already enjoying the property. The main types are the Housing Finance System (SFH) and the Real Estate Finance System (SFI), for residential and commercial properties.

When opting for financing, the bank assesses the value of the property, the seller's and buyer's documentation, the ability to pay (commitment of up to 30% of monthly income) and the regularity of the documentation. The term is up to 35 years under the best conditions, with a minimum down payment of 20%. The amount financed depends on the credit profile, location and type of property.

Amortization can be done using the SAC table (Constant Amortization System), with decreasing installments, or PRICE (fixed installments at the beginning, but higher total value). Simulate now and see how much you can finance with each model, assessing which best fits your budget.

SAC (Constant Amortization System)

• Description: A system where the installments start out higher and go down over time, as interest is charged on the outstanding balance.
• Advantages: Faster debt repayment, lower total interest.
• Limitations: It requires an initial financial boost for the first installments.

PRICE

• Description: Fixed installments at the beginning, making planning easier, but the total amount paid at the end is higher due to the way interest is calculated.
• Advantages: Easy control of the monthly budget, ideal for those looking for predictability.
• Limitations: Total amount paid higher than the SAC.

Want to understand all the details? Check out each bank's simulator and compare housing loan options to plan your property purchase.

Interest rates, down payments and installments: what to consider before buying

The final value of a home depends heavily on the interest rate, the amount of the down payment and the term chosen. In addition, the CET is the best indicator for comparison, as it includes all the expenses involved in the operation.

• Interest rate: It varies according to the bank, client profile, value and location of the property. Public banks tend to offer lower rates when using the FGTS.
• Entry: In general, you need to have at least 20% of the value of the property. The use of the FGTS can help make up this down payment.
• Installments: Don't commit more than 30% of your income. Analyze the installments before making the commitment and do simulations with different terms. Lower installments may seem advantageous, but they will increase the total amount paid.

You can also simulate real estate financing, taking into account the value of the property, the term and the type of financing you want, at banks with the best conditions for real estate, such as Box It is Itaú.

Here's a practical example:

• Property: R$ 300,000
• Entry: 20% (R$ 60.000)
• Amount financed: R$ 240,000
• Deadline: 30 years (360 months)
• Simulated interest rate: 9.0% p.a. (+TR)
• Initial installment (SAC): Approximately R$ 2,400, decreasing over time.
• Initial installment (PRICE): Approximately R$ 2,100, fixed for several years.
• Final amount paid (SAC): It can reach R$ 650,000 or more, taking into account taxes, insurance and charges.

These amounts vary according to the bank and the buyer's profile. So compare banks before you close the deal and understand all the costs before you buy your property.

Documentation required to buy a property

Documentation is a critical stage in guaranteeing the legal security of your purchase, whether by lottery, real estate financing or real estate consortium. When buying a property, make sure all the paperwork is in order and pay attention to the details:

• From the buyer: ID, CPF, proof of marital status, proof of residence, up-to-date proof of income, FGTS statement (if used), tax return.
• From the seller: ID, CPF (Individual Taxpayer Register), negative debt certificates, proof of ownership, up-to-date property registration.
• The property: Registration certificate, real estate encumbrance certificate, IPTU up to date, approved floor plan, habitation, appraisal report from the financing bank.

Properties with irregular documentation can be refused by the bank or lead to future headaches. Prefer to buy with a real estate agent or directly with a recognized construction company, or seek legal support. Before signing any contract, read everything carefully and, if possible, enlist the help of a lawyer specializing in real estate law.

Additional costs you need to consider

Many people focus only on the down payment and the installments, but there are other mandatory costs when buying a property:

• ITBI: Property Transfer Tax, levied by the city council (2% to 3% of the property's sale value).
• Deed: Document drawn up at a notary's office with variable costs depending on the value of the property and the state.
• Registration: Registration of the property in your name at the Real Estate Registry Office.
• Appraisal report and bank fees: Paid to the bank for inspection and document analysis.
• Compulsory insurance: Death and permanent disability insurance and physical damage to property insurance (DFI).

These amounts can add up to between 4% and 6% of the purchase price. Plan for these expenses and avoid surprises in the contract. Use the total cost simulators available on portals such as Fifth Floor to have a clear vision before closing the deal.

Advantages and limitations of real estate financing

Advantages

• It makes it easier to buy your own home even if you don't have all the capital available.
• Long terms and the possibility of using the FGTS.
• Repayment options to suit your profile.
• Greater legal certainty when acquiring regularized real estate.

Limitations

• High interest rates greatly increase the final amount paid.
• Entry requirement of at least 20%.
• Bureaucracy and rigorous document analysis.
• Compromise of income over a long period, reducing financial room for maneuver.

Want to avoid interest, down payments and high costs? In addition to classic financing, consider the real estate consortium, an alternative with no interest, only an administration fee, but which depends on a draw or bid to be considered. See details at Caixa Consortium.

How to find and take part in house draws: opportunities and precautions

Participating in real estate raffles can be an alternative for those who don't have a down payment or want to avoid high mortgage rates. However, it is essential to choose serious, transparent and legal programs. O Link to Good is one of these initiatives, offering free home ownership draws, with easy registration and online monitoring. You can access the active draw and register for free.

• Description: A legalized raffle, free of charge, with clear rules and public monitoring.
• Main features: No down payment required, online participation, new property, regularized documentation.
• Advantages: The possibility of owning your own home without financing, without paying interest, with transparency.
• Limitations: Depends on luck, limited number of properties, time limit for draws.
• Who it's for: Those who don't have the resources for a down payment or financing, or who are looking for alternatives to owning their own home.
• Official participation link: Home raffle Link do Bem

Compare this to a real estate consortium, which also depends on a draw but requires monthly payments:

Real Estate Consortium

• Description: Collective purchase modality, where groups of people contribute monthly to acquire real estate through a raffle or bids.
• Main features: With no interest, just an administrative fee, the letter of credit can be used for new or used properties.
• Advantages: Interest-free planning, use of FGTS, flexibility to buy after contemplation.
• Limitations: It's not immediate, it depends on the draw or bid, the administration fee can be high with some administrators.
• Who it's for: Those who can afford to wait will want to plan and control their expenses.
• Official link: Caixa Consortium

Whatever the method, pay attention to the rules of the draw, make sure the company is trustworthy, check its CNPJ with consumer protection agencies and never pay upfront fees for free draws. A low-risk alternative with the potential for transformative returns.

Final recommendations for safe decision-making

Looking for your own home takes more than desire: it requires secure planning when buying your own home. Follow these tips to avoid problems and ensure peace of mind:

• Simulate now and see how much you can finance with the financial institutions of your choice.
• Compare banks before making a deal, taking into account CET, term, down payment and up-to-date interest rates.
• Don't commit more than 30% of your income to the installments, even if the bank approves it.
• Analyze the installments before making the commitment and read the contract carefully.
• Check that the property is up to date with the Real Estate Registry Office and the town hall.
• Check if the bank is authorized by the Central Bank (official list).
• Plan for all the extra costs such as ITBI, deeds and registration.
• Use the FGTS to reduce the down payment or amortize the outstanding balance - this reduces the total amount financed.
• If in doubt, seek advice from reference portals such as Real Estate Examination or Secovi.

The key is to compare, plan and choose the best alternative for your profile. Whether it's through a mortgage, consortium, direct purchase or a prize draw like the Link to GoodThe important thing is to analyze calmly, plan for the future and look for the best cost-benefit ratio for your home.

Now that you know the main options, advantages and precautions, you're ready to take the next step. Make simulations, compare options, evaluate every detail and get the property of your dreams safely!