SoFi

Considering taking out a $350K mortgage to purchase a home? It’s important to understand the upfront cost associated with a mortgage and to factor the monthly payments associated with it into your budget.

So how much will a $350K mortgage cost per month? This will vary based on factors such as interest rate, the terms of the loan, and more.

Total Cost of a $350K Mortgage

Monthly mortgage payments are a recurring expense homebuyers should include in their budget, but there are also some one-time and long-term costs they should keep in mind when determining how much home they can afford.

Upfront Costs

The largest upfront cost associated with a mortgage is likely the down payment on the property. The median down payment on a home is 18%, but if a buyer wants to avoid fees, including private mortgage insurance, they may have to put at least 20% down.

If a buyer puts 20% down and takes out a $350K mortgage, they’re likely putting down around $87,500.

On top of a down payment, buyers are expected to pay for some or all of the following before closing, including:

•   Abstract and recording fees: $200 to $1,000 and $125, on average, respectively

•   Application fees: up to $500

•   Appraisal fees: $300 to $600

•   Attorney fees: $150 to $$500/hour or with a project fee

•   Home inspection fee: $185 to $511

•   Title search and title insurance fees: $75 to $200 and 0.5%-1.0% of the mortgage, respectively

These may all be non-negotiable costs, but it’s also worth keeping in mind your wants for a new home, including furnishings and the cost for professional movers.


💡 Quick Tip: Buying a home shouldn’t be aggravating. SoFi’s online mortgage application is quick and simple, with dedicated Mortgage Loan Officers to guide you from start to finish.

Long-Term Costs

Payments on a $350K mortgage are due every month, but there are also long-term costs on the horizon for homeowners. It’s important to factor in the costs of maintenance and repair to a property over time.

In general, it’s good to follow the 1% savings rule. That means a homeowner should aim to set aside 1% of the home’s purchase price annually and earmark it for repairs or maintenance.

Saving this upfront can keep homeowners from dipping into emergency funds for repairing the HVAC or fixing a leaky roof.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Estimated Monthly Payments on a $350K Mortgage

The cost of monthly payments on a $350K mortgage will come down to a few factors:

•   Down payment: How much the buyer puts down initially

•   Loan term: Including the length of the loan (15- vs. 30-year) and the structure of the payoff schedule (fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage)

•   APR: The annual percentage rate of the mortgage

Monthly Payment Breakdown by APR and Term

The APR a homebuyer gets when applying for a $350K mortgage will vary based on market rates as well as the borrower’s financial history.

APR and the mortgage term will impact the total mortgage paid each month. As you can see, the monthly payments for a 15-year loan can be much higher than the payments for a 30-year loan. Remember, though, that over its lifetime, the 30-year mortgage is typically more costly because interest costs are higher.

Keep in mind these estimates do not include insurance or property tax estimates, which may be rolled into monthly payments.

Consider using a mortgage calculator to determine monthly mortgage estimates based on APR and loan terms.

Recommended: The Cost of Living by State

How Much Interest Is Accrued on a $350K Mortgage?

Though there are different types of loan, for them all, the total interest a homeowner will accrue on a $350K mortgage depends on the interest rate and loan length. An owner will pay more in interest the higher the rate and the longer the loan length.

On a $350K mortgage at 7.50% interest and a 30-year loan term, you would accrue around $531,010 in interest over the life of the loan. Borrow the same amount at the same rate for a 15-year loan term, and you would accrue $234,018 in interest.


💡 Quick Tip: To see a house in person, particularly in a tight or expensive market, you may need to show the real estate agent proof that you’re preapproved for a mortgage. SoFi’s online application makes the process simple.

$350K Mortgage Amortization Breakdown

Another helpful way to contextualize monthly payments on a $350K mortgage is through an amortization schedule, which breaks down payments by interest and principal.

For example, if a buyer secures a $350K mortgage with a 6.50% APR over a 15-year loan, their monthly payment will be roughly $3,049. With a longer loan term, an owner has lower monthly payments. However, it takes longer for a homeowner to pay down the principal, and over the life of the loan, the borrower with a 30-year term will pay more interest. Here’s an amortization scenario for a $350K mortgage with a 6.50% APR and a 30-year loan term, showing how the payment breaks down between interest and principal each year:

These monthly payments do not take into account additional costs, like taxes and insurance, that may be bundled into the monthly payment.

What Is Required to Get a $350K Mortgage?

The mortgage process can be confusing, but here are a few requirements to expect during the process:

•   Your credit score will impact your APR. Borrowers need a score of at least 500 for some mortgages, but most lenders require a score of 620 or more.

•   Prequalification can be an important tool in the buying process. You will provide some basic information and the lender will do a soft credit inquiry. You’ll emerge with a sense of what rate the lender might offer.

•   Once you know how much money you need to borrow, getting preapproved for a mortgage is an important step. You’ll fill out a mortgage application and provide documents, such as proof of income, tax returns, and bank account statements. If you’re preapproved, you’ll receive a letter granting conditional approval to borrow the amount within a certain window, typically 60 to 90 days. SoFi’s Home Loan Help Center offers more information on this process.

“If you have multiple debts, you want to make your minimum payments so you don’t hurt your credit score,” Kendall Meade, a Certified Financial Planner at SoFi said. “If you have cash left over after that, you should develop a strategy for which debts to pay off first,” she suggested.

How Much House Can You Afford Quiz

The Takeaway

A home is a serious purchase, and creating a budget beforehand is important. Understanding monthly payments on a $350K mortgage could help you determine if you can afford the home in the long run and help you budget for future expenses.

Factors like the loan length and APR will impact the monthly mortgage payment, and it’s worth considering different types of loans to determine which is the best fit for your finances.

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.

FAQ

What’s the monthly payment on a $350,000 mortgage?

The monthly payment on a $350K mortgage could range from $1,879 to $3,550 or more, depending on the loan’s interest rate and term. And that’s not including some fees that may be incorporated in the loan payment, such as insurance payments.

How much down payment do I need for a $350,000 mortgage?

To make a 20% down payment on a property with a $350,000 mortgage, you would need $87,500. Many buyers make lower down payments, however – some as low as 3%.

Can I afford a $350,000 mortgage on a $95,000 salary?

It would be difficult to cover the monthly payments for a $350,000 mortgage on a $95,000 salary — you would be better off borrowing less. Use an online mortgage calculator to zero in on the amount you can truly afford to comfortably borrow.

Photo credit: iStock/Joe Hendrickson

*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.

SOHL-Q325-006

Are you ruminating about a refi? How soon you can refinance your home depends on the kind of mortgage you have and whether you want cash out.
The type of mortgage you have plays a major role in determining how soon you can refinance a mortgage after closing. You can typically refinance a conventional loan as soon as you want to, but you’ll have to wait six months to apply for a cash-out refinance. The wait to refinance an FHA, VA, or USDA loan ranges from six to 12 months.

Before any mortgage refinance, homeowners will want to ask themselves: What will the monthly and lifetime savings be? What are the closing costs, and how long will it take to recover them? If I’m pulling cash out, is the refinance worth it?

How Soon You Can Refinance Your Home by Mortgage Type

How soon after you buy a house can you refinance? The rules differ by home loan type and whether you’re aiming for a rate-and-term refinance or a cash-out refinance.

A rate-and-term refi will change your current mortgage’s interest rate, repayment term, or both. Cash-out refinancing replaces your current mortgage with a larger home loan, allowing you to take advantage of the equity you’ve built up in your home through your monthly principal payments and appreciation.

Here are more details about how soon after you buy a house you can refinance with different kinds of loans.

How Soon Can You Refinance a Conventional Loan?

If you have a conventional loan, a mortgage that is not insured by the federal government, you may refinance right after a home purchase or a previous refinance — but likely with a different lender.

Many lenders have a six-month “seasoning” period before a borrower can refinance with them. So you’ll probably have to wait if you want to refi with your current lender.

How Soon Can You Cash-Out Refinance?

Here’s how cash-out refinancing works: You apply for a new mortgage that will pay off your existing mortgage and give you a lump sum. A lower interest rate may be available at the same time.

How soon you can refinance your home with a cash-out refinance depends on the kind of loan, but you normally have to wait at least six months before refinancing a conventional mortgage. An FHA cash-out refinance requires that you have owned the home for at least one year and that your mortgage is at least six months old with a record of on-time payments. Getting a cash-out refinance on a VA loan involves a waiting period of 210 days from the closing date on the original mortgage or six months of on-time payments, whichever comes later.

How Soon Can You Refinance an FHA Loan?

An FHA Streamline Refinance reduces the time and documentation associated with a refinance, so you can get a lower rate faster. (That said, how soon you can refinance an FHA mortgage is still not as soon as with a conventional loan.)

You will have to wait 210 days (and make at least six on-time payments) before using a Streamline Refinance to replace your current mortgage.

How Soon Can You Refinance a VA Loan?

When it comes to VA loans, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), also known as a “streamline” refinance.

It also offers a cash-out refinance for up to a 100% loan-to-value ratio, although lenders may not permit borrowing up to 100% of the home’s value.

How fast you can refinance a home loan from the VA is the same in both cases. The VA requires you to wait 210 days between each refinance or have made six on-time monthly payments, whichever comes later. Some lenders that issue VA loans have their own waiting period of up to 12 months. If so, another lender might let you refinance earlier.

How Soon Can You Refinance a USDA Loan?

The Streamlined-Assist refinance program provides USDA direct and guaranteed home loan borrowers with low or no equity the opportunity to refinance for more affordable payment terms.

Borrowers of USDA loans typically need to have had the loan for at least a year before refinancing. But a refinance of a USDA loan to a conventional loan may happen sooner.

How Soon Can You Refinance a Jumbo Loan?

You may be wondering, “When can I refinance my house if I have a jumbo loan?” For a jumbo loan, even a rate change of 0.50% may result in significant savings and a shorter time to break even.

Here’s the good news about how fast you can refinance a home loan that’s a jumbo loan: You can refinance your jumbo mortgage at any time if you find a lender willing to do so.

Top Reasons People Refinance a Mortgage

If you have sufficient equity in your home, typically at least 20%, you may apply for a refinance of your mortgage. Lenders will also look at your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and employment.

If you have less than 20% equity but good credit — a minimum FICO® score of 670 — you may be able to refinance, although you may not receive the best rate available or you may be required to pay for mortgage insurance.

Remember, too, that home equity increased for many homeowners in recent years as home values rose. That’s attractive if you want to tap your equity with a cash-out refinance.

Here are some of the main reasons borrowers look to refinance.

Lower Interest Rate

For many homeowners, the point of refinancing is to switch to a loan with a lower rate. Just be sure to calculate your break-even point – the moment when the closing costs will have been recouped: To do this, divide the closing costs by the amount you’ll save in payments every month. For example, if your closing costs will be $5,000 and you’ll save $100 a month, it will take 50 months to break even and begin reaping the benefits of the refi.

Two points to remember if you’re considering a refi for this reason. First, if you purchased your home around 2020, it may be hard to capture a lower interest rate than you currently have, as rates then were particularly low compared to historical mortgage rates. And second: Closing costs can often be rolled into the loan or exchanged for an increased interest rate with a no-closing-cost refinance.

Shorten Loan Term

Refinancing from a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year loan usually saves you a substantial amount of loan interest, as this mortgage calculator shows. Or you might want to refi to a 20-year term, if you’re years into your mortgage already, since resetting to a new 30-year term may not pay off.

Reduce PMI

If you put down less than 20% on a conventional mortgage, you’re probably paying primate mortgage insurance (PMI) on the loan. This typically costs between 0.5% and 1.0% of the total loan amount annually, though it can be higher. When your mortgage balance is down to 78% of the home’s original value (or the loan reaches the halfway point of the term schedule) the lender will automatically cancel the insurance, and you can request to have it removed when the balance is down to 80%, but until then, you’re on the hook for these monthly payments. One potential way to get rid of or reduce them is to refinance. For this to be worth considering, rates will have to be lower and you’ll need to find a lender willing to let you refinance with less than 20% equity. But especially if your home has gone up in value, this may be a possibility.

FHA loans require a similar insurance payment, called mortgage insurance premiums. After the upfront fee you’ll pay at closing, you pay monthly installments on a charge that’s annually between 0.15% and 0.75% of your loan amount for 11 years or the life of your loan, depending on when you took out the loan and the size of your down payment. The only way to get rid of those fees early may be to sell your home or refinance the mortgage to a conventional loan once you have 20% equity in the home — in other words, when your new loan balance would be at least 20% less than your current home value.

Switch to an ARM or Fixed-Rate Loan

Depending on the rate environment and how long you expect to keep the mortgage or home, refinancing a fixed-rate mortgage to an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) with a low introductory rate could be a strategic move. Similarly, if you’re uncomfortable with unpredictable payments and want to lock in a stable rate, switching from an ARM to a fixed-rate loan may make sense.

The Takeaway

If you’ve been asking yourself, “When can I refinance my house?” the answer is that it depends. If it’s a conventional loan, whenever you want to, although probably not with the same lender if that’s within six months of closing. Otherwise, if you must bide your time before refinancing or you’re waiting for rates to drop, that gives you a lull to decide whether a traditional refinance or cash-out refi might suit your needs.

SoFi can help you save money when you refinance your mortgage. Plus, we make sure the process is as stress-free and transparent as possible. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates on a traditional mortgage refinance or cash-out refinance.

FAQ

Do you need 20% equity to refinance?

Some lenders will allow you to refinance with less than 20% equity in your home, but you may not get the best available interest rate, or you may need to pay for private mortgage insurance. You’ll want to do the math to make sure you’re saving money with the refinance.

Does refinancing hurt your credit score?

There may be a temporary dip in your credit score after a refinance, but if refinancing helps you lower your monthly debts you may find that it is actually helpful to your credit score over the long term.

Should I refinance soon after buying a home?

How soon you can refinance your mortgage after closing is secondary to whether refinancing soon is a good idea. That will depend on your specific loan, how much you put down, whether rates have changed, and many other factors. You’ll also want to take into account both the advantages you hope to get from refinancing as well as the costs.

How do I know when to refinance my mortgage?

The time to think about refinancing your home is when the benefits of a refi outweigh potential costs (like closing costs). If you can get a significantly lower interest rate, switch to a more advantageous loan type, or access a sum you need from a cash-out refinance, for example, it may be worth looking into a refinance.

Can you refinance more than once in a year?

There’s no legal limit on how often you can refinance. However, lenders and loan types may require waiting periods which will limit how many times you can refinance in a year. And don’t forget that you’ll generally need to pay for closing costs each time, as well.

What documents are needed to refinance a mortgage?

Requirements will vary by lender, but typically you’ll need to have documents that establish your income (W-2s for the past two years and paystubs; 1099s and/or tax returns if you’re self-employed), records establishing your financial reserves (account statements, including investment accounts), proof of homeowners insurance, and the most recent monthly statement for any mortgages or home equity loans you have.

*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.

SOHL-Q325-031

As you explore your home loan options, you may wonder, “Is property tax included in mortgage payments?” Typically it is, often along with insurance. Though many mortgage calculators don’t include property tax in their estimates, it is likely that expense will be rolled into your mortgage payment.

Having your property tax included in your mortgage is convenient, but it’s not the only way to pay taxes. Read on to learn more about paying property taxes and your mortgage.

What Are Property Taxes?

Property taxes are taxes paid on real property owned by an individual or entity. Property taxes are based on an assessed property value and are paid whether or not the property is used. When you become a new homeowner, you’ll pay property taxes for the first time.

The money you pay will be put to use toward the local school system, police and fire departments, sanitation, road work, and other services.


💡 Quick Tip: SoFi’s mortgage loan experience means a simple application — we even offer an on-time close guarantee. We’ve made $9.4+ billion in home loans, so we know what makes homebuyers happy.‡

Why Do You Need to Pay Property Taxes?

Local governments rely on property taxes as a revenue source. About 75% of local funding from tax collections come from property taxes.

As noted above, property taxes pay for government services like schools, roads, law enforcement, and emergency services. If you have a mortgage, a portion of your payment will generally go into your escrow account to be paid when your taxes come due.

How Are Property Taxes Paid?

Every month you’ll pay one-twelfth of your tax payment into an escrow account, if you have one, and most loans do.

When it’s time to pay taxes, a notice will be sent to your mortgage servicer. You’ll likely see one in the mail, too, but your mortgage servicer is the one responsible for paying your property taxes. (A review of your mortgage statements should reflect that you are paying these taxes.)

When are property taxes included in mortgages? Usually, but if you make a down payment of 20% or more on a conventional loan, your lender may waive the escrow requirement if you request it. USDA and FHA mortgages do not allow borrowers to close their escrow accounts. If you own your home outright, you’ll pay taxes on your own.

How to Calculate Property Tax

Property tax is calculated by your local taxing entity. The methods and rates for calculating property taxes vary widely around the country. In general, your property is assessed and you pay taxes as a percentage of that value. (Keep in mind that the assessed value may be different from the market value.)

To get the amount of taxes you will pay, multiply the assessed value of your home by the tax rate. Some states allow for an exemption to reduce the taxable value. Florida, for example, offers a homestead exemption of up to $50,000 on a primary residence.

If your home was assessed at $400,000, and the property tax rate is 0.62%, you would pay $2,480 in property taxes ($400,000 x 0.0062 = $2,480).

If you qualify for a $50,000 exemption, you would subtract that from the assessed value, then multiply the new amount by the property tax rate.

$400,000 – $50,000 = $350,000
$350,000 x 0.0062 = $2,170

With an exemption of $50,000, you would owe $2,170 in property taxes on a $400,000 house.

Property Tax Rate

The property tax rate is determined by the local taxing authority and is adjusted each year. In general, taxing entities aim to collect a similar amount as in the prior year. If property values go up, the effective tax rate might go down a little. You will receive a notice in the mail informing you of the new rate.

Factors That Can Affect Property Tax Rates

Local government bodies set property tax rates in their areas, depending in large part upon their funding needs. If you live in a city or county that invests heavily in its educational system, you might pay a higher rate than you would in an area that doesn’t prioritize excellent schools, for example. What’s more, some states have higher income taxes or other taxes that may be used to help fund local services, in which case the property taxes may be lower.

What you will pay is also affected by the assessed value of your property (which is not necessarily the same as your home’s market value).

Does a Mortgage Include Property Tax?

Property taxes will be listed on your mortgage statements if you have an escrow account for homeowners insurance and property taxes. (When you’re shopping for a home loan, whether you’ll need an escrow account is one of many mortgage questions to ask a lender.)

The mortgage servicer deposits the portion of your mortgage payment meant for taxes in the escrow account. When your tax bill is due, the servicer will pay it.

Understanding Escrow Accounts

In general, an escrow account is an account in which a third party holds funds to fulfill a contract when certain conditions are met. In the context of your mortgage, what this means is that many lenders set up an escrow account out of which they pay your homeowners insurance and property tax bills. They do this to make sure these bills get paid and protect their investment. There are strict rules about how much they can collect (typically 1/12 the cost of your yearly insurance and tax bill, if you are up to date on your payments) and how the escrow account is administered.


💡 Quick Tip: To see a house in person, particularly in a tight or expensive market, you may need to show the real estate agent proof that you’re preapproved for a mortgage. SoFi’s online application makes the process simple.

What Happens to Property Tax If You Pay Off Your Mortgage?

If you pay off your mortgage, your property tax stays the same. The difference is that you no longer have a mortgage servicer administering the escrow account for you. If you do have money left in your escrow account, it will be refunded to you once the mortgage is paid off.

Now that you no longer have an escrow account, you need to contact the taxing entity and have the tax bill sent directly to you to pay.

Recommended: How to Afford a Down Payment on Your First Home

What if You Can’t Afford Property Tax?

If you’ve paid off your house or have closed your escrow account, you may feel the full force of ever-increasing property taxes. This is particularly true for older adults on a fixed income.

The trouble with not paying your property taxes is that your taxing entity can place a lien against your property or even start foreclosure proceedings. You do have several options to explore if you’re having trouble with your property taxes.

•   Payment options. Your locality may be open to establishing a payment system for collecting your taxes. There are also relief programs you may be eligible for.

•   Challenge your home’s assessed value. Since your taxes are based on your home’s assessed value, you can challenge it to potentially reduce your taxes. You generally need to do this soon after you receive your tax bill. You have to show that the assessed value of your home is inaccurate or unfair.

•   Talk to a HUD housing counselor. A housing counselor can point you in the direction of programs that can reduce your tax bill or offer some other relief, such as a deferral or payment plan. They can also help you find mortgage relief programs, should you need them.

The Takeaway

Are property taxes included in a mortgage? With most home loans, yes. Typically, you pay one-twelfth of the amount owed every month into escrow, and your servicer is then responsible for paying the property tax bill for you. Property taxes are a significant part of your home-buying budget, so be sure to include them in your budget as you work towards securing a mortgage.

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.

FAQ

What is included in my monthly mortgage payment?

What exactly is included in your monthly mortgage payment can vary, but typically it includes principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any mortgage insurance.

Is it better to pay your monthly tax with your mortgage?

It’s certainly more convenient to have your tax included in your mortgage payment. For the duration of your mortgage you won’t have to worry about your taxes being paid or coming up with a large payment when they come due. On the other hand, if you would rather manage the tax payment yourself, you may be able to cancel your escrow account and pay the taxes on your own.

How do I know if my property taxes are included in my mortgage?

You can check your monthly mortgage statement or closing documents if you’re a new homeowner. For most types of loans, taxes are included in your mortgage payment.

Do you pay property tax monthly?

The monthly mortgage payment you send usually includes a share of the annual property tax bill that your mortgage servicer will pay. If you pay your taxes directly, you’ll pay them annually or semiannually.

What happens if you miss a property tax payment?

If you miss a property tax payment to your tax authority, there will be a lien on your property, making it more difficult to sell. Ultimately, if the situation is not resolved, you could lose your home, though that may take as long as one to three years.

Photo credit: iStock/MStudioImages

*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.