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How does subleasing work? Whether you’re a current tenant thinking about subleasing your apartment or a prospective renter looking at a possible subtenant situation, you might be wondering if it makes sense to sublease an apartment.

Subleasing is like renting from another renter instead of the landlord. The rights of the original lease between the owner and the original tenant are transferred to the subtenant, yet the original tenant is still responsible for fulfilling contractual obligations of the lease. If the subtenant doesn’t pay, for example, the original tenant will likely still need to pay the landlord rent. (Note that subleasing is different from subletting, in which you let a new tenant take over your current lease and have a direct relationship with your landlord.)

Subleasing may be worth considering when a tenant needs to move out before their lease expires. It’s also common when a tenant needs to leave for a short time and wants to return to the apartment later.

What Is Subleasing?

Subleasing is a legal way for a tenant to rent out their property to another tenant (also called a subtenant). The original tenant remains on the lease and is expected to fulfill the obligations of that lease. They may be responsible for damages caused by the subtenant, for example, or their missed rent payments.

There are a number of scenarios where subleasing might make sense, such as when a tenant wants to rent out extra rooms or when the original tenant needs to leave the area for a new employment opportunity. Breaking leases can be quite costly, so if the landlord allows for a unit to be subleased, finding a subtenant can ease the financial burden on the original tenant. Likewise, if a tenant is able to rent out extra rooms, they can factor that into the money they have available to spend on rent and may be better able to afford the apartment.

How Does a Sublease Work?

A sublease only works if it is allowed by the landlord. Basically, a sublease creates a new landlord-tenant relationship between the original tenant and the subtenant instead of between the landlord and the subtenant.

The new tenant pays the original tenant and the original tenant pays the landlord. The subtenant must fulfill contractual obligations to the original tenant (who acts as landlord) while the original tenant must abide by the lease agreement made with the landlord.

Recommended: How Much Rent Can I Afford on $60K a Year?

When to Consider Subleasing

When canceling/breaking your lease is incredibly expensive, you’re probably looking at what it takes to sublease your apartment or home. Certain situations may make more sense than others when it comes to subleasing.

•   You are temporarily moving to a different location for work and would like to return to your apartment.

•   You have an opportunity to study or work abroad for a semester.

•   You bought a home and have a home mortgage loan to pay for and may need a subtenant to finish your lease for you.

•   You’re moving for a job opportunity and need a subtenant to finish your lease for you.

•   Your family has increased in size and you need a bigger apartment.

•   A personal situation, such as a sudden need to care for an elderly or disabled family member, makes it necessary to move.

Keep in mind that landlords may not allow subleasing. It’s usually specified in the original rental agreement if subleasing isn’t allowed. If your contract does not forbid it, you’re likely able to sublease your apartment.


💡 Quick Tip: When house hunting, don’t forget to lock in your home mortgage loan rate so there are no surprises if your offer is accepted.

Pros and Cons of Subleasing

Subleasing has some pros and cons to consider.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Programs and Loans

Example of Subleasing an Apartment

Here’s an example of how subleasing an apartment works: Let’s say you take a hard look at whether you should buy or rent, based on your budget, and you decide to buy or build a house. You find your dream home more quickly than you expected. Paying for both rent and a mortgage is costly, so you want to find a subtenant to take your spot at the apartment.

You check your lease and there’s nothing in there that disallows it. You advertise, people call you, you meet, and you eventually find someone you think would be good. You get them to fill out an application and check their income, credit, and background.

Once everything looks good, you have them sign a sublease agreement with you. You move out of the apartment and into your new home. They move in, they pay you, and you pay the landlord. Once your lease is up, assuming you do not renew it, the subtenant will need to work out a new lease with the landlord if they want to stay in the rental.

How to Sublease Your Apartment

When it comes to the nitty-gritty details, the process looks something like this:

1. Find a subtenant. Since you’re assuming the role of landlord, you’ll want to advertise and vet the subtenant fully. A landlord will often complete a background check, credit check, and income verification on a potential tenant — you should do the same with your subtenant.
2. Sign a sublease. Creating a sublease that protects you is key. You’re still responsible for the lease agreement you signed with the landlord, so you’ll need to be as specific as possible about what the situation and rights of the sublease entail.
3. Collect rent from the subtenant. Now that you have a subtenant, you’ll need to collect rent from them and pay your landlord. You’re still responsible for filling the terms of your original lease, after all.
4. Continue paying rent to the landlord as per the original lease agreement. As the primary tenant, you’re responsible for rent to the landlord. If your subtenant doesn’t pay it, you may need to figure out a way to pay the landlord so you’re not in breach of your contract.
5. When your lease and contract ends, the subtenancy will end. The subtenant will no longer have any rights once your lease ends. In apartment complexes, it’s common for the subtenant to apply for a new lease with the landlord and become the tenant.

Recommended: How to Rent an Apartment with No Credit

Tips to Subleasing an Apartment Your First Time

Subleasing an apartment isn’t easy, but it may be the right choice to allow you to move on. If it’s your first time, you’ll want to keep these things in mind:

•   Make sure subleasing is allowed in your lease agreement. The last thing you want is to breach your contract. That gives your landlord justification for keeping your deposit and pursuing legal action against you. While this sounds extreme, it’s also not outside the realm of possibility.

•   Screen your subtenant carefully. Since you’re acting as landlord, you’ll want to ensure the subtenant is able to pay and maintain the property. Consider running a background check and credit check, and verifying income. Don’t go off your gut — every rookie makes this mistake — but instead, verify the information the prospective tenant gives you. A good subtenant will make your life 100% easier.

•   Get a professional to create a sublease contract. The contract between you and your subtenant should be strong, or you open yourself up to legal and financial trouble. A professional can help. Some items that may need to be included in the sublease are:

◦   Name of the sublessor

◦   Name of the sublessee

◦   Location of the property

◦   Beginning and end dates of the sublease

◦   Rent and deposit amounts

◦   Due date of rent

◦   Terms and conditions of the original lease

◦   The document should be signed by both parties and possibly by the landlord if it is required

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

The Takeaway

Subleasing can help you cover the cost of a lease you need to get out of, but it’s not easy and it’s not without risk. Even if you do a great job finding and screening the new tenant, there’s no guarantee they will pay and keep the property in tip-top shape. But it’s also possible you’ll find a great subtenant and that will help you get to the next stage of your life, whether it’s moving in with your partner or buying your first home.

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 difference between a lease and sublease?

A lease is a legal contract that grants rental rights for a tenant directly with the landlord. A sublease is a contract between the initial tenant and a second tenant.

Is subleasing easier?

With subleasing, you take on the role of landlord with a new tenant while maintaining a contract with your landlord, so it’s not an easy path. You collect rent from the subtenant and pay the landlord. Along with this, you assume the risk of another tenant damaging the property or not paying.

How does subleasing work in California?

In California, you can’t sublease legally without your landlord’s written permission. First, you’ll want to check your lease agreement to make sure subleasing is permitted. Then, if it is allowed, you’ll still need to get written consent from your landlord before subleasing.

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Photo credit: iStock/StockRocket

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

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

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

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 Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

SOHL-Q325-016

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A home title policy — also called title insurance — protects homeowners or lenders (depending on the type of policy) from problems stemming from title defects. Title insurance allows for a secure transfer of ownership from one party to another.

To address top questions surrounding home title policies, we’ve compiled this guide. You’ll learn:

•   What is title insurance for a home?

•   How does it work?

•   What are common title issues?

•   What does the home title policy cover?

•   What are the different types of home title policies?

By the end, you may still not be thrilled to pay this additional cost at closing, but you may understand better what it protects.

What Is a Home Title Policy?

A title policy on a home is an insurance policy that protects against title defects. Title issues aren’t common, but when they occur, the amount of money involved can be massive. Home title policies are required by lenders to protect their investment in your property. That’s right, just like mortgage insurance, it’s not really for you. In fact, these policies are also called lender’s title insurance policies.

Confusingly, you can also buy a home title policy that provides protection for you: This is called an owner’s title insurance policy. If you want to be completely protected as a homebuyer, you need to purchase both.

What could go wrong that necessitates this layer of insurance? If, for example, the seller didn’t have the full right to sell the property because there was another property owner and the title company missed this in its title report, the title company is responsible for the error. The title company could pay for litigation costs or payouts for property owners.

Title issues that could potentially arise include:

•   Existing mortgages

•   Undisclosed heirs that have claims on the property

•   Tax or construction liens

•   Property line disputes

•   Judgments involving the property, such as in the case of a divorce

•   Deeds, wills, or trusts with errors

•   Easements or encroachments that may restrict access and/or devalue the property

•   Notary mistakes

•   Errors in public records

•   Fraud and forgeries

💡 Quick Tip: Thinking of using a mortgage broker? That person will try to help you save money by finding the best loan offers you are eligible for. But if you deal directly with an online mortgage lender, you won’t have to pay a mortgage broker’s commission, which is usually based on the mortgage amount.

How Does a Home Title Policy Work?

There are two parts to a home title policy: a title search and a policy issuance. After real estate purchase contracts are written and the property is in escrow, homeowners select a title company to conduct a title search.

In the title search, the title company looks through public records for defects (or problems, like those listed previously). If the search turns up a mortgage lien issue, judgment, or other issue, it will need to be addressed before ownership can be transferred.

If the title search hasn’t revealed any issues, the title company will issue the policy when the transfer of ownership is recorded. The borrower pays a one-time fee for the home title policy in their closing costs.

Recommended: What Is Escrow?

What Does the Home Title Policy Cover?

The title search helps eliminate risk, but it’s still a possibility that title problems can arise. That’s where the title policy for a home comes in. After the policy has been issued, should any additional items come up, the title company will litigate those issues for the benefit of the lender — but only up to the amount of the loan. As the loan balance decreases, so does the amount of home title insurance coverage.

One important thing to note is the home title policy that you are usually required to get is a lender’s title insurance policy. What this means is the lender is protected against legal claims against the home. The borrower’s claim to the home — their equity — is not protected unless the borrower also purchases an owner’s title policy.

💡 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.

Home Title Policy Requirements

Home title policies aren’t required by a governing body like a city or state — they’re required by the lender. When a borrower seeks funds for a home mortgage loan, the lender has certain requirements that the borrower must meet in order for it to issue that mortgage. One of these is a lender’s home title insurance policy. Borrowers must pay for a home title policy in order to close the loan. Lenders want to make sure the property the borrower selected can legally be bought and sold and their investment is protected.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Pros and Cons of a Home Title Policy

It’s worth summing up the benefits and drawbacks of a home title policy.

Pros	Cons
The title search can reveal title defects before you close on a home.	Lender’s home title policies are required.
Lender’s title insurance can pay for litigation and other costs up to the amount of the mortgage if there is an issue.	They’re expensive.
Owner’s title insurance can protect the homeowner’s equity in the home.	If it’s a lender’s home title policy only, it won’t protect the equity in your home.

When buying a home, you’ll encounter lots of different types of insurance. It’s worth taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the definitions.

Types of Home Title Policies

As noted above, home title policies come in two types: lender’s title insurance and owner’s title insurance.

Lender’s home title policies protect the lender from losses that come from title issues or defects. If title issues arise, the title company will cover losses or litigate for the lender up to the amount of the mortgage.

Owner’s home title policies protect the amount of equity an owner has in the home. If someone has a claim or brings suit against the title of the home, it is possible that an uninsured homeowner could lose the amount of equity they have in their home.

Fees for these policies vary widely by state. But for a typical home valued at around $400,000, you can expect to pay about $3,000 to purchase both types of title insurance and pay for title fees. Fortunately, this is a one-time cost — unlike other types of homeowners insurance you might buy, you won’t have to renew your title insurance every year.

The Takeaway

It’s not exciting to pay for a home title policy, but the expense is more palatable once you understand what it protects. If you purchase both lender’s and owner’s home title policies, you’ll be well protected in the event of an unexpected claim or ownership dispute on your new home.

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

Is it worth shopping around for title insurance?

Title insurance can be costly so it is worth it to shop around. The insurer your lender typically uses might be an affiliate. So there could be a financial benefit to your lender if you use their partner company, but that doesn’t mean there will be a financial benefit to you. Comparison shopping could save you money.

What is the disadvantage of title insurance?

The chief disadvantage of title insurance is its cost, and the fact that it is usually required by a lender. Beyond that, keep in mind that lender’s title insurance only covers the lender in the event of a title problem — it doesn’t protect the equity that you have in the home. For that, you would also need an owner’s title insurance policy.

What is the difference between title and mortgage insurance?

Lender’s title insurance, which is paid for by the borrower, protects the lender in the event that a title dispute arises on the property. Mortgage insurance protects the lender in the event that the borrower defaults on the loan.

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Photo credit: iStock/Wasan Tita

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

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

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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.

SOHL-Q325-014

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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, most of us 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 factor into 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, and they 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 2% to 5% of the home purchase price.

•   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 than repeat buyers.

•   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 about $91 and $279 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 6.50% APR. In this case, your monthly payment would be $2,528. If you have a fixed 15-year $400K mortgage at 6.5% APR, your monthly cost would be $3,484. 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
5.00%	$3,163	$2,147
5.50%	$3,268	$2,271
6.00%	$3,375	$2,398
6.50%	$3,484	$2,528
7.00%	$3,595	$2,661
7.50%	$3,709	$2,797
8.00%	$3,823	$2,935
8.50%	$3,939	$3,076
9.00%	$4,057	$3,218

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 for 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 7.00% APR:

Year	Beginning balance	Interest paid	Principal paid	Principal paid
1	$400,000.00	$27,871.28	$4,063.24	$395,936.76
2	$395,936.76	$27,577.55	$4,356.97	$391,579.79
3	$391,579.79	$27,262.58	$4,671.94	$386,907.85
4	$386,907.85	$26,924.85	$5,009.67	$381,898.18
5	$381,898.18	$26,562.70	$5,371.82	$376,526.36
6	$376,526.36	$26,174.37	$5,760.15	$370,766.21
7	$370,766.21	$25,757.97	$6,176.55	$364,589.66
8	$364,589.66	$25,311.46	$6,623.06	$357,966.60
9	$357,966.60	$24,832.68	$7,101.84	$350,864.76
10	$350,864.76	$24,319.29	$7,615.23	$343,249.53
11	$343,249.53	$23,768.78	$8,165.74	$335,083.80
12	$335,083.80	$23,178.48	$8,756.04	$326,327.76
13	$326,327.76	$22,545.51	$9,389.01	$316,938.75
14	$316,938.75	$21,866.78	$10,067.74	$306,871.01
15	$306,871.01	$21,138.98	$10,795.54	$296,075.46
16	$296,075.46	$20,358.57	$11,575.95	$284,499.51
17	$284,499.51	$19,521.74	$12,412.78	$272,086.73
18	$272,086.73	$18,624.42	$13,310.10	$258,776.63
19	$258,776.63	$17,662.23	$14,272.29	$244,504.35
20	$244,504.35	$16,630.49	$15,304.03	$229,200.31
21	$229,200.31	$15,524.16	$16,410.36	$212,789.95
22	$212,789.95	$14,337.85	$17,596.67	$195,193.28
23	$195,193.28	$13,065.79	$18,868.73	$176,324.55
24	$176,324.55	$11,701.76	$20,232.76	$156,091.79
25	$156,091.79	$10,239.14	$21,695.38	$134,396.41
26	$134,396.41	$8,670.78	$23,263.74	$111,132.66
27	$111,132.66	$6,989.04	$24,945.48	$86,187.18
28	$86,187.18	$5,185.73	$26,748.79	$59,438.39
29	$59,438.39	$3,252.05	$28,682.47	$30,755.92
30	$30,755.92	$1,178.60	$30,755.92	$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 18% (and the median is just 9% for first-time buyers). 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.

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

How Much House Can You Afford Quiz

The Takeaway

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 $2,147 to $4,057, 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 saved $25,000 for a down payment, have an interest rate of 7.12%, and pay $1,225 per month on debt (not including rent), you may be able to afford a home up to about $441,000.

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 $2,211 as of May 2026, 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 conforming, FHA, and VA purchase loans only. Rate will lock for 91 calendar days at the time of pre-approval. 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-criteria for more information.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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

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

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If you’re trying to pay down debt and you own a home, you may be wondering whether it makes sense to use a cash-out refinance to pay off your debt.

There are pros and cons to going this route, and it’s important to understand how the process works to help decide if it’s the right option for you.

Read on to find out how to use a cash-out refinance to pay off debt, the costs involved, the benefits and drawbacks, and other options for repaying debt you owe.

Using a Cash-Out Refi to Pay Off Debt

In early 2025, household debt (not including mortgages) in the U.S. amounted to $5.00 trillion, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. It’s no wonder then that individuals are looking for ways to get out from under the debt they owe.

A cash-out refinance for debt consolidation allows you to use the equity in your home to pay off debt by taking on a new mortgage. The new mortgage pays off your old mortgage and it comes with new terms, including a new interest rate that’s potentially lower and a new length of time to repay the loan. The new mortgage terms may be better than your original mortgage, but it’s also possible they may not be as favorable.

Here’s a quick course in cash-out refinancing 101 and how it works:

Determine How Much Cash You Need

When you’re considering a cash-out refinance to pay off debt, first figure out how much money you’ll need. To do this, add up all the debts you want to pay off. Include things like credit card and personal loan debt and medical bills.

Determine How Much You Can Borrow

The amount you can borrow with a cash-out refinance depends on how much equity you have in your home. Equity is how much your home is worth minus how much you owe on it. Typically, you can borrow up to 80% of your home’s market value.

Here’s an example of how cash-out refinancing works: Let’s say your home is worth $500,000 and you owe $300,000 on your current mortgage. That means your home equity is $200,000. With a cash-out refinance loan, a lender might let you borrow up to 80% of the value of your home (as long as you qualify for that amount), which is $400,000.

You’ll need to use that $400,000 to pay off the $300,000 you owe on your original mortgage and also closing costs. That leaves you with something a bit less than $100,000 in a cash-out refinance for debt consolidation.

Prepare Your Cash-Out Refinance Application

Your cash-out refinance application is much like the mortgage application you filled out when you bought your house. Lenders will look at and evaluate such factors as your:

•   Credit score: Many lenders look for a minimum credit score of 620 for a cash-out refinance

•   Debt-to-income (DTI) Ratio: DTI compares your monthly debts to your gross monthly income. In order to qualify for a cash-out refinance, lenders typically look for a DTI of less than 43%.

•   Home equity: You’ll likely need to retain at least 20% equity in your home after the refinance.

You may need to provide the lender with documents such as bank statements and W-2s.


💡 Quick Tip: Thinking of using a mortgage broker? That person will try to help you save money by finding the best loan offers you are eligible for. But if you deal directly with an online mortgage lender, you won’t have to pay a mortgage broker’s commission, which is usually based on the mortgage amount.

Complete the Closing and Pay Closing Costs

If the cost to refinance a mortgage makes sense for you, and you qualify with a lender, you’ll pay closing costs to cover fees such as credit reports and appraisals. Closing costs may be wrapped into the refinanced loan amount. After you close on the loan you’ll receive your funds.

If You’re Consolidating Debts, Let The Lender Know

It’s possible that your debts may be high enough to preclude you from qualifying for a cash-out refinance. However, if the lender knows you’ll be consolidating debts, it can include those debts in your loan amount for consolidation.

That way you’ll be paying off the debts in one payment with the new interest rate (ideally, a lower one) you received with your cash-out refinance.

Benefits of Cash-Out Refinancing to Pay Off Debt

When you consolidate debts with a cash-out refi, you have just one monthly payment to make. That’s usually more manageable than trying to pay multiple bills all at once.

There are other potential benefits as well.

Consolidating Debts Can Lead to Savings

High-interest debt can be difficult to pay back. Credit card APRs can reach 29.00% or higher, which adds to the amount you need to pay each month. When you consolidate debt with a cash-out refinance, you may save money on interest costs.

Cash-Out Refinancing Can Pay Debts Quickly

When you take out a cash-out refi to tackle the debt you owe, you may be able to pay off certain debts faster than you would have otherwise. You’ll likely be paying less in interest, which could allow you to put more money toward the debt balance.

Impact On Credit Score

Paying off high-interest debts with a cash-out refi could lower your credit utilization rate, which is the amount of credit you’re using. Credit utilization is an important factor in your credit score.

Should You Use a Cash-Out Refinance to Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

Interest rates on credit cards are typically high, and can be more than 29.00%. The interest rate on a mortgage tends to be much lower. If you can get a lower interest rate to repay your debt, a cash-out refinance could be worth it. However, if you choose this method, be careful to avoid overspending and running up credit card debt again. Changing your spending habits can be critical to staying out of debt.

Drawbacks of Using a Cash-Out Refinance to Pay Off Debt

A cash-out refinance also has some significant disadvantages to consider. These include:

Increased Monthly Mortgage Payment

When you take out a bigger loan amount, you may also end up with a higher monthly mortgage payment. You’ll be responsible for paying that higher amount each month.

Turning Unsecured Debt Into Secured Debt

Another factor to consider is that if you can’t pay back everything you borrow with a cash-out refinance, you could be in danger of losing your home. That’s because a mortgage is secured debt, and your home is collateral for the loan. While that’s true with any mortgage, with a cash-out refinance you are likely borrowing even more money since you’re using the extra cash to tackle debt, which means there’s more for you to repay.

Closing Costs

When you refinance a mortgage, including a cash-out refinance, you need to pay closing costs. These costs can be between 2% and 5% of your loan amount, according to Freddie Mac. However, the size of your loan and where you live can affect how much your closing costs may be.

Cash-Out Refinance vs Debt Consolidation

With a cash-out refinance, you take out a new mortgage to repay your old mortgage and also get cash you can use for a variety of purposes, including paying debt. With debt consolidation, you combine all your debts into one loan. A debt consolidation loan is not secured by your home; a cash-out refinance loan is.


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

Alternatives to Cash-Out Refinance Loans

A cash-out refi isn’t your only option for paying off debt. Here are some other methods to consider.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit is secured by the equity in your house. It’s similar to a line of credit, so you borrow just what you need when you need it, and you only pay interest on what you borrow. However, if you don’t pay off a HELOC you may be in danger of foreclosure.

Home Equity Loan

With a home equity loan, you receive a lump sum of money and make regular fixed payments. Interest rates tend to be higher than they are for a cash-out refinance, and you will need to pay closing costs.

Personal Loan

A personal loan is an unsecured loan that you can use for almost any purpose, including debt consolidation. These loans generally come with higher interest rates than a cash-out refinance, HELOC, or home equity loan. They also have a shorter term, which means you’ll need to make higher monthly payments. But that also means the loan will be paid off sooner.

Balance Transfer Credit Card

A balance transfer credit card typically offers a 0% introductory rate for a number of months (up to about 21 months) on debt you transfer from another source, which is usually another credit card. There is a balance transfer fee of around 3%-5%, but you won’t owe interest on the balance you transfer. If you have a lower debt amount that you can pay off in a relatively short amount of time, this option might make sense. However, to qualify for the 0% rate, you’ll typically need a strong credit score.

The Takeaway

If you need to pay off high-interest debt and you have sufficient equity in your home, a cash-out refinance can be an option worth exploring. It can give you a lower interest rate, as long as you qualify, which could help you save money. However, keep in mind that you will need to pay closing costs when refinancing, and the terms of the loan, including the length of the loan, will change.

Turn your home equity into cash with a cash-out refi. Pay down high-interest debt, or increase your home’s value with a remodel. Get your rate in a matter of minutes, without affecting your credit score.*

Our Mortgage Loan Officers are ready to guide you through the cash-out refinance process step by step.

FAQ

Can I use a cash-out refinance to pay off both secured and unsecured debts?

Yes. A cash-out refinance can be used to pay off a variety of debts, including secured debts as well as unsecured debts, like credit cards.

Are there any tax implications of using a cash-out refinance for debt repayment?

If you use a cash-out refinance for debt repayment, you won’t owe taxes on the money you receive from the cash-out refi. That’s because the money is considered a loan that needs to be paid back, and not income. At the same time, per IRS guidelines, you typically can’t deduct the interest on a cash-out refinance if you use the money to pay off debt.

What factors should I consider when deciding whether to use a cash-out refinance for debt repayment?

If you have high-interest credit card debt, and you can get a lower interest rate to repay your debt with a cash-out refinance, it may be worth it for you. But first make sure you can change your spending habits to avoid overspending and running up credit card debt all over again.

Also, consider the fact that your monthly mortgage payment will likely be higher with a cash-out refinance. Can you afford that higher amount? And you’ll also have to pay closing costs. Calculate to be sure that the amount of cash you’ll get from the cash-out refi is sufficiently more than what you’ll spend on closing costs.

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Photo credit: iStock/fizkes

*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.

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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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