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Of all the details that come across your plate when you’re buying a home, one of the questions you might be asking is, “How does buying a house affect taxes?” The short answer? Buying a home could reduce your overall tax liability if you itemize deductions and pay a large amount of mortgage interest.

There are other conditions that need to be met, and it is possible that the amount of taxes you owe will stay the same. Of course, it’s always best to consult with a tax advisor for your individual situation.

To give you a general idea about how buying a home in 2023 affects taxes, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how tax breaks work, what you can deduct, what you can’t deduct and whether or not it will make sense to itemize deductions.

Does Buying a House Help With Taxes?

It’s possible that buying a house can help with taxes — but only for tax filers who itemize their deductions. In 2020, the most recent year with data available, more than 87% of Americans took the standard deduction rather than itemizing. This signals that it may be unlikely you’ll have enough deductions for itemizing to make sense. Of course, if it can reduce your taxes, it’s worth looking into.

You might also be wondering, “How does buying a house in cash affect taxes?” If you don’t have a mortgage, you’re not paying interest, so you’re not able to take the home mortgage interest deduction. But you’re still able to deduct property taxes if you itemize. Remember to consider this even if your property taxes are part of your mortgage payments.

How Do Homeowner Tax Breaks Work?

Tax breaks start as programs passed into law and funded by the U.S. Congress. However, it is up to individual homeowners to find and file the correct paperwork to take advantage of these tax breaks.

Tax breaks come to homeowners as either tax credits or tax deductions.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Programs

The Difference Between Tax Deductions and Tax Credits

The difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit is where it lies on IRS form 1040 and how much it reduces your final tax bill or refund. This will make more sense after we explain each.

Deductions On IRS Form 1040, deductions are compiled before being subtracted from your income. This is done before tax is calculated, so having deductions can reduce the overall amount of tax you owe. But because a deduction comes before tax is calculated, the reduction in tax liability is generally less than if the amount of tax owed was directly reduced by a credit (though this depends on the amount of each).

Credits Credits are subtracted from the amount of tax you owe. If you don’t owe tax but are instead receiving a tax refund, credits can increase the amount of money coming your way from the IRS. Generally speaking, credits put more money back in your pocket. You may have heard about a first-time homebuyer tax credit. A bill was introduced in 2021 that would have provided for this benefit, but as of June 2023 it had not passed into law.

Deductions are more common; however, with the revamp of the tax code in 2017 with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the standard deduction was increased substantially and fewer people find the need to itemize. Nevertheless, it’s probably a good idea to add “keep track of possible tax deductions” to your list of New Year’s financial resolutions.

What Are the Standard Deduction Amounts for 2023?

It’s important to know the standard deduction amounts so you know if taking the home mortgage loan interest deduction will make financial sense for you.

•   For single filers: $13,850

•   For head of household: $20,800

•   For married people filing jointly: $27,700

If the amount of mortgage interest you pay is far below the threshold for choosing the standard deduction, you may not be able to find enough deductions for itemizing to make sense. The increased standard deduction in 2017 made this especially true, but there are certain scenarios where you should still itemize deductions.

Recommended: What Is a Gift Tax Return and When Is It Due?

Who Should Itemize Deductions

You should itemize deductions if the amount of your deductions is more than the standard deduction. If you have any of the following situations, you may have enough qualified deductions for itemizing to make sense.

•   If you have large medical or dental expenses that are not paid for by an insurance company

•   If you paid a large amount of interest on your mortgage

•   If you donated large sums to charity

•   If you can claim a disaster or theft loss

•   If you cannot take the standard deduction

•   If you can qualify for large amounts of the “other itemized deductions” found on the IRS forms

It’s hard to say if your individual situation will make sense for itemizing deductions. It may be worth it to consult with a tax professional.

Which Home Expenses Are Tax Deductible?

When you’re looking for home expenses that are tax-deductible, the IRS defines it very narrowly. The costs that are deductible include:

•   State and local real estate property taxes up to $10,000

•   Home equity loan interest if you used the funds from a home equity loan on your property

•   Mortgage interest deduction up to defined limits:

◦   For loans taken out after December 15, 2017: You can deduct home mortgage interest on the first $750,000 of debt (for married couples filing jointly) or the first $375,000 of debt for a married person filing separately.

◦   For loans taken out prior to December 15, 2017: You can deduct home mortgage interest on the first $1,000,000 of debt (for married couples filing jointly) or the first $500,000 for separate filers.

Which Home Expenses Are Not Tax Deductible?

Most home expenses, unfortunately, are not tax deductible. These include things to budget for after buying a home. The IRS specifically outlines these living expenses that cannot be claimed as a deduction:

•   Utility expenses, like gas, water, electricity, garbage, sewer, internet, etc.

•   Home repairs

•   Insurance

•   Homeowners association or condo fees

•   Cost of domestic help

•   Down payment and earnest money

•   Closing costs

•   Depreciation

Potential tax deductions are one thing to factor into your financial considerations as you think about whether you are ready to buy a home, but they certainly aren’t what should be driving your decision to make a purchase.

The Takeaway

It is possible for the amount of tax you owe to be lower after you become a homeowner — but only with certain conditions met. You’ll want to do the math and compare what your taxes will look like when you itemize deductions vs. when you take the standard deduction. That will be the best way to tell how buying a house will affect your taxes.

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 is the tax break for buying a house in 2023?

If you itemize deductions on your federal return, you can claim a deduction for your mortgage interest paid on a home bought in 2023, along with state and local taxes paid in 2023.

Will my tax return be higher if I bought a house?

While there are a lot of factors that go into a tax return, generally speaking, if the deductions that come from homeownership reduce your tax liability compared to previous years while all other factors remain the same, then you should owe less (or even get money back).

What are the major tax changes for 2023?

For tax years 2022 and beyond, you can no longer claim mortgage insurance premiums as a deduction. Beyond the tax deductions that come with homeownership, major changes to taxes for 2023 include reduced amounts to the child tax credit, earned income tax credit, and the child and dependent care credit.

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Photo credit: iStock/marchmeena29

*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 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.

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.

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For most Americans, mortgages are a necessary part of life. Without them, we couldn’t afford the homes where we start a life and perhaps a family. To pay for that cost, you likely need a mortgage.

However, the cost of a mortgage goes well beyond the amount of the loan. There are both upfront and ongoing costs that will be a factor in the cost of the mortgage. In this article, we will look closer at a $400,000 mortgage and what the monthly cost might look like.

Total Cost of a $400K Mortgage

To determine the total cost of a $400,000 mortgage, we must consider more than just the $400K price tag. Upfront and ongoing costs are involved, which are factors in what you ultimately pay.

💡 Quick Tip: SoFi’s Lock and Look ⁺ feature allows you to lock in a low mortgage financing rate for up to 90 days while you search for the perfect place to call home.

Upfront Costs

There are several upfront costs related to your mortgage. Common upfront costs include:

•   Closing costs: From mortgage origination fees and application fees to home inspection and appraisal, you must pay closing costs upfront. These are generally equal to 3% to 6% of the home principal amount.

•   Down payment: Different mortgage types have different down payment requirements. However, depending on the mortgage type, you might be able to put as little as 3% down. First-time homebuyers can sometimes put less down.

•   Property taxes: You may have to pay at least some money toward property taxes at the outset. For example, you might be required to pay six months’ property taxes.

Long-Term Costs

Long-term costs will likely be the largest cost associated with your home purchase. Here are some long-term costs to consider:

•   Mortgage payments: This is the monthly payment against the loan that financed the home purchase.

•   Home maintenance: Homeowners often do work on their homes, from the purely aesthetic to the absolutely necessary. However, these projects can be costly.

•   Property taxes: In most states, you must pay property taxes to your state or municipality. Property taxes can run into the thousands per year.

•   Homeowners insurance: Homeowners insurance isn’t a huge expense, relatively speaking. But the average cost of Progressive’s homeowners policy is between $83 and $138 per month.

Estimated Monthly Payments on a $400K Mortgage

The monthly payment on a $400K mortgage won’t always be the same. Certain factors like the down payment, annual percentage rate (APR), and term will affect how much you pay per month.

For instance, suppose you have a fixed 30-year $400K mortgage at 5% APR. In this case, your monthly payment would be $2,147. If you have a fixed 15-year $400K mortgage at 4.5% APR, your monthly cost would be $3,059. Keep in mind that these estimates don’t include escrow costs. There are also different types of mortgages, such as fixed and adjustable-rate. Your loan repayment may vary significantly depending on the type.

Monthly Payment Breakdown by APR and Term

Certain factors affect how much you pay per month on your mortgage. The biggest factors are typically your APR and mortgage term. Generally, a higher APR increases your monthly payment, as does a shorter repayment term. Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payment. Here are a few examples of how these calculations may vary depending on the APR and term:

Interest rate	15-year term	30-year term
3%	$2,762	$1,686
3.5%	$2,859	$1,796
4%	$2,958	$1,909
4.5%	$3,059	$2,026
5%	$3,163	$2,147
5.5%	$3,268	$2,271
6%	$3,375	$2,398
6.5%	$3,484	$2,528

How Much Interest Is Accrued on a $400K Mortgage?

As mentioned, the interest accrued on a $400,000 mortgage depends on several factors. However, the most important are the mortgage term and the APR. Generally, a shorter repayment term will result in higher monthly payments but less interest overall. For example, when comparing a 15-year vs. 30-year mortgage, we see that the 15-year mortgage results in less interest, despite higher monthly payments.

Fifteen-year mortgages often have lower APRs than 30-year mortgages as well. A lower APR also means you pay less interest. However, 15-year mortgages typically have much higher monthly payments than 30-year mortgages.


💡 Quick Tip: Generally, the lower your debt-to-income ratio, the better loan terms you’ll be offered. One way to improve your ratio is to increase your income (hello, side hustle!). Another way is to consolidate your debt and lower your monthly debt payments.

$400K Mortgage Amortization Breakdown

Once approved for a fixed-rate mortgage, you typically pay the same amount each month. However, most of the money you pay will go toward interest in the first few years. Eventually, you can expect to pay more toward the principal than interest. For instance, here is an example of a 30-year $400,000 mortgage with a 6% APR:

Year	Beginning balance	Interest paid	Principal paid	Principal paid
1	$400,000.00	$23,866.38	$4,912.05	$395,087.95
2	$395,087.95	$23,563.41	$5,215.01	$389,872.94
3	$389,872.94	$23,241.76	$5,536.66	$384,336.28
4	$384,336.28	$22,900.27	$5,878.15	$378,458.13
5	$378,458.13	$22,537.72	$6,240.70	$372,217.43
6	$372,217.43	$22,152.81	$6,625.62	$365,591.81
7	$365,591.81	$21,744.16	$7,034.27	$358,557.54
8	$358,557.54	$21,310.30	$7,468.13	$351,089.42
9	$351,089.42	$20,849.68	$7,928.74	$343,160.67
10	$343,160.67	$20,360.65	$8,417.77	$334,742.90
11	$334,742.90	$19,841.46	$8,936.96	$325,805.94
12	$325,805.94	$19,290.25	$9,488.17	$316,317.76
13	$316,317.76	$18,705.04	$10,073.38	$306,244.38
14	$306,244.38	$18,083.74	$10,694.69	$295,549.69
15	$295,549.69	$17,424.11	$11,354.31	$284,195.38
16	$284,195.38	$16,723.80	$12,054.62	$272,140.76
17	$272,140.76	$15,980.30	$12,798.13	$259,342.63
18	$259,342.63	$15,190.94	$13,587.49	$245,755.14
19	$245,755.14	$14,352.89	$14,425.53	$231,329.61
20	$231,329.61	$13,463.16	$15,315.27	$216,014.34
21	$216,014.34	$12,518.55	$16,259.88	$199,754.47
22	$199,754.47	$11,515.67	$17,262.75	$182,491.71
23	$182,491.71	$10,450.94	$18,327.48	$164,164.23
24	$164,164.23	$9,320.54	$19,457.88	$144,706.35
25	$144,706.35	$8,120.42	$20,658.00	$124,048.35
26	$124,048.35	$6,846.28	$21,932.14	$102,116.21
27	$102,116.21	$5,493.56	$23,284.87	$78,831.34
28	$78,831.34	$4,057.40	$24,721.03	$54,110.31
29	$54,110.31	$2,532.66	$26,245.77	$27,864.55
30	$27,864.55	$913.88	$27,864.55	$0.00

What Is Required to Get a $400K Mortgage?

Getting a $400K mortgage usually requires sufficient income and a large enough down payment. The average down payment is 13%. If your income is on the low end, you might be able to make up for it with a larger down payment. Likewise, having a higher income may help if your down payment is small.

It may help to use a housing affordability calculator. This will give you a rough estimate of what you can afford based on your income, monthly expenses, and your down payment.

Your credit score can also be important when applying for a $400K mortgage. Credit scores help lenders determine how likely you are to repay your debts. Thus, a higher credit score can increase your approval odds. There is no definite rule, but a credit score of at least 620 can help when applying for a conventional loan. If you want to learn more about this process, there are mortgage resources that can help.

The Takeaway

Buying a home is the largest purchase most Americans make in their lifetime. Many costs come with buying a home, including upfront costs like a down payment and ongoing costs like monthly mortgage payments. Your mortgage payment is likely to be the largest monthly expense you have, and it can vary widely depending on the APR and mortgage term. On a $400,000 mortgage, the monthly payment could range from $1,600 to $2,600, as you can see above.

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

How much house can I afford on a $120,000 salary?

How much house you can afford depends on several factors, and salary is just one of them. You must also consider your mortgage interest rate, down payment, and other debts. If you have $40,000 for a down payment, spend $3,500 per month (not including rent), and your APR is 4.5%, you can afford a home up to about $400,000.

How do you calculate monthly mortgage payments?

To calculate monthly mortgage payments, you must know the loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. The easiest way to calculate your payment is to plug these numbers into an online mortgage calculator.

What is the average total monthly mortgage payment?

The national median monthly mortgage payment in the United States is $1,964 as of February 2023, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

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Photo credit: iStock/MihailDechev

*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.

⁺Lock and Look program: Terms and conditions apply. Applies to conventional purchase loans only. Rate will lock for 91 calendar days at the time of preapproval. An executed purchase contract is required within 60 days of your initial rate lock. If current market pricing improves by 0.25 percentage points or more from the original locked rate, you may request your loan officer to review your loan application to determine if you qualify for a one-time float down. SoFi reserves the right to change or terminate this offer at any time with or without notice to 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.

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

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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If you’re planning to buy a higher-priced home, you may be looking to finance your purchase with a jumbo loan. And you’re probably also wondering about the difference between a jumbo and a conventional loan.

A jumbo loan is necessary to purchase a home where the loan amount is above the conforming loan limit values set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Conforming loan limits change every year. For 2023, the limit for a single-unit property is $726,200 for most counties across the U.S. In high-cost areas, this amount increases to $1,089,300.

If you’re buying a home below this amount, you can finance with a traditional, conventional, conforming mortgage, or perhaps through one of several first-time home buyer programs. But if you need a mortgage that goes above the conforming loan limit, you’re going to be looking at a jumbo loan, so it’s time to get familiar with how to qualify and how the costs compare to other loans.

Recommended: The Cost of Living by State

What’s the Difference Between Jumbo and Conventional Loans?

Here’s a surprise: There isn’t really a difference between a jumbo and a conventional loan. Jumbo loans are conventional. “Conventional” simply means that a loan isn’t backed by a specific government agency such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Many people get tangled up in the terminology. While jumbo loans are conventional, they are not “conforming.” Though the terms conventional and conforming are often used interchangeably (and mistakenly), a conforming loan is one that falls within the FHFA limits, meaning the lender can sell it to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to increase its liquidity. (Again, in 2023, the amount is $726,200 for most areas in the U.S., but can go up to $1,089,300 for high cost of living areas. If you’re wondering about your specific region, have a look at the conforming loan levels by state.)

💡 Quick Tip: One answer to rising house prices is a jumbo loan. Apply for a jumbo loan online with SoFi, and you could finance up to $2.5 million with as little as 10% down. Get preapproved and you’ll be prepared to compete in a hot market.

A jumbo loan exceeds these limits and is, thus, non-conforming. So when you’re comparing jumbo loans against other loans, you’re really comparing non-conforming loans against conforming loans. Other differences that affect borrowers are summarized in the table below:

	Conforming Loan	Jumbo Non-conforming Loan
Loan amount	Below $726,200 for most areas, $1,089,300 for high-cost areas	Above $726,200 for most areas, above $1,089,300 for high-cost areas
Loan type	Fixed or variable rate	Fixed or variable rate
Down payment	Can be as low as 3%	Usually 10% or more
Credit score	660+	700+
Income requirements	Lower income requirements	Higher income requirements. For example, a payment on a $726,200 mortgage at 6.7% interest would be $4,969. In order for your payment to not exceed 28% of your monthly income (the margin of safety, you would need to make $17,746 per month or $212,952 per year.
Cash reserves or assets	Not required	6 to 12 months may be needed
How the loan is backed	Backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac	Not backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac

How to Qualify for a Jumbo Loan

Requirements for jumbo loans are more stringent than those for other types of loans. Because these types of mortgages can’t be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the lender takes on more risk should the borrower default.

These requirements include:

•   Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. You need plenty of income to qualify for a jumbo loan. Qualified mortgages require a DTI of 43% or lower.

•   High credit score. Lenders want to be sure you’ll repay the loan, especially since it’s a much larger amount. A credit score of 700 or above is recommended.

•   Assets. Lenders look for cash that can be used to pay the mortgage. To be safe, you may want to put aside enough money to cover the mortgage for 6 to 12 months.

What to Know About Jumbo Loan Mortgage Rates

Prospective jumbo loan borrowers often wonder, “Are jumbo loan rates higher than other loans?” Jumbo conventional loans don’t automatically have higher interest rates and can be competitive with conforming conventional loan interest rates. They fluctuate with market conditions. Sometimes, they’re even lower than conventional loan interest rates.

You may be able to check your jumbo loan rate with your lender before submitting a full application.

Jumbo Loan Closing Costs

With a larger loan amount, you can also expect jumbo loan closing costs to be higher. While many closing costs are fixed, there are others that are larger due to percentage-based compensation closing costs.

Should I Choose a Jumbo Mortgage?

If you have the option to choose between a jumbo loan vs. a conforming loan, (such as when you have enough money to reduce the principal loan amount so that it qualifies as a conforming loan), you’ll want to ask yourself if it’s worth it to put down the extra money to qualify for a conforming conventional loan. There are some specific scenarios where a jumbo loan vs. a conforming loan makes sense.

💡 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.

When to Choose a Jumbo Mortgage

Borrowers who should consider jumbo mortgages:

•   If you’re looking for a luxury home

•   If you’re buying a vacation home

•   If you live in a high-cost area

•   If you have a great credit score

•   If you have a strong DTI ratio

•   If you have plenty of income

When to Choose a Conventional Mortgage

Borrowers who should consider conventional mortgages:

•   If you have moderate income

•   If you’re looking for a moderately priced home

•   If the mortgage amount is below the conforming loan limits

•   If you need a down payment lower than 10%

•   If your cash reserves after your down payment will be limited

If you’re close to the conforming loan limits, you may also want to consider a piggyback mortgage. If you’re able to obtain a piggyback loan, you may be able to buy your home with a conventional, conforming mortgage instead of a jumbo loan.

How it works: A piggyback loan allows you to take a second loan to “piggyback” off the first mortgage with the purpose of lending you enough money to avoid a jumbo mortgage or the PMI that comes with a down payment less than 20%. It’s essentially a second mortgage, and you’ll be making a second payment to cover it.

The Takeaway

When it comes to whether or not to choose a jumbo loan, the decision may be made for you based on the price of the home you want to buy. Mortgages above the conforming loan limit need jumbo loan financing. If you want a conforming, conventional loan, you’ll need to get a mortgage below $726,200 for most areas in the U.S. and $1,089,300 for high cost of living areas.

When you’re ready to take the next step, consider what SoFi Home Loans have to offer. Jumbo loans are offered with competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance, and down payments as low as 10%.

SoFi Mortgage Loans: We make the home loan process smart and simple.

FAQ

Are jumbo rates higher than a conventional mortgage?

Jumbo rates fluctuate with market conditions. They may be on par with rates of loans that fall within the limits for conforming loans set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (so-called conforming loans). Sometimes, they’re even lower.

What is the downside of a jumbo mortgage?

Possible downsides of a jumbo mortgage include requirements for a higher down payment, higher credit score, more cash reserves, and a higher monthly payment because of the higher home price.

Do jumbo loans have PMI?

Private mortgage insurance is not always required on jumbo loans. Whether or not PMI is needed will depend on your lender and the size of your down payment.

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Photo credit: iStock/courtneyk

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

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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Most people aren’t prepared for the wild and sometimes-bumpy ride of negotiating counter offers in real estate, even though the experience is remarkably common.

Home sellers are free to make a counter offer if they’re dissatisfied with a buyer’s initial bid. Usually, that counter offer indicates they’ve accepted the buyer’s offer subject to certain changes, including updates to contingencies, closing date, and sales price.

Counter offers are a fairly standard part of the home-buying process, but the rules of engagement might not seem remotely intuitive at the time. To help understand how counter offers in real estate work, what the typical negotiating steps look like, and how to counter offer on real estate, here’s a little guide you can cram with.

Common Reasons for Counter Offers

From the beginning of the home-buying process, unexpected twists and turns can arise. After sifting through hundreds of listings, attending several showings, and putting an offer in on a dream home (or two, or three), the deal can be far from done.

There are many reasons why it takes time to buy a house, and counter offers can certainly be one of them. Counter offers in real estate can come into play in these scenarios:

A Change in Sales Price

One of the most commonly contested items in the purchase of a house is the sales price. If buyers come in lower than the asking price with their offer, sellers might counter with the original asking price (if they’re unwilling to negotiate) or somewhere between the asking price and the offer.

Recommended: What to Know About Getting Preapproved for a Home Loan

Requesting a Later Closing Date

Sometimes sellers simply need more time to vacate the premises. Whether they have unfinished business or unexpected plans, they may present a counter offer that extends the escrow period to allow them more time to move out.

Increasing the Earnest Money Deposit

In some cases, the seller could up the ante by increasing the earnest, or “good faith,” money deposit the buyer submits with the offer. Earnest money deposits are typically between 1% and 3% of the purchase price, but in a hot market, there’s a chance the seller could ask for more to ensure the buyer is serious about purchasing the property.

💡 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.

The Removal of Certain Contingencies

Contingency clauses are actions or conditions that must be met before a real estate contract becomes binding. If you’re a first-time homebuyer (or even if you aren’t) it’s wise to brush up on these terms. Common contingencies, which most sellers will see as standard in a real estate offer, are:

•   An appraisal contingency to protect buyers if the property is valued lower than the amount they offer.

•   A financing contingency that allows buyers adequate time to get a mortgage or other financing to purchase the property.

•   An inspection contingency that ensures buyers have the right to a thorough inspection of the property within a specified period of time.

Some contingencies, however, are considered less than standard. For example, a home sale contingency grants buyers a set amount of time to sell their existing home so they can finance the new property. Some sellers may find this contingency burdensome, particularly in a hot market, so they could make a counter offer that removes the home sale contingency. They can also counter with a “kick-out clause” that gives a real estate agent the right to keep showing the house while buyers attempt to sell their existing home.

Requesting Repairs

If a home inspection reveals necessary repairs or renovations to the property, the buyer could submit a counter offer to negotiate a lower price or ask the seller to complete the repairs before closing.

Deciding Who Covers Closing Costs

In a buyer’s market, it might be possible to negotiate the house price or some or all of the closing costs to be paid by the seller. These costs include appraisal fees, settlement fees, title policies, recording fees, land surveys, and transfer tax. Many buyers are surprised by how expensive closing costs are, but in particularly hot markets with multiple offers, sellers can counter with a simple “no” to indicate they won’t be covering those costs for the buyer.

How Do Counter Offers Work in Real Estate

While real estate counter offers vary depending on the market, the seller’s unique circumstances, and other standalone factors, there are some fairly standard parameters to the counter offer process:

What’s a ‘Normal’ Number of Counter Offers?

There’s no legal limit to the number of counter offers in real estate transactions. Initial offers, counter offers, and subsequent counter offers could ping pong back and forth for weeks or more.

Knowing the local real estate market trends can be key here. In a buyer’s market with plenty of houses for sale, sellers might want to be cautious about submitting an unnecessary number of counter offers.

Similarly, in a seller’s market where inventory is low and buyer competition is high, buyers might want to limit the number of counter offers they push back at the seller.

Can a Seller Make Simultaneous Counter Offers?

Depending on the state where the real estate transaction takes place, a seller may or may not be able to make counter offers to more than one buyer. That said, most real estate agents advise against multiple simultaneous counter offers, as it could end up in two legally binding contracts for the seller.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Number of counter offers aside, homebuyers can expect a closing to take about 45 days, on average. But how long it takes still varies from buyer to buyer, with factors like whether they’re paying cash, how long it takes them to find an inspector, and if the house appraises at a lower value, affecting the overall timeline.

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How to Counter Offer in Real Estate

To some degree there’s such a thing as real estate counter offer etiquette. Here are a few things to consider when engaging in the counter offer process:

Have a Comprehensive Picture of Costs

For buyers, having an accurate handle on what it will cost to buy the house is essential for negotiating counter offers discerningly.

Closing costs can be one of the most negotiated items between buyers and sellers and add up to as much as 5% of the mortgage amount. Having a firm grasp of how much to expect in closing costs can help guide the counter offer process.

Setting realistic expectations for the monthly housing payment (including the mortgage principal and interest, insurance, maintenance, any homeowners association fees, and other costs) and what they can afford to pay as a lump sum at closing can help shape this picture for the buyer.

A mortgage calculator helps buyers break down the cost of purchasing a home. Understanding the various factors that might affect your home loan costs is important, too.

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Go In With a Strong Offer

A “strong” offer is backed by data that defines what’s happening in the market, and research (with the help of an agent) around what’s considered “fair market value.” Being preapproved for a home loan will make you an attractive candidate from the seller’s point of view.

Coming in at 15% or more under the fair market value is generally considered a “lowball” offer and can start buyers off on the wrong foot. In some cases, sellers might skip right over anything that isn’t considered a strong offer.

Know What Can Be Negotiated

One of the first steps in making a real estate counter offer is knowing what can be negotiated:

•   Possession date. Giving the sellers more time to move out could mean an exchange for a condition the buyer desires. Buyers hoping to move in sooner might make a counter offer requesting an earlier possession date.

•   Personal property. Some of the seller’s personal property like furniture, window treatments, artwork, or gardening tools could be negotiated into the contract in a counter offer.

•   Home warranty. Older houses can come with their own unique sets of systems and appliances, so buyers might make a counter offer asking the sellers to cover the cost of a one- to two-year home warranty ($350 to $600 annually, on average) if unexpected repairs need to be made after move-in.

•   Earnest money deposit. Whether buyers are trying to reduce their risk of something going wrong during closing or strengthen their offer, they can negotiate a lower or higher earnest money deposit with a counter offer.

Be Timely and Responsive

Real estate offers and counter offers often come with a set expiration date, so time is usually of the essence. Forty-eight hours is a standard acceptance window in many real estate markets, but in hot markets offers might expire within 24 hours or less.

Some sellers take this concept to a whole new level, setting stringent requirements around offer acceptance. It’s up to buyers to determine whether or not they’re willing to reply quickly enough to meet the sellers’ time demands or risk losing the deal.

Try Not to Take Things Personally

It might not feel like “all’s fair in buying and selling a home” since it’s one of the biggest financial transactions many will make in their lifetime. But buyers and sellers shouldn’t be surprised if it comes with a little bit of literal give and take.

And while it might seem like a personal affront to have a real estate offer rejected, it’s possible (and even likely) that the seller has multiple offers or was simply able to strike a better deal.

When push comes to shove and purchase comes to close, buying a house is a matter of business, no matter how personal the home-buying journey can feel.

The Takeaway

Real estate offers and counter offers are a common form of business negotiation, and a first step in making a counter offer is knowing what can be negotiated. Being cognizant of counter offer etiquette can be helpful.

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FAQ

How do you handle counter offers in real estate?

Counter offers are an expected part of the negotiation process so approach any counter offer calmly. Know your goal for the overall cost of your home purchase or sale, and what levers you can pull to get there (lower/higher price? Change in contingencies or closing timeline?). Come back with your strongest counter offer but always be prepared to walk away.

What are the steps in a counter offer?

Understand the complete picture of costs in the transaction. Go in with your strongest counter offer, in a timely fashion, and don’t take it personally if you don’t get 100 percent of what you want from the deal.

What is the general rule of counter offers?

The number one rule of counter offers, whether you’re buying or selling, is to know what total price you can ultimately afford. Keep calm and negotiate on, but don’t get emotionally involved — you may need to walk away at any time.

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*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.
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