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A cross-country move is exciting, but if you own a car, you’ll have to make a big decision about how to take your wheels with you. Will you drive your car yourself or hire a shipping company to move it for you?

There are a lot of considerations to keep in mind when making this decision, from weather to safety to timing. And of course, there are shipping costs to think about. To make the right choice, take the following factors into account.

Driving Distance

Getting your vehicle to your new home could be one of your biggest moving expenses. When deciding whether to drive or ship your car, the first step is to get a sense of how long the drive actually is. Use a mapping app to get a sense of the various routes you could take, the total distance, and a driving time estimate.

Understanding distance can help give you a sense of how much fuel you’d need to make the journey. Consider how many miles per gallon of gas your car usually gets. Divide the total distance by that number, and that can help you create a rough estimate of how much gas you might expect to purchase.

You may also want to factor in the average gas prices in the locations you’ll be driving through. The American Automobile Association (AAA) aggregates the average price for a gallon of gas in each state, and nationally.

Mapping can also give you a sense of what kind of conditions you can expect to be driving in. For the most part, you may expect to take major highways. But will your route take you across mountains or deserts? These regions might be tough on a vehicle, especially if it’s older and prone to overheating, for example.

Recommended: How to Save Money on Gas

Seasonal Considerations

The time of year you plan to move can make a big difference when it comes to driving conditions. Driving in balmy July weather can be very different from driving through wintry conditions in February, especially if your trip takes you across the northern part of the country where there is a chance of snowy or icy conditions.

Take geographical features, like mountains, into consideration as well. For example, there may be snow in mountain passes far earlier than in places closer to sea level. So, though moving to another state cross-country in October may be mostly snow-free, you might encounter wintry conditions as you cross the Rocky Mountains.

If driving through adverse weather does not sound appealing to you, you may consider shipping your car instead.

Recommended: How to Move Across the Country

Timing

Driving from coast to coast at a fairly reasonable clip could take as little as a few days or as long as a week. If you’re driving with someone else, you can switch off drivers and the trip may take less time.

If you’re driving solo, you may take extra time as you make stops to ensure you’re well rested enough to safely continue your journey. If you can’t afford to take the time off to drive your car yourself, shipping may make more sense.

Recommended: 13 Helpful Tips for You to Afford Moving Out

Safety

When you drive across the country, you necessarily put yourself and any passengers at a certain amount of risk. Your car will experience more wear and tear on a long drive, and you face the possibility of breakdowns.

What’s more, you risk the possibility of theft while you’re on the road, whether of your vehicle itself or its contents.

There is also a chance that you could get into an accident while on the road. Shipping your car limits potential damage to your vehicle and shields you from personal safety hazards.

Recommended: 31 Ways to Save Money on Car Maintenance

Cost to Ship a Car

The cost to ship a car across the country will depend on a number of factors, including the size and weight of the vehicle, the distance the vehicle will be shipped, and what kind of insurance you want to buy.

To a certain extent, price may depend on demand, which can fluctuate throughout the year. The more cars are being shipped along a certain route, the pricier it will be. While prices vary, September through November are generally the cheapest months to ship a car.

On average, it costs around $1,530 to ship a car cross-country on an open trailer as of mid-2025. Again, price depends on the specific locations you are shipping the car to and from and the mode of transportation (open trailer or otherwise), so expect some variation in quotes. the length of trip, but also on whether you choose an open transport or an enclosed transport.

You may also want to consider the option of shipping your car by train, which may be faster and cheaper than sending it on a truck. You may have to purchase a ticket and ride the same train that your car is on.

When considering shipping as an option, it’s also important to consider other potential costs associated with it. For example, you will have to purchase plane tickets for you and your family. If you drive your own car, you can pack it full of items you want to move with you. When you arrive at your destination, you may need to rent a car until your own vehicle arrives.

Recommended: Guide to Unsecured Personal Loans

Cost to Drive a Car

In many cases, it may be cheaper to drive your car than it is to ship it. According to Move.org, it is, on average, about $180 cheaper to drive a car than to have it shipped, factoring in the costs for food, lodging, and fuel for one person.

Lodging is one of the greatest expenses you will encounter while you’re on the road. The more nights you spend on the road, the more expensive driving your car yourself will become. You can of course consider less expensive options, like staying in an Airbnb or visiting with friends along the way.

Making the Decision

As you tackle your moving checklist, the decision to to drive across the country or ship your car will depend on a lot of factors. In some respects it comes down to convenience. Do you have the time to ship your car? Will you need it right away? Do you want to risk driving in poor conditions? In other respects it comes down to cost.

For the most part, driving costs less than shipping. However, the longer the drive, the difference in cost between the two options starts to shrink.

If you decide to ship your car, do your research. Ask friends and family for recommendations and check out company reviews and reports from the Better Business Bureau. Contact multiple shipping companies to make sure you get the best rate.

No matter what you decide, moving is potentially a pricey proposition. If you need a little extra help covering the cost of the move, consider a moving loan. These loans are personal loans that can cover the cost of shipping your car and other moving related expenses.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

The Takeaway

The decision about whether to ship or drive your car cross-country is an important one involving several factors. For instance, while driving it yourself may be cheaper, can you afford to spend the time on the road? Will the weather cooperate? Considering the big picture can help you make the right decision for your situation.

If you are moving cross-country and need help with financing, a personal loan might be a good move.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

Should I drive or ship my car cross-country?

The decision about whether to drive or ship your car cross-country depends on your situation. Can you afford to ship it? Can you take several days off work to drive cross-country? Will the weather while driving be safe, and can your car take the wear and tear? Think about these considerations to make your decision.

What is the cheapest way to get a car cross-country?

Shipping a car cross-country on an open trailer is likely the cheapest way to get it from one coast to another.

What is the average cost to ship a car cross-country?

Shipping a car cross-country on an open trailer currently costs about $1,530.

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.

SOPL-Q225-083

Curb appeal not only makes your home more attractive and inviting for you and your family, it could also boost your property value. Adding a few simple exterior upgrades can make your place feel more enjoyable however long you decide to live there and be an asset if you decide to move.

Looking for inspiration? Here are five curb appeal ideas to consider.

1. Revitalize the Front Door and Mailbox

A fresh coat of paint on a front door can do wonders, and certain colors can be especially appealing. For instance, buyers tend to prefer homes with a black front door and may be willing to pay an average of $6,450 more for one, according to Zillow’s 2025 data. On the other hand, other front door colors, such as cement gray, could have a negative impact on a home’s value.

This can also be the time to update the doorknob and door knocker, and any hardware on the door, including the street number. While you’re at it, what about a matching new mailbox? They even come with LED lights nowadays to do double duty.

2. Curb Appeal Landscaping

When choosing landscaping elements, keep the design of the home in mind, along with the size and slope of the lawn. A large lawn might look wonderful with shrubs that would likely overwhelm a smaller one, while eye-catching flowers might look perfect in front of a cottage-style dwelling but get lost in the shuffle in front of a big modern home. For curb appeal landscaping, also consider how its design moves guests to the front door, perhaps wending along the walkways.

Entire books can be written on curb appeal landscaping options, so enjoy exploring! While doing so, don’t forget how attractive window boxes full of blooming flowers can look. Consider integrating native flora, which have already adapted to your local climate and soil conditions and should thrive in your yard. This can be a plus in terms of being low maintenance and not needing additional watering.

3. Upgrade Windows and Shutters

For a significant change in the look of a home, consider a brand-new style of windows. Options include eye-catching casement windows that are hinged to crank open. With these windows, one side stays in place while the other side opens like a door.

Awning windows can be another interesting choice. With this style, the window swings open from the bottom while the top part stays fixed in place. Bay windows can also really make a difference in curb appeal. Also consider new shutters, perhaps ones that complement a newly painted front door.

4. Don’t Forget the Lighting

As part of curb appeal landscaping, also think about outdoor lighting that will highlight the new look. A new fixture on the porch can make a difference aesthetically.

Along the front of the home and walkways, outdoor solar LEDs can be one option because they aren’t hard to install and can be cost efficient. They don’t create bright light, though, so they can be used as a form of supplementary lighting.

Traditional glass lanterns can be attractive, especially when paired with vintage-style bulbs. Ones that mimic the gas lanterns of the Victorian era have been trending.

5. Repair the Roof

If the roof has loose or missing shingles, this can make even the most appealing home look in need of some tender loving care. So, addressing these problems can add to curb appeal. As part of the project, check gutters and downspouts and take care of them as needed.

Costs for Upgrades

After thinking about what projects to take on, the next question to consider may be what these home remodeling projects cost.

New Front Door

A new door can cost under $100 for a basic hollow core choice up to $7,000 or more for a pricey wrought iron door. Installation can add $1,452 on average, according to the home improvement site Angi as of mid-2025. If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider painting an existing door and replacing hardware and a doorknob.

Landscaping

As with just about any home improvement project, curb appeal landscaping costs can vary by project. Landscaping services run around $50-$150 per hour on average, and if you’re buying flowers, shrubs, or trees vs. just maintaining your current grounds, that will add to the cost as well.

New Windows

On average, new windows cost $300 and up, with costs varying based on size, location, materials, and other factors. Some news windows can be in the thousands each (such as a large bay window). The cost for replacing all windows in a typical three-bedroom home can run about $7,655 on average as of mid-2025 according to Angi. That said, the investment may be worth it, as new energy-efficient windows can help you save a bundle on energy bills.

Roof Repairs

A moderate roof repair currently costs $1,000 to $3,000, with a major repair costing $3,000 to $6,000 or more on average. If a full replacement is needed, that could ring up between $5,700 and $16,000. Repairing the gutters can come with an average price tag of $390.

Funding Your Curb Appeal Ideas

As much fun as it is to dream of all the ways to improve the exterior of your home, just as important is how you’ll pay for the upgrades. You may decide to pay for the improvements out of a savings account or put everything on credit cards and pay off the balances in full when they’re due.

Keep in mind that if you choose to use credit cards — but are unable to pay off the balances in full when they’re due — you’ll likely be charged compound interest on the balance. And that could add to the overall amount you owe. To see how compound interest can pile up, take a look at this credit card interest calculator.

If it doesn’t make sense to use credit cards to fund curb appeal ideas, then you may want to explore a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a personal loan.

Taking out a HELOC can make sense under certain circumstances, including these:

•   Significant equity exists in the home.

•   A large sum of money is needed.

•   Potential tax benefits are attractive.

Benefits of a personal loan include the following:

•   If the loan is unsecured, then home equity will not be tied up.

•   Fees are probably less; in some cases, there aren’t any.

•   The application process is usually easier, with the approval process typically quicker than the process for a HELOC.

You may find personal loans created just for home-related purposes marketed as home improvement loans.

What Style Is My House Exterior Quiz

The Takeaway

Improving your home’s curb appeal can help make it more attractive to prospective buyers and potentially increase its perceived value. The upgrades can also make your home more enjoyable to live in, no matter how long you’re there. High-impact upgrades include freshening up the front door and mailbox, adding or improving the landscaping, upgrading windows and shutters, adding outdoor lighting, and making necessary repairs to the roof. One way to afford these changes is to take out a home improvement loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How can I make the outside of my house more appealing?

A few ways to improve your home’s curb appeal include painting your front door, adding window boxes, and landscaping your property.

How can I add curb appeal cheaply?

Some less expensive ways to add curb appeal are to plant flowers in front of your home or in window boxes, power-wash your home, and repaint your front door in a bold color or black. Some of these moves are DIY-able, which can help you save money, too.

What adds curb appeal quickly?

One of the fastest ways to add curb appeal is to repaint your front door (perhaps in a vivid color or black), upgrading your mailbox and house numbers, and adding new lighting near your front door.

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.

SOPL-Q225-081

Regular home maintenance can help you avoid major household repairs (and their expense), keep your property functioning optimally, and maintain or even build your property value.

For instance, regularly monitoring, cleaning, and caring for your roof, windows, plumbing, and appliances could help avoid costly leaks and breakdowns and make your home more energy-efficient.

Not sure what needs to be done or when to do it? Check out the suggestions on this ultimate house maintenance checklist.

House Maintenance Checklist for Every Season

Many of the tasks on this list should be pretty easy to do yourself. Others might require phoning a friend with the proper tools and know-how. And there’s nothing wrong with calling in a pro if the job is too time-consuming or beyond your capabilities.

Monthly Home Maintenance Tasks

If the only time you remove the gunk from your gutters, garbage disposal, and dryer vent is when you notice they’re no longer working properly, you could be facing a hefty bill to fix the problem and repair any damage to your home.

Doing a little upkeep every month, instead of once or twice a year, can help keep small tasks from becoming major projects. Here are some things that can benefit from monthly maintenance:

•  Check the shower, tub, and sink drains for clogs. (If hair is your main headache, you may want to do this every week or more. Or you might want to consider purchasing a hair catcher for problematic drains.)
•  Clean showerheads and faucet aerators (that little mesh screen the water pours through) to keep sediment from slowing the flow. While you’re at it, check if any faucets are dripping when they shouldn’t and replace washers if necessary.
•  De-gunk the garbage disposal.
•  And give the dishwasher a deep cleaning. Good Housekeeping recommends using dishwasher cleaning tablets according to the label’s directions. Prefer the DIY route? Place a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with one cup of distilled vinegar on the top rack of an empty dishwasher, and run it through the pots-and-pans or heavy (hot) cycle.
•  Check and clean air conditioner and furnace filters, and kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
•  Make sure the dryer vent is free of debris. Doing so can help keep it running efficiently. And if there’s a bird’s nest or lint blocking hot air from escaping, it could become a fire hazard. You also may want to have your dryer duct inspected and cleaned once a year. (Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your lint screen, the piece near the door that’s easy to remove, after every dryer load.)
•  Vacuum HVAC registers and vents. Regular maintenance can keep some dust from building up, but you may want to call in a pro for a more thorough duct inspection if you suspect mold or if you have pets.
•  Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Test safety equipment every month and replace the batteries twice a year. (Many people use the change to and from daylight saving time as a reminder.) According to statistics from the National Fire Prevention Association, nearly three out of every five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.
•  Check electrical cords and outlets for damage. Replace or repair cords that are showing wear. And if an outlet cover is cracked, the prongs on an electrical cord won’t sit firmly in the outlet, or if the outlet is loose, don’t use it until you have a chance to repair it.

Seasonal Maintenance: Fall Tasks

Spring gets all the love when it comes to going all-in on sprucing up a house, but fall can also be a good time to take care of tasks both inside and out.

•  Do a top-to-bottom tour of the home’s exterior. If it’s a cool, sunny, and dry day, head outside and check out the roof for damaged or missing shingles or tiles. Inspect the exterior of the house (siding or stucco) and the foundation for any problems.
•  Check the chimney for exterior damage and clean the fireplace flue.
•  Give windows a once-over. Seal gaps, and if the windows are old and drafty, it might be time to replace them with a more energy-efficient model. (Keep in mind that you may need to get a building permit to install new windows that are bigger than what you had.)
•  Make sure exterior doors aren’t letting any cold air inside. You can get DIY weatherstripping materials at your local hardware store.
•  Wash windows and siding. If you notice any cracks or gaps during your walking tour, it may help to fix those first, especially if you’re pulling out the power washer. And if you see mildew or a buildup of dirt, check if it’s a symptom of a more serious problem.
•  Clean those gutters. If you’re ladder-phobic, there are pros out there who will be happy to clean your gutters and windows.
•  Winterize exterior plumbing. Drain hoses and sprinkler systems if you live in a colder climate. And drain, clean, and cover your swimming pool.
•  Remove and store or insulate window air conditioning units.
•  Give carpets and floors a thorough cleaning, and get your home ready for the holidays. If you haven’t cleaned your garbage disposal or dishwasher lately, this might be a good time to give them some love. And if you’re hosting Thanksgiving, maybe do a quick check to be sure all appliances are ready for the challenge.
•  Winterize your garden and lawn equipment. Depending on your climate and the type of grass you have, fall (not spring) may be the right time to fertilize your lawn. Bring in any delicate plants you hope to save from the cold. (Make sure no insects come along for the ride.) Clean garden tools. Empty gas-powered equipment before storing.
•  How’s your curb appeal? Raking leaves, aerating the lawn, patching the driveway or walkway, and touching up the exterior paint are fairly simple tasks that can make you house proud, improve your property, deter pests, and keep your family and visitors safe.
•  Flush the water heater and check for leaks. Manufacturers generally recommend flushing your water heater at least once per year to avoid sediment buildup.
•  Reverse ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation. This can help move the cooler air off the floor of your home and push warmer air down. Look for the switch on the fan’s housing, or you may be able to make the change with a remote or by giving the correct command to a smart device.
•  Remember to change the smoke detector batteries.

Seasonal Maintenance: Winter Tasks

If winter weather is a factor in your neck of the woods, prepare to hunker down.

•  Cover the barbecue or store it in the shed or garage.
•  Cover your outdoor air conditioning unit.
•  Store patio furniture and cushions in the garage or shed. If you prefer to leave heavy pieces in place, try to keep them covered.
•  Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after a heavy snow.
•  Check the basement for dampness or leaks when there’s a thaw.
•  Clear the driveway and walkways of snow so passersby can get by safely.
•  Focus on indoor tasks when you’re trapped by the weather. Clean the attic, caulk the tub, paint a room, and/or clean the refrigerator (inside and out, including the drip pans and coils).

Seasonal Maintenance: Spring Tasks

Shake off the winter blues, stow the alpaca throws, and get ready to enjoy warmer weather. Spring is for cleaning up, inside and out.

•  Throw those fall tasks into reverse. As soon as the last of the cold weather is past, uncover the outside air conditioning unit and have it serviced. If you have window air conditioning units, clean and return them to their rightful rooms. Bring the barbecue out from hibernation and make sure it’s in good working order. Prep the pool and outdoor sprinkler system for warm weather use. Return ceiling fans to a counter-clockwise rotation to bring cool air down. (And while you’re up there, maybe give those fans a good dusting).
•  Set up a termite inspection. There’s no wrong time of year to have your house inspected for termites, but since spring is when they tend to swarm, it may be a good way to tell if there’s a problem. It’s also an opportune time to check for carpenter ants, which can damage a home.
•  Clean and refinish the deck.
•  Look into any necessary lawn care. If you live in a warmer climate and have Bermuda, St. Augustine, or some other warm-season grass, it may be time to fertilize your turf.
•  Clean up fallen branches or leaves you missed in the fall. And clean out gutters and downspouts.
•  Inspect the roof, chimney, and siding for any winter damage.
•  Inspect indoor plumbing.
•  Check the attic for uninvited guests. Critters can invade your space almost any time of year, but squirrels, raccoons, bats, and rats are most likely to show up in the spring.
•  Wash windows and screens.
•  Clean patio furniture and cushions.
•  Call a professional about inspecting and pumping the septic tank. Some pros recommend emptying the tank every three to five years, but larger households may need more frequent pumpings.
•  Clear the clutter, and do a traditional spring cleaning. Dust everything. Polish furniture. Clean out closets, and donate or sell anything you no longer need. Clean the refrigerator, pantry, and cabinets. Scrub the floors, or have the carpets cleaned to get rid of late-winter’s muddy mess. Scrub the bathrooms and laundry room. As you go, you can check to see if anything is damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced.
•  Inspect and maintain the garage door opener. Listen for grating noises, and look for a jerky motion when the door goes up and down. Make sure the tracks are clear of debris. Some maintenance may be simple for DIYers (including spraying moving parts with lubricant, or repairing damaged weatherstripping). But if you suspect there’s an operational problem, you might want to bring in a pro.
•  Clear the garage of clutter and possible food sources. The garage may be another home for critters. Clean out the clutter and look for damage from pests, including rodents and ants.
•  Time to change the smoke detector batteries. (Yes, we listed it three times. It’s that important.)

Seasonal Maintenance: Summer Tasks

Because summer is so hot in many parts of the country, it can be a good season for inside repairs and outside jobs that might involve getting wet. For example, you could:

•  Pressure-clean the house, driveway, and walkways.
•  Inspect the pool and pool equipment to be sure everything is clean and running well.
•  Check the sprinkler system to minimize water waste and maximize the benefits to the landscape.
•  Plant trees or shrubs to provide shade for your home, deck, and patio. Or consider installing a canopy or some other type of shade structure.
•  Install curtains, shades, or window film to minimize sun damage to indoor furnishings.
•  Inside, check for leaks around kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and toilets.
•  Keep your air conditioner clean, and consider upgrading for better energy efficiency. Change the filter. Clean air ducts. Make sure nothing is blocking the outside unit.

Recommended: Home Improvement Cost Calculator

You’ll Probably Need Some Tools

Even if you plan to hire pros to take care of most of your home maintenance tasks, it can be a good idea to keep a few basic tools around for DIY jobs. Here are some items that could come in handy:

Basic Tools for Home Maintenance

•  Step ladder or fold-up work platform. Why risk falling off a wobbly chair when a step ladder can give you extra height and stability?
•  Extension ladder. If you’re planning to clean your gutters or get up on the roof, you’ll likely want to borrow or purchase an extension ladder to safely get the height you need.
•  Tape measure.
•  Hammer and assorted nails.
•  Screwdrivers and assorted screws. Both flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers (in a few different sizes) will likely get plenty of use; or you can pick up one screwdriver with interchangeable heads.
•  Drill and assorted drill bits. A light-duty, battery-operated drill and a set of bits should be able to handle most beginner-level repair jobs.
•  Indoor and outdoor extension cords.
•  Hacksaw or reciprocating saw. For quick cuts on wood, metal, PVC pipes, tree limbs, and more.
•  Putty knife. You can use it for patching holes, applying drywall mud, and for scraping away paint or dirt.
•  Pliers. Great for holding, bending, or reaching in to grab something.
•  Sandpaper. The grit or coarseness of the paper will vary depending on the job and the results you’re looking for. It may save time to have a few different types on hand.
•  Safety goggles and gloves. These basic pieces of safety equipment could protect you from a DIY disaster.

Paying for Home Improvements

One great reason to keep up with regular home maintenance is to avoid the high cost of major repairs or replacements. But from time to time, you may find you have to — or want to — take on a bigger project.

According to a 2024 study from the home services website Angi, homeowners spent an average of $1,750 on home maintenance projects and $978 on unexpected repairs. If your budget can’t handle those kinds of expenses right now, you may want to look into a home improvement loan, especially if you don’t have a lot of equity built up in your home.

A home improvement loan is an unsecured personal loan that can be used to cover the costs of renovations, upgrades, or repairs. It’s different from a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC), because you don’t have to use your home as collateral. Instead, the interest rate and amount you qualify for are based largely on the applicant’s credit history, income, and employment.

If you need to move quickly on a project or repair and need to borrow a small sum, such as $3,000 or $5,000, a home improvement personal loan can be especially appealing. The application process is less involved than for a home equity loan or HELOC.

Note that repayment terms are typically shorter than with the other options and will vary with the lender. You may find terms of anywhere from one to seven years or possibly longer. Make sure you understand these details before applying for a personal loan.

Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Remodel or Renovate a House?

The Takeaway

Maintaining a home is a year-round job, one made easier by taking on a set number of tasks each month or season. The regular monitoring, care, and cleaning of the interior and exterior of your house doesn’t just keep your place looking good — it can also help prevent costly breakdowns and protect your investment. However, even the most vigilant homeowner will likely take on a costly repair at some point. If your budget can’t handle the extra expense, a home improvement personal loan might be a good option.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

What regular home maintenance should be done on a house?

There are many home maintenance moves needed to keep a property in good condition. Some of the most important are checking smoke detectors, looking over the HVAC system and cleaning its filters, examining for termites, inspecting for leaks and roof damage, and cleaning the gutters.

What is the 1% rule of home maintenance?

This rule says that you should set aside 1% of your home’s value for home maintenance every year. For instance, if your home is worth $500,000, you will probably spend $5,000 on home maintenance in a typical year.

How do I create a home maintenance schedule?

To create a home maintenance schedule, list all the tasks that you should do to keep your house well cared for. Then, either divide those into monthly or quarterly lists of tasks to handle. Some people prefer a quarterly, or seasonal, approach, while other people prefer to break home maintenance down into potentially easier-to-tackle monthly action items.

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.

SOPL-Q225-080

Actively maintaining your home can keep small repairs from turning into major (expensive) ones and can help enhance the value of your property. Whether you plan to sell in the near or far-off future, here are some simple (and relatively low-cost) ways to protect the value of your home over time.

Update, Update, Update

If a home that’s for sale has an updated anything, the real estate listing will scream it out in ALL CAPS. This can apply to appliances, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, and more.

If your kitchen is due for an update, try to keep in mind that this doesn’t necessarily mean stripping it to the studs and starting from scratch. A small kitchen update may do the trick. Are the cabinets in good shape? Consider a fresh coat of paint or stain to reflect the latest color trends.

In addition, something as simple as upgrading to matching appliances or installing a garbage disposal or water filtration system could help maintain value — even if they’re not top-of-the-line.

Also keep in mind that “update” means bringing the home’s aesthetics into line with current styles — replacing brass fixtures for brushed bronze, for example, or swapping out carpet for wood. For instance, a recent Zillow survey found that painting a kitchen graphite gray can boost the selling price of a property by more than $2,500.

Other, more expensive updates might adjust the actual layout of the home. If your current house only has one bathroom, is it possible to find a space for another half bath? Are there unused rooms or wasted space that could be updated to become more functional?

Recommended: 10 Small-Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Keeping Your Roof in Good Repair

Replacing a roof is costly, so it’s a good idea to do what you can to extend the life of your current roof as long as possible. A roof that shows signs of wear and tear can also be a big red flag to potential home buyers.

To maintain the value of your roof (and avoid other costly problems like leaks), you’ll want to replace any missing shingles or damaged areas as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to have your roof cleaned regularly to remove any algae, moss, and mold that can damage the roof over time. Finally, be sure to get your gutters cleaned regularly so water can drain rather than collect on your roof.

Recommended: The Ultimate House Maintenance Checklist

Keeping Your Exterior Paint in Good Shape

Maintaining your home’s exterior paint not only helps your house look attractive and well cared for but also protects it from moisture. When paint starts peeling, water can find a way in, which can cause your siding to rot over time. Replacing sections of your siding can end up being a much costlier project than periodically freshening up your paint.

It’s a good idea to give your exterior paint job a look-over once a year to see if you any areas may need attention. This can help your paint job last longer and save money in the long run.

Pruning Your Trees and Shrubs

Maintaining your yard is a lot of work if you do it yourself and costly if you hire a landscaper. But neglect can cause dead branches or an entire tree to fall in a heavy rain or wind storm, and can cause significant damage to your home. Overgrown shrubs can also bring unwanted bugs close to, and eventually inside, your home (more on that below).

It can be worth hiring a tree expert to evaluate and, if necessary, prune your trees once a year. You can regularly trim back hedges and bushes yourself or hire a landscaper to do the job.

Upgrading Energy Efficiency

Making your home more energy efficient is one of those goals that’s great not only if you’re selling, but also if you want to reduce spending on utility bills. And it doesn’t just mean big investments like switching to solar or wind-powered energy. Making your home more energy efficient can also be as simple as replacing bad weather seals, ensuring that the attic has sufficient insulation, paying attention to the air and heating systems, and using energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.

Upgrading the energy efficiency of your home is something that might even be rolled in with another project, such as maintenance or updating.

Installing Smart Tech

Even if your home is more than 100 years old, adding smart tech can make your property future-ready. Smart home devices (like Nest systems) and apps can also allow you to remotely control your heating and air temperatures, make sure the oven is actually turned off, and even give you a sense of security with security systems or video door bells.

While some types of home tech are hard-wired into the house and others are more portable, even being able to say “wired for surround sound” can be a bonus on a home listing.

Smart home tech is not only quickly becoming a must-have for many homebuyers, adding it to your home can be a perk even if you have no immediate plans to move.

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Keeping the Bugs at Bay

One important job that comes with homeownership is keeping unwanted critters outside where they belong. Public enemy No. 1 in this category? Termites. They can wreak havoc on a home’s wood structures leading to costly repairs.

The problem is so widespread that some home loan companies require buyers to get a “termite letter,” which is basically a guarantee that the home is free from termite damage.

DIY recommendations for keeping the pests at bay can also check off items on the home maintenance list, including keeping gutters and downspouts flowing, filling in any places where water pools around the home or in the yard, filling in cracks in the foundation, pruning shrubbery close to the home, and keeping air vents free and clear.

Beyond termites, there are a variety of other living creatures that can cause damage to a home or surrounding property, including attic squatters like mice or raccoons, carpenter bees, moles, mosquitoes, and even grasshoppers that brunch on beautiful landscaping. Eliminating these pests can be an important step in maintaining the value of your home.

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Making Improvements Affordable

While some home maintenance projects are relatively low-cost, others require a more significant investment. Before sinking a lot of money into a home maintenance or improvement project, it can be a good idea to use an online home project value estimator that can help determine whether it’s a smart investment.

If you decide to move forward on the project, you’ll want to get estimates from at least three different contractors. Once you know the cost of the project, your next question may be, how are you going to pay for it?

For a small to midsize home maintenance project, you might consider using a home improvement loan. Unlike a home equity loan, these are unsecured personal loans — meaning your home isn’t used as collateral to secure the loan. Lenders decide how much to lend to you and at what rate based on your financial credentials, such as your credit score, income, and how much other debt you have.

With a home improvement personal loan, you receive a lump sum of cash up front you can then use to cover the costs of your home project. You repay the loan (plus interest) in regular installments over the term of the loan, which is often up to seven years.

The Takeaway

Maintaining your property is an important part of being a homeowner. It can help your home function better, be more comfortable for you and your family, and also maintain or increase the value of your investment. A personal loan can be a valuable way to finance home maintenance projects.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

What lowers property value the most?

Among the main issues that lower property value are deferred maintenance, poorly done home improvements, and outdated kitchens and baths.

How can I maintain my house’s value?

To maintain your house’s value, clean and declutter; update kitchen and baths; paint as needed; and work on curb appeal and energy efficiency.

What adds the biggest value to a house?

While the feature that adds the biggest value to a house will vary with each property, typically, a new kitchen and/or bathrooms and an attic or basement remodel will add the most to a home’s potential price tag.

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.

SOPL-Q225-082

Today’s burgeoning bathroom trends range from bold wallpaper and maximalist touches to sleek Art Deco lines and natural materials. Whether you’re gut-renovating a primary bathroom or freshening up a powder room, you’re bound to find plenty of inspiration at all price points and levels of difficulty.

Keep reading to find bathroom remodel ideas for 2025, plus tips on how to budget for the home spa of your dreams.

8 Bathroom Ideas for 2025

The dominant bathroom remodel trends for 2025 skew modern in nature with clean lines, organic materials, and a lot of warm, natural wood. At the same time, some homeowners are taking cues from their grandmothers, incorporating throwbacks to the 1960s with pink tile and patterned wallpaper. Whichever route you take, there’s little denying these bathroom ideas 2025 have a little something for everybody.

1. Opt for Statement Wallpaper

Price: Low
Difficulty: Moderate
Style: Varies

Wallpaper with a major pattern is a quick way to give a bathroom loads of style. This isn’t a moment for small-scale patterns or neutral colors. Rather, designers and homeowners are embracing rich colors and bold imagery. For example, you might choose an exuberant Victorian floral against a black background or a mural-like forest motif.

Wallpaper prices can range from $10 to over $1,000 a roll, with an average of around $100. If you are DIYing it, you might want to choose from among the many forgiving peel-and-stick options on the market today.

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2. Get Wet

Price: High
Difficulty: Professional
Style: Contemporary

One big trend in bathrooms for 2025 is to have a bathroom that’s a wet room. This means the tub and shower are in their own zone, typically behind a glass partition. There’s a drain in the floor by the shower since it’s not enclosed by a door or curtain. In this open and flexible set-up, there’s more room for tile, giving you the freedom to make more of an impact with color and pattern, if you like, rather than plain white subway tile.

3. Design for the Senses

Price: Moderate
Difficulty: Varies
Style: Contemporary

Who doesn’t want their bathroom to be an immersive space that soothes their senses? That’s what this 2025 trend is all about. It could involve installing a rainfall shower; handcrafted, tactile ceramic tiles that add texture; and adjustable ambient lighting. Smaller touches can include plants and soundscapes, courtesy of a next-gen audio system.

4. Double Up on Showerheads

Price: Low
Difficulty: Moderate
Style: Contemporary

Adding side-by-side showerheads is one of many shower remodel ideas you may choose to add to your bath remodel. Not only does it add symmetry to your shower, but it allows more than one person to shower at a time. That can come in handy if you have children you’re trying to bathe simultaneously, or spouses who get ready for work at the same time.

5. Embrace Art Deco

Price: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Style: Retro

Designers are finding the vintage appeal of Art Deco style from the 1920s and 1930s is a hot way to make a bathroom look chic. That can mean anything from adding the era’s signature sunburst mirrors to one wall or updating your faucets with sleek, curvy chrome ones. Larger projects could include geometric black and white tile floors or marble counter tops. Want a quick hit of retro style? Swap a utilitarian lighting fixture for a chandelier.

6. Add Touches of Black

Price: Varies
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Style: Contemporary

Black is back in bathroom trends 2025. Taking a page out of Scandinavian design (which is fond of mixing black with natural wood), interior designers are using black walls, floors, and stone to make a strong statement. It looks newest and freshest paired with white fixtures and brass touches. This works well for those who love the color but don’t want their entire bathroom to be a single color.

7. Be Bold

Price: Varies
Difficulty: Moderate
Style: Varies

On the flip side of the sleek black trend of 2025, you’ll also find maximalist color and design. Adding a splash of color to your bathroom is one way to up the wow factor. Dare to go all pink — from a dusty rose floor tile to a blush-dominant floral wallpaper. Or mix mega-patterned wallpaper with towels in bright, saturated colors. Or cover the walls with framed prints and drop a sink into a reclaimed antique chest so it becomes your vanity. This will add loads of signature style to the space.

8. Go High-Tech

Price: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
Style: Contemporary

As home technology continues to advance, so do homeowners’ desires to operate everything via apps and devices. Many homeowners opt for wall-mounted digital interfaces that operate everything from the shower heads to stereo speakers. Adding heated flooring and high-tech bidets are also among the top bathroom ideas 2025.

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How To Budget for Your Bathroom Reno

According to the home improvement site Angi, the average bathroom remodel in 2025 costs $12,119. If you are, say, gutting your space, moving plumbing lines, and buying new, high-end fixes, the amount could be considerably more.

As you might guess, budgeting wisely is a key part of your bathroom update (and any remodeling project, for that matter). When researching materials, start with what you know you need: tile, faucet, paint, etc. For things like tile and paint, plan on purchasing 20% more than your square footage requires. It’s always better to have a little too much in case of installation errors vs. too little. Then consult DIY sites to make sure you include all the necessary incidentals to complete the project. For a DIY tiling project, for example, you’ll need grout, a grout float, thinset, sealant, drop cloths, etc.

The most expensive part of a bathroom reno can be a combination of materials and labor. Angi’s latest data indicated that cabinets and shelving can account for 25% of a budget; the shower and tub 22%; and the contractor 13%. However, full bathroom updates typically require a number of specialists, such as plumbers, electricians, and tile installers. That can mean labor costs wind up being 40% or more of your budget. Even for smaller updates, a general contractor can cost $50-$150 an hour.

Keep Resale Value in Mind

The good news is that bathroom updates do increase your home’s value — but there are limits. Typical updates recoup about 70% of their cost, according to Angi as of 2025.

The upshot: You’ll enjoy a better bang for your buck by keeping updates modest and avoiding anything too trendy or unique (ahem, red bathtub).

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Consider Your Financing Options

Before you commit to any of these bathroom remodel ideas, you’ll need to figure out how you’re going to finance your home improvement project. A personal loan, credit card, savings, or home equity loan are all ways you might finance your bathroom remodel. No matter how you pay for your bathroom upgrades, it’s wise to weigh your options and compare terms, conditions, and interest rates upfront.

One of the most flexible ways to finance a bathroom remodel is with a home improvement loan, which is a kind of personal loan designed to help finance this kind of project. It offers a lump sum of cash that is then repaid with interest in installments, typically over a term of two to seven years. These loans usually offer more favorable rates than credit cards.

The Takeaway

Taking advantage of bathroom trends for 2025 can give your home a style refresh, make it function better, and improve its resale value. Current directions for bathroom design include everything from retro Art Deco lines to maximalist patterns, and from high-tech fixtures to glossy black accents. Whichever way your tastes lean, make sure you have the budget to do things right. A home improvement loan, which is a kind of personal loan, could be a better choice than relying on credit cards, since it typically offers a lower interest rate.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

What color faucets are in?

When it comes to faucets, currently matte black and chrome are popular. But if you prefer, say, brushed bronze or polished brass, go for it. It’s your home, and you want faucets that will make you happy as you use them daily.

What is the trend in bathrooms 2025?

There are several bathroom designs currently. Some are about installing high-tech fixtures with spa-worthy functions; others are about using bold colors and patterns to enliven the space or adding Art Deco style for drama. There’s not one single look but rather options to suit every sense of style and performance goals.

How much does the typical bathroom remodel cost?

According to the home improvement site Angi, the average bathroom remodel costs around $12,000 in 2025. That said, there’s a huge range of prices possible. If you are just repainting or adding a bit of wallpaper, the price tag would be much lower. If you are doing a major overhaul with top-of-the-line fixtures and materials and a lot of work is needed by plumbers and electricians, your tab will be much higher.

Photo credit: iStock/LeoPatrizi

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.