10 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid & 6 Smart Moves to Make

Buying a house for the first time is a major life moment, both emotionally and financially. For many people, it’s the biggest investment they will ever make. With the median price of a house hitting $436,800 in 2023 (ka-ching), it’s not a purchase to be made lightly.

If you’re buying your first home, you may expect it to be the same as those quick, fun-and-done experiences portrayed on reality TV shows. In truth, however, it’s a process with a steep learning curve and many moving parts, from figuring out your home-shopping budget to satisfying your final mortgage contingencies. There can be minor hiccups and major missteps along the way.

There are so many things to know as a first-time homebuyer, it’s better to educate yourself in advance rather than learn as you go. To that end, this guide will cover the 10 most common first-time homebuyer mistakes to avoid, including:

•   Not knowing how much house you can afford

•   Failing to include other factors, like insurance and repairs, in your budget

•   Waiving an inspection because you’ve found your dream house

10 Home-Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Home-buying mistakes are easy to make, especially when buying a house for the first time. Review these 10 common first-time homebuyer mistakes before searching for your dream home — so you can ensure you’ll avoid them.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.


1. Forgetting to Check Your Credit

When’s the last time you checked your credit? It’s absolutely crucial to know your credit score when buying a house.

Why? You may not qualify for a mortgage if your credit score is too low. For most types of mortgage loans, you’ll need a 620, though lenders also consider other factors, like your down payment and your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. You’ll get better rates if you wait to apply for a mortgage until your score is 740 or above.

The lesson? Don’t let a low credit score rule out buying your first home, but if it’s on the lower side, maybe consider taking some time to build your credit score before shopping for a house.

Recommended: Tips for Buying a House With Bad Credit

2. Not Being Realistic About What You Can Afford

Before you start looking at listings online or working with a real estate agent — and certainly before you try to get preapproved for a mortgage — calculate how much house you can afford.

Once you know the number, avoid looking at houses above your limit.

So how do you calculate how much house you can afford? There are a few easy methods:

•   DTI: Think about your debt-to-income ratio (your debts divided by your gross income). When adding a monthly mortgage payment into your current DTI calculation, the percentage shouldn’t pass 43%. That’s typically the highest ratio mortgage lenders will accept.

•   28/36 rule: With this method, your max mortgage payment should be 28% of your gross income, and your total debts — mortgage and otherwise — should be no more than 36% of your gross income.

•   35/45 rule: Spend no more than 35% of your gross income on debt and no more than 45% of your after-tax income on debt.

•   25% after-tax rule: After adjusting for taxes, your mortgage should not account for more than 25% of your income.


💡 Quick Tip: You deserve a more zen mortgage. SoFi Mortgage Loan Officers are dedicated to closing your loan on time — backed by a $5,000 guarantee offer.‡

3. Putting Too Much or Too Little Down

In their eagerness to become homeowners, many first-time buyers make the mistake of going overboard and directing every bit of money they have to the purchase.

If you have to drain your emergency savings to manage the down payment on a home, you might want to dial down the amount or wait and save up a bit more. Consider what could happen if the home needs a costly repair or, worse, if you or someone in your family suddenly has an expensive medical bill. That’s a good example of when to use an emergency fund.

Conventional wisdom says to put 20% down (and it does help you to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). But with housing costs so high, that’s all but impossible for most homebuyers. Instead, focus on the minimum down payments required for the type of loan you’re considering:

•   Conventional loan: As low as 3%

•   FHA loan: As low as 3.5%

•   VA loan: As low as 0%

Remember, though, that if you put down very little, you’ll need to borrow more. Your monthly payments will be higher, and you could pay more interest over the life of the loan.

4. Forgetting About Homeowners Insurance and Property Taxes

Your monthly mortgage loan payment is more than just the cost of your home. You’ll also need to cover the cost of homeowners insurance and property taxes, which are often paid into an escrow account. Depending on the type of mortgage and how much you’ve paid, you may also have to pay for PMI. Together, these all increase your monthly payment — sometimes substantially. When you look at a home, the real estate agent should be able to show you property tax history so you can get an idea of what you’d pay each year. You can also work with an insurance agent to simulate insurance quotes for various homes you’re considering.

Property taxes will change from year to year, and you can always change your homeowners insurance to lower the cost, even if you pay for it through the escrow account. It may be a good idea to bundle home and auto policies together to take advantage of a discount.

Recommended: How Much Homeowners Insurance Do You Need?

5. Failing to Budget for Home Repairs and Maintenance

Forgetting to budget for homeowners insurance and property taxes is one of the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes — but those expenses aren’t the only ones people forget to budget for when buying a house for the first time.

If you’ve been accustomed to calling a landlord whenever something breaks in a rental, reset your expectations. Now, you’ll have to take care of basic home maintenance — like replacing air filters, cleaning the gutter, resealing wood decks, and cleaning the chimney — and repairs. When the air conditioner is blowing hot air, the oven stops working, or your roof starts leaking, you’re on the hook for the repairs.

Some issues may be covered by homeowners insurance (but there’s still a deductible!), but other issues caused by general wear and tear are solely your responsibility. And then there are other possible costs, like higher utility bills and homeowners association fees, that can eat into your budget.

6. Not Hiring a Qualified Home Inspector

It may be tempting to waive the home inspection when you’re trying to buy the home of your dreams — especially if you have some stiff competition to be the winning bidder for an in-demand property.

Sorry to say, this is a risky strategy. A home inspection might reveal critical information about the condition of a home and its systems, from electrical problems to hidden mold; from a failing septic system to a leaky roof. What you learn in an inspection could reveal that your dream home is actually a money pit.

What’s more, your inspection report might serve as a useful negotiating tool: You could use it to ask for repairs or to work out a better price from the seller. And if you really aren’t happy with the inspection results, you may be able to use it to cancel the offer to buy.

And in the grand scheme of things, an inspection isn’t too expensive. The average home inspection costs $300 to $500.

Recommended: The Ultimate Home Inspection Checklist

7. Overlooking the Neighborhood and Surrounding Area

You may have fallen in love with a specific home, but when you buy a house, you’re also buying the neighborhood that comes with it, so to speak.

How are the surrounding properties maintained? Do the people seem friendly? If you have kids or are planning on having them, do you see other families with young children? How are the schools in the area? What’s the traffic like? How’s the noise level? What restaurants and stores are nearby?

Think about your ideal community — and then try to find a dream home in that type of community.

8. Letting Your Emotions Get the Best of You

Buying your first home or any home thereafter can be a roller coaster, so it’s important to prepare yourself psychologically as well as financially. If you’ve ever talked to someone buying a house, you know there are potential pitfalls all through the purchasing process.

You might fall in love with the perfect house and find it’s way over your budget. You might get annoyed with the sellers or their real estate agent, especially during the negotiation process. You might disagree with your partner about priorities.

All of these scenarios can cause a person to behave emotionally. It might make you want to walk away from a great deal. It might lead you to barrel ahead with a purchase, even when warning lights are flashing.

Our advice to a first-time homebuyer? Recognizing that this will be a challenging and, at times, stressful process (especially because you are new to it), take a deep breath, and proceed calmly. Find tools that help you move ahead with patience and a sense of calm, best as you can. With your eye on the prize — namely, your first home — you’ll get there.

Recommended: Improving Your Relationship With Money

9. Not Considering Future Resale Value

Houses are more than a place to live — they’re an investment. While you certainly want to prioritize buying a home you’ll be happy in, it’s also a good idea to think about how much the property might be worth in five, 10, 15 years and beyond.

It’s impossible to predict the market, but you can feel more confident about strong future resale value by choosing a house with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a well-appointed kitchen, and a yard. Other features, like a finished basement or a garage, may also make it easier to sell the home in the future.

10. Not Having an Emergency Fund

One of the basic tenets of personal finance is building an emergency fund. And here’s some blunt advice for first-time homebuyers: You’re going to need an emergency fund.

House emergencies can happen at any time: A tree falls on your roof, a toilet starts to leak, your dog destroys the carpet, you name it. Having money socked away to cover these expenses is crucial when buying a home.

6 Smart Moves for First-Time Homebuyers

We’ve covered some of the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes, so let’s shift gear to smart moves you can make when buying your first home.

1. Get Paperwork Moving ASAP

What do first-time homebuyers need when getting a mortgage? Here are some of the most common docs to start putting together:

•   Proof of income: Lenders will often want to see two months’ worth of pay stubs or bank statements that confirm your income. They’ll also want your tax returns from the previous two years.

•   Proof of funds: To take you seriously, lenders want to know you have enough money to cover a down payment and closing costs.

•   Proof of identification: This could include a government ID, a passport, or your driver’s license.

Early in the process, you can furnish this basic information to get prequalified at various lenders. They’ll also run a credit check during the prequalification process.

Being prequalified simply allows lenders to give you an idea of what types of mortgages (fixed rate vs. variable rate, 15-year vs. 30-year, etc.) you might get approved for. It’s not a promise of approval, but it does help set expectations as you start to browse listings.


💡 Quick Tip: Your parents or grandparents probably got mortgages for 30 years. But these days, you can get them for 20, 15, or 10 years — and pay less interest over the life of the loan.

2. Check Out First-Time Homebuyer Programs

It’s wise to shop around for a few different mortgage quotes, but it would be a rookie mistake to overlook some great, government-sponsored programs that make buying a house more affordable. These include:

•   FHA loans: These mortgages are designed for those with low to moderate incomes. They typically offer low down-payment requirements, low interest rates, and the ability to get approval even if you have a fair credit score.

•   USDA loans: These provide affordable mortgages to those with a lower income who are planning on buying a home in a qualifying rural area.

•   VA loans: These mortgages help those on active military duty, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. If you can check one of those boxes, you may be eligible for a home loan with no down payment requirement and no PMI.

3. Consider Additional Costs Beyond the Mortgage

As we’ve discussed above, the actual monthly house payment is not your only cost. Your full mortgage payment includes property taxes, homeowners insurance, and, potentially, PMI.

But before you even get to the point of making monthly payments, consider these upfront costs of buying a house:

•   Closing costs, which are traditionally paid for by the buyer.

•   Home inspections, which we highly recommend.

•   Moving costs, whether just renting a truck or hiring movers.

4. Get Preapproved

Mortgage prequalification isn’t a commitment for the lender or buyer — it’s just a first step. If you appear to meet a lender’s standards, you could move on to the preapproval stage.

Getting preapproved for a home loan involves submitting additional income and asset documentation for a more in-depth review of your finances.

Once the lender approves these aspects of your loan application, you’ll receive a conditional commitment for a designated loan amount — called a preapproval letter — and have a better idea of what your loan terms will be.

Mortgage preapproval can help demonstrate to sellers that you’ve completed the first step in getting a mortgage because your credit, income, and assets have already been reviewed by an underwriter. This can smooth the bidding process and could give you an edge over others in a competitive situation with multiple offers.

Recommended: How Long Is a Mortgage Preapproval Good For?

5. Choose the Right Type of Mortgage

You may qualify for various types of mortgage loans. Spend some time researching the different types so you have a better understanding of how they’ll impact your payments for the next several decades.

For instance, you’ll want to know the difference between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). You’ll also want to understand how a 15-year term affects your monthly payments when compared to a 30-year term — but also how a longer term increases the amount you’ll pay in interest.

Other mortgage types to understand include:

•   Conventional loans vs. government-issued loans

•   Conforming vs. nonconforming loans

•   Reverse mortgages, jumbo mortgages, and interest-only mortgages

6. Shop Around for the Best Mortgage Rates

Finally, remember that you don’t have to go with the first mortgage offer you get. It’s worth your while to get multiple offers so you can compare interest rates, down payment requirements, terms, and more.

The Takeaway

Buying a house for the first time can be a stressful experience, but remember: At the end of it all, you’ll have a place you can call yours. You’ll build equity over time, and the house may increase in value. Just make sure you research the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes so you know how to avoid them.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.


SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

What are some common mistakes first-time homebuyers make?

Some common home-buying mistakes for first-time homebuyers include forgetting to check (and improve) their credit, not calculating how much home they can actually afford, and forgetting to consider additional expenses, like inspections, homeowners insurance, property taxes, closing costs, and increased utilities. First-timers may also forget to consider the neighborhood as a whole or the future resale of the home.

What are the two largest obstacles for first-time homebuyers?

Two large obstacles for first-time homebuyers include rising housing prices and credit score requirements. Those who don’t already have equity in a current home may have more trouble coming up with a down payment on a new home. First-time homebuyers may also lack the credit score needed to get the best possible rate on a new mortgage.

What are three common mortgage mistakes?

Three common mortgage mistakes are 1) buying up to the limit you’re approved for rather than calculating how much you’re comfortable paying; 2) skipping the home inspection to expedite the process or make your offer more appealing to buyers; and 3) not considering related expenses you’ll have to budget for, including homeowners insurance, property taxes, and repairs and maintenance.

What are the most common mistakes that homebuyers make?

Homebuyers make a number of common mistakes, such as making an unnecessarily large down payment, forgetting to budget for related costs, buying more house than they can afford, and not shopping around for the best mortgage loans.


Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic


*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

SoFi On-Time Close Guarantee: If all conditions of the Guarantee are met, and your loan does not close on or before the closing date on your purchase contract accepted by SoFi, and the delay is due to SoFi, SoFi will give you a credit toward closing costs or additional expenses caused by the delay in closing of up to $10,000.^ The following terms and conditions apply. This Guarantee is available only for loan applications submitted after 04/01/2024. Please discuss terms of this Guarantee with your loan officer. The mortgage must be a purchase transaction that is approved and funded by SoFi. This Guarantee does not apply to loans to purchase bank-owned properties or short-sale transactions. To qualify for the Guarantee, you must: (1) Sign up for access to SoFi’s online portal and upload all requested documents, (2) Submit documents requested by SoFi within 5 business days of the initial request and all additional doc requests within 2 business days (3) Submit an executed purchase contract on an eligible property with the closing date at least 25 calendar days from the receipt of executed Intent to Proceed and receipt of credit card deposit for an appraisal (30 days for VA loans; 40 days for Jumbo loans), (4) Lock your loan rate and satisfy all loan requirements and conditions at least 5 business days prior to your closing date as confirmed with your loan officer, and (5) Pay for and schedule an appraisal within 48 hours of the appraiser first contacting you by phone or email. This Guarantee will not be paid if any delays to closing are attributable to: a) the borrower(s), a third party, the seller or any other factors outside of SoFi control; b) if the information provided by the borrower(s) on the loan application could not be verified or was inaccurate or insufficient; c) attempting to fulfill federal/state regulatory requirements and/or agency guidelines; d) or the closing date is missed due to acts of God outside the control of SoFi. SoFi may change or terminate this offer at any time without notice to you. *To redeem the Guarantee if conditions met, see documentation provided by loan officer.
Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.


Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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keys with house keychain

Getting a Mortgage in Retirement

With an abundance of Americans reaching retirement age—10,000 people will turn 65 every day for the next two decades—some of those will be looking for a new place to call home and a way to finance it.

You might think of the young and middle-aged as typical homebuyers and older people as more likely to have paid off, or nearly paid off, their homes and wanting to stay put. But with opportunity in the air and a desire to downsize—and sometimes upsize—more retirees could well be in the market for a new home.

Lenders and Age: No Legal Gray Area

Mortgage lenders look for a variety of things when qualifying a home loan applicant. What they can’t do is take age into consideration when making a lending decision.

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act bans creditors from using age to influence a loan application decision.

Retirees applying for a home loan, like people still working, generally just need to have good credit, minimal debt, and enough ongoing income to repay the mortgage.

Here are some of the main factors you need to buy a house that lenders look for:

•   Proof of income
•   Low debt-to-income ratio
•   Decent credit profile
•   Down payment
•   If it’s a primary or secondary home

Let’s take a look at each.

Proof of Income

While many retirees live on a fixed income, putting multiple sources of income together can help establish income that is “stable, predictable, and likely to continue,” as Fannie Mae instructs lenders to look for.

Social Security. The average monthly Social Security payout was $1,827 in 2023, enough to contribute to a mortgage payment. But if Social Security is an applicant’s only source of income, they may have trouble qualifying for a certain loan amount.

Investment income. Sixty-nine percent of older adults receive income from financial assets, according to the Pension Rights Center. But half of those receive less than $1,754 a year, the center says.

But for those who do receive investment income, it’s important to know that a lender generally looks at dividends and interest, based on the principal in the investment. If an applicant plans to use some of the principal for a down payment or closing costs, the lender will make calculations based on the future amount.

Lenders may view distributions from 401(k)s, IRAs, or Keogh retirement accounts as having an expiration date, as they involve depletion of an asset.

Home loan applicants who receive income from such sources must document that it is expected to continue for at least three years beyond their mortgage application.

And lenders may only use 70% of the value of those accounts to determine how many distributions remain.

Annuity income can be used to qualify, as well, as long as the annuity will continue for several years (three years is likely the minimum).

Part-time work. Retirees who earn money driving for a ride-share service, teaching, manning the pro shop, and so forth add income to the pot that a lender will parse.

Clearly, the more income a retiree can note on a mortgage application, the better the odds of a green light.


💡 Quick Tip: You deserve a more zen mortgage. Look for a mortgage lender who’s dedicated to closing your loan on time.

Debt

If your income level falls into a gray area, mortgage lenders are even more likely to focus on your debt-to-income ratio.

Debt-to-income is a straightforward proposition. It’s calculated as a percentage and it’s vetted by lenders and creditors as a percentage. Simply divide your regular monthly expenses by your total monthly gross income to get your debt-to-income ratio.

Let’s say you have $5,000 in regular monthly gross income and your regular monthly debt amount is $1,000. In that scenario, your debt-to-income ratio is 20% (i.e., $1,000 is 20% of $5,000.)

By and large, the higher your DTI ratio, the higher the risk of being turned down for a mortgage loan.

If you have a spouse who also has regular income and low debt, adding that person to the mortgage application could help gain loan approval. Then again, married couples applying for a loan may want to consider how a spouse’s death would affect their ability to keep paying the mortgage.

Lenders, though, cannot address that matter in the loan application.

Recommended: 11 Work-From-Home Jobs Great for Retirees

Credit Profile

Mortgage lenders also give great weight to consumer credit scores when evaluating a home loan application. That’s understandable, as a high FICO® credit score—740 or above is considered generally quite mortgage-worthy—shows lenders that you pay your bills on time and that you’re not a big credit risk.

It might be smart to take some time before you apply for a mortgage to review your credit report, making sure all household bills are up-to-date and no errors exist that might trip you up. And it’s a good idea to limit credit inquiries on big-ticket items.

You can get a free copy of your credit scores at annualcreditreport.com and at any of the “big three” credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion.

The Property

Mortgage lenders will also take a close look at the home you wish to purchase.

In general, it’s easier to obtain a mortgage for a primary residence, as it represents the home you’ll live in long term and there’s only one mortgage to pay.

A second home, either as a vacation or investment property, is a riskier proposition, as it represents another mortgage to pay and may bring more debt to the lender’s mortgage approval score sheet.

💡 Quick Tip: Because a cash-out refi is a refinance, you’ll be dealing with one loan payment per month. Other ways of leveraging home equity (such as a home equity loan) require a second mortgage.

Down Payment

Using the asset depletion method, a lender will subtract your expected down payment from the total value of your financial assets, take 70% of the remainder (if it’s a retirement account), and divide that by 360 months.

Then the lender will add income from Social Security, any annuity or pension, and part-time work in making a decision.

For borrowers, putting at least 20% down sweetens the chances of being approved for a mortgage at a decent interest rate.

Recommended: Home Affordability Calculator

The Takeaway

As a retiree, if your income, debt-to-income ratio, and credit score are solid, you’re as likely as any other borrower to gain approval for a new home loan. Lenders cannot legally take age into consideration when making their decisions.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.


SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.



SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.



*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

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How to Stage a House: 8 Steps

Selling your home? If so, you likely want to do everything in your power to make it look great and trigger solid offers ASAP. Staging your home can be one key contributing factor to achieving that.

When you stage your home, you optimize its look and design. This allows potential buyers to visualize the house as their own. It makes it look like a place they aspire to put down roots. (Yes, decluttering and removing some of your personal mementos may be involved.)

According to a National Association of Realtors® survey, 89% percent of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.

Want to learn more? Here’s a step-by-step guide to how you can stage your home.

8 Steps to Stage a House for Sellers

Follow these tips for staging your home and impressing prospective buyers.

1. Take Stock of Needed Fixes

If a house requires considerable repairs, a seller may face a lengthy negotiation process with buyers that results in concessions and contingencies. Any issues flagged by an inspection will also need to be addressed with prospective buyers.

Deciding whether to make these fixes beforehand will affect how a home is staged and perceived by buyers. Even relatively small issues like cracks in a ceiling and a dripping faucet can raise concerns and influence a buyer’s impression. That’s something to be wary of, especially in a hot housing market when many buyers want to snag a home quickly.

Taking care of these common home repairs before house staging can show buyers that you’ve maintained the property and keep their focus on its strengths.

💡 Quick Tip: Don’t overpay for your mortgage. Get your dream home or investment property and a great rate with SoFi Mortgage Loans.

2. Enhance Curb Appeal

Before buyers walk through the door, they’ll have already formed an impression from the home’s curb appeal, the attractiveness of a property from the sidewalk or street.

Buyers may even do a drive-by before setting up a showing to narrow down their search. Thus, sprucing up a home’s exterior, lawn, and landscaping is essential to any plan for how to stage a house. Even in winter, curb appeal matters.

Any eyesores, such as chipped paint, cracked windows, or clogged gutters could discourage buyers from taking a closer look. Power-washing any siding and applying a fresh coat of paint where needed are some possible quick improvements.

Thinning out lawn decor, replacing burned-out lights, and tidying up gardens and landscaping are also low-cost ways to increase curb appeal.

For many prospective buyers, their first look into your home will be digital. High-quality photos can be helpful in attracting buyers.

Staying on top of things like lawn care while the home is listed could make a difference in getting more showings and securing a higher offer. In fact, 98% of NAR members say they believe curb appeal is important to potential buyers.

3. Remove Clutter

While working on house staging, you may also be encumbered with the home-buying process or figuring out what to do with all your stuff after it’s sold. In either case, staging is an opportunity to jumpstart the moving process and declutter the house.

Removing clutter is a popular staging tactic to make the interior of a home appear more spacious. A home’s square footage can’t be fabricated, but curating a more open layout can give the impression of a larger space.

Begin by packing away items that you don’t use daily, like seasonal clothes, knickknacks, sports equipment, and other odds and ends. This is also a chance to identify anything you want to sell, donate, or dispose of.

Storage space of a home can also be a major selling point. Instead of loading up the basement, garage, and closets, sellers may want to consider asking family members or friends to store their belongings, hosting a garage sale, or renting a storage unit.

Recommended: How to Refresh Your Home Room by Room

4. Depersonalize the Space

Cutting back on personal items is an important step in staging a house. While decluttering the home, stowing away family photos and clothing is a good place to start. Removing subtler items like personal toiletries can further neutralize the space.

That lavender paint in one room and turtle-themed wallpaper in another? It might be best to create a more basic canvas.

The point is to show that the home is move-in ready and an open book for buyers to add their personal touches. With just the integral furniture and furnishings remaining, it’s easier for buyers to imagine themselves moving in and living there.

5. Do a Deep Cleaning

Once the decor and furnishings have been minimized, it’s time to get the house squeaky clean. While this is one of the more cost-effective ways to stage a house, it can take significant time and energy.

To streamline the process, consider starting with the highest surfaces and working your way down. Overhead fixtures like lighting and ceiling fans are often overlooked in regular cleaning routines, and thus accumulate lots of dust and grime. It’s likely that cleaning these hard-to-reach places will bring debris down on countertops and floors.

Bathrooms and kitchens are key rooms to focus on. Water stains and mildew in sinks, tubs, and showers are obviously a no-no. Making sure appliances sparkle and that countertops are spotless can give the kitchen a fresh new look.

💡 Quick Tip: To see a house in person, particularly in a tight or expensive market, you may need to show proof of prequalification to the real estate agent. With SoFi’s online application, it can take just minutes to get prequalified.

6. Define Every Space

While the kitchen, bathroom, master bedroom, and garage are straightforward in their purpose, some spaces in a home may not have an obvious use to prospective buyers.

Thinking about how to stage spare rooms and unconventional spaces is important. For example, staging such a space as a home office or workout room could appeal to a larger segment of buyers.

7. Stage Where It Matters Most

Not every room holds equal weight from the homebuyer’s perspective. Prioritize the living room, primary bedroom, kitchen, dining room, and yard; real estate agents say these are of most interest to buyers.

The kids’ rooms and basement? Spend less time and energy there.

Recommended: Home Appraisals: What You Need to Know

8. Don’t Forget Outdoor Space

While the front of a house determines curb appeal, the yard, porch, or patio space can sell buyers on the lifestyle they could enjoy there.

The backyard is a popular place for entertaining and socializing, especially for families with kids. Tidying up the yard and addressing any safety issues like a wobbly porch railing or broken fence could be easy fixes.

Setting up a focal point, such as an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or grill, can make the space more inviting. Even if it’s a limited yard or patio space, brightening it up with flowers and comfy outdoor furniture can change the perception from confined to cozy.

Recommended: Guide to Buying, Selling, and Updating Your Home

The Takeaway

How to stage a house? It can take time and energy, but emphasizing a home’s strengths and creating an inviting atmosphere can be done with some thorough cleaning, decluttering, and rearranging.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.


SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.



*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.


Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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A Guide to Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance

When homebuyers take out a conventional mortgage but don’t have a 20% down payment, they will likely need to get private mortgage insurance. PMI is usually required when the down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value.

In some situations, a lender may arrange for PMI coverage. It then becomes known as lender-paid mortgage insurance. For some homebuyers, LPMI can work in their favor. But for others, having a lender secure private mortgage insurance can end up costing them.

Read on to learn more about LPMI and the pros and cons for homebuyers.

How Does Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance Work?

Unless 20% or more of a home’s value is paid upon closing, homebuyers can typically expect to be required to purchase private mortgage insurance, or PMI.

While government-back loans tend to have their own insurance programs (for instance, most FHA loans require a mortgage insurance premium for 11 years or the life of the loan), most loans not provided by the government with a loan-to-value ratio higher than 80% require PMI to protect the lender in case of default.

PMI is typically purchased in one of four ways, and it’s a home-buying cost you’ll want to budget for. PMI can be paid:

•   Along with monthly mortgage and insurance payments

•   In one annual premium

•   With one large payment and corresponding monthly payments

•   By the mortgage lender in a LPMI policy

While it may seem that the last option, LPMI, eliminates a task on a homebuyer’s to-do list, there is some fine print to be aware of.

Having LPMI for a loan doesn’t mean the cost is absorbed by the lender. A homebuyer will still pay for the coverage in one of two ways:

•   A one-time payment due at the beginning of a loan.

•   A slightly higher interest rate — usually 0.25% — which increases the monthly mortgage payment. This is the more common arrangement of the two.

So while many homebuyers accept an LPMI arrangement in hopes of saving money, that isn’t automatically the case. Sometimes LPMI is more about convenience than savings.

In fact, unless they’re paying a one-time lump sum, homebuyers could end up spending more for LPMI over the life of their loan than if they had chosen a traditional PMI route. That’s a potential home-buying mistake you’ll want to avoid.

LPMI might be a good choice for a homebuyer planning to keep the mortgage for five to 10 years or stay in the home. It usually takes 11 years to build enough equity to cancel a borrower-paid PMI policy.


💡 Quick Tip: SoFi Home Loans are available with flexible term options and down payments as low as 3%.*

A Pro of LPMI

Before a homeowner writes off lender-paid mortgage insurance altogether, it’s best to look at a potential benefit the arrangement offers over traditional monthly mortgage insurance.

More Affordable Monthly Payment

With LPMI, the monthly payment could be more affordable because the cost is spread out over the entire loan term rather than bunched into the first several years.

Here’s an example. If Sarah buys a home with a 10% down payment and it takes her 10 years to get the loan-to-value ratio down to 78% (a lender automatically drops PMI payments at this percentage if the borrower is in good standing), those 10 years of payments could all include several hundred dollars in addition to her premium and interest payments.

While LPMI may not save Sarah money overall, she may have smaller monthly payments because the additional payments for coverage are stretched out equally over the entire life of her loan rather than the start.

Recommended: How to Get a Mortgage in 2023

… and Potential Cons

In the right situation, LPMI can make sense. But there are potential downsides homebuyers should know about as well.

Rate Never Drops

While having mortgage insurance stretched out over the life of a loan can save some homebuyers money, it can cost others. The higher interest rate — as mentioned, a 0.25% rate increase is common — will never drop, even once the loan balance is less than 80% of a home’s purchase price.

LPMI can end up costing homebuyers more than if they had bought PMI on their own. Much depends on how long the borrower expects to hold the mortgage.

Refi Costs

Some homebuyers navigate toward LPMI because of the initial savings and hope they can refinance in the future.

While this may be a possibility, they must consider the sizable out-of-pocket costs that go along with refinancing, and that refi rates may be higher in the coming years.

No Itemizing

LPMI can’t be itemized if you deduct mortgage interest at tax time.



💡 Quick Tip: To see a house in person, particularly in a tight or expensive market, you may need to show proof of prequalification to the real estate agent. With SoFi’s online application, it can take just minutes to get prequalified.

PMI vs LPMI

There are several numbers to take into consideration when choosing between traditional PMI and LPMI, including:

•   the down payment

•   remaining mortgage

•   interest rate (for LPMI, a 0.25% rate increase is common)

•   average mortgage insurance rate (PMI is typically 0.5% to 1.5% of the loan amount per year)

•   anticipated life of the mortgage loan

•   monthly budget.

A borrower may want to not only consider the monthly payment but also the lifetime loan costs.

The difference between PMI and LPMI is different for every homeowner and situation. Taking the time to crunch the numbers is the only way to fully understand the pros and cons of each option.

LPMI Alternatives

LPMI isn’t always the clear winner when choosing between mortgage insurance options. There are alternatives to consider.

Put More Down

A down payment of at least 20% will eliminate the need for PMI entirely. There are several other benefits that go along with larger down payments as well, such as a better loan rate, making this a great option for those who can afford it.

Shop Around

One main disadvantage of LPMI is that the homeowner has little to no control over the price and provider. So when homeowners are responsible for their own PMI, shopping around for the best price becomes an option.

Piggyback Mortgage

A piggyback mortgage makes it possible to avoid PMI with a combination of loans.

It’s important to understand the pros and cons of a piggyback mortgage before deciding on one as an alternative to LPMI to avoid potential financial pitfalls.

Recommended: Second Mortgage Explained: How It Works, Types, Pros, Cons

The Takeaway

If mortgage insurance is necessary to secure a loan, understanding all the options is the first step any house hunter should take. This includes lender-paid mortgage insurance vs. PMI. While LPMI may serve as an overpriced convenience for some, it can be the financially smarter option for others.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.



*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


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Four Ways to Upgrade Your Home

Upgrading your home doesn’t have to involve a full renovation. There are a number of light lift projects that can give your home a whole new look and feel, and even increase its resale value. Exterior upgrades, like fresh paint, a new front door, and better landscaping or outdoor lighting, can add to your home’s curb appeal. Indoor improvements, such as updated lighting fixtures, paint, or wallpaper, can give the interior of your home a more up-to-date, high-end look. Here are four ways you can upgrade your home without breaking the bank.

Exterior Improvements

A home’s front door is the focal point of the exterior. To upgrade its appearance, you might replace the door, or paint it and add new hardware. Decorating the door with a seasonal wreath or another personalized touch can also add to its charm.

Besides a front door refresh or upgrade, other exterior improvements you might consider include a new mailbox, a new porch light fixture, and perhaps some window boxes with plants and fresh flowers that add a bright contrast to your home’s exterior color.

Front door styles that are currently trending include bold colors (from rose to deep greens and rich blues), natural wood stains, and more glass (such as custom inserts and floor-to-ceiling sidelights).

How you landscape your front yard will depend upon where you live and the climate there. In general, though, modern trends include:

•   Natural landscaping using native plants, creating landscaping that’s eco-friendly and easy to maintain.

•   Pollinator gardens that attract butterflies, bees, and other insects that help pollinate.

•   Edible gardens, including lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, and more. Creativity is key!

Recommended: 15 Ways to Boost Your Curb Appeal for a Winter Open House

Lovely Lighting

Outdoor lighting doesn’t need to be white — filters can add a range of colors. These lights can spotlight key areas of landscaping, highlight where you like to entertain, or look attractive for even more curb appeal while providing illumination.

Size-wise, both tiny and boldly large lights are in vogue and, although lanterns aren’t a new trend, they’re still considered stylish.

After a period of all-white being a hot trend for interior lighting, table lamps and hanging lighting fixtures are appearing more often as dark neutrals in brown, black, or gray. They can be used to update the white, cream, or gray choices in a home.

Paying attention to texture in lighting fixtures can add interest and variety. Materials can range from wood to wicker and rattan, and can be crafted in contemporary shapes to avoid an overly rustic look. Also still trending are geometrically designed lighting fixtures, from simple to more complex shapes.

Recommended: Guide on Remodeling Recessed Lighting

Painting and Wallpapering

Painting rooms in a home can transform their appearance. What colors are trending? Grey and pale pastel tones are becoming less popular as homeowners begin to favor brighter shades, such as vibrant, saturated hues, often combining them with warm neutrals and earthy tones for an inviting balance. However, unless you’re planning to sell some time soon, personal taste is what matters most when picking paint colors.

Wallpaper trends also run the gamut, including those with a texture and colors often inspired by landscapes. In this style of wallpaper, expect to see some blues, greens and neutral shades. Wallpaper made out of natural materials is trending, whether that’s grass or straw, wicker or silk. This can provide a more sustainable choice and can pair well with softer lighting.

Wow Factor on Windows

In-style curtains often have hues found in nature, from green to ochre, and can also feature flowers, landscapes, and more. Geometric prints or two-tone materials may also appeal to some people. Velvet can be used to create a more intimate space.

Consider using double or triple curtain rods to add layers of window coverings. Then you can add a layer that filters light and enhances privacy, while also selecting curtains with the appearance you enjoy.

Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Replace Windows?

Costs of a House Upgrade

The type of house upgrades listed here might be considered low-cost or low-end renovations, and can average between $15,000 to $40,000 for a 2,500 square foot home. If, once momentum gets going, the low-end house upgrade turns into a middle-end one, the average cost could range between $40,000 to $75,000.

If calculating upgrades by the square foot, figure between $10 and $60 per square foot, depending upon what you’re doing (knowing that the room being renovated can cost up to $150 per square foot).

Another cost-related factor is where the home is located. Pricing in urban areas might be twice as high as in rural areas, depending on the area’s costs of living.

Plus, upgrades in older homes may take more time and attention to complete. If the home is officially considered to be historic, there may be guidelines about what changes can be made.

Recommended: Renovation vs. Remodel: What’s the Difference?

Financing a House Upgrade

Sometimes, homeowners are able to pay for these upgrades out of pocket. This can be true when the costs are relatively small or when money has been saved for the costs of the renovation. This can be the smart choice when possible: no debt, no interest to pay.

A downside to paying for home upgrades with cash may be that the homeowner empties a savings account or cuts corners on the renovations to avoid needing to borrow funds. Or, if an emergency occurs and the savings account was used to renovate, then high-interest credit cards might need to be used to address the emergency.

You might consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to finance a house upgrade. This type of loan allows you to borrow against the equity in the home to pay for renovations. How much is available to borrow will depend upon how much equity is available and the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) that a lender permits.

For example, if a lender has an 80% LTV ratio, that means the institution would:

•   Appraise the home (e.g., $250,000).

•   Calculate 80% of that ($200,000).

•   Subtract current mortgage balances (e.g., $125,000).

•   Consider what’s left over ($200,000-$125,000 = $75,000) to be equity in the home.

The lender would also consider the financial profile of the borrower when reviewing the loan application. HELOCs often have a low initial interest rate and, usually, the homeowner can choose to pay interest only during the draw period. However, there may be upfront fees and the rate is often variable with high lifetime caps.

Another option might be a home improvement loan, which is an unsecured personal loan and not attached to the home’s equity. Funding can usually be granted more quickly with fewer, or sometimes no, fees. This may be a good option for people who don’t have enough equity in their homes for their project or who don’t want to use their home as collateral.

The Takeaway

There are a number of ways you can upgrade your home that don’t involve tearing down walls or putting on an $150,000 addition. Lower-cost upgrades may still require spending more cash than you have just sitting in the bank, however. Plus, you may not want to deplete your savings in order to upgrade your home.

If you’re interested in learning more about using a personal loan to finance one or more home improvement projects, SoFi could help. SoFi’s home improvement loans offer competitive, fixed rates and a variety of terms. Checking your rate won’t affect your credit score, and it takes just one minute.

Find out if a SoFi home improvement loan is right for you.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


​​Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

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