Jun

2022

How to Invest in Solar Energy

By Michael Flannelly | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

Solar energy investing focuses on companies or funds focused on some aspect of the solar energy industry. Individuals can invest in the solar energy industry by putting money into companies involved in some part of the solar power supply chain, including manufacturers of solar panels and operators of solar energy facilities. Individuals can also profit from solar energy by installing solar panels on their homes.

Solar energy is one of the most promising renewable energy sources. There are several ways to invest in solar energy for investors interested in supporting an industry that may help reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels and help combat climate change.

What Is Solar Investing?

Solar investing generally refers to investing in companies that produce or sell solar energy products. This can include solar panel manufacturers, installers, or companies operating solar energy facilities. Investors usually invest in solar through traditional products like stocks, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Another common type of solar investing is the installation of solar panels on a home or business. Solar panels can be used to power all or part of a home or business, and the electricity generated can offset the cost of an energy bill. Investors can also use solar panels to generate income by selling their electricity back to a utility company.

💡 Recommended: Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Investing

What Is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is a form of renewable energy that comes from the sun; it is an abundant source of energy that can be used to generate electricity, heat water, and provide other forms of energy for homes, businesses, and communities.

Solar energy is generally generated by solar panels, which are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that convert sunlight into electricity. Solar panels can be installed on an individual’s home or business or arrayed across open spaces that experience strong sunlight.

Though solar panels are common for most consumer and business applications, thermal solar is another type of solar energy. Thermal solar energy utilizes mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight onto receivers that collect the energy and convert it to heat, which can then be used to produce electricity or stored for later use. It is used primarily in large power plants.

Solar energy is considered a clean and sustainable energy source that can help reduce the dependence on fossil fuels to combat climate change. Analysts expect renewable energy sources like solar will make up a more significant portion of all energy generation in the coming decades.

Benefits and Risks of Investing in Solar

The trend of investing in renewable energy sources like solar energy is rising as the public becomes more aware of the environmental and economic benefits. However, before investing in this sector, there are benefits and risks to consider.

Benefits

A benefit of investing in solar is that it provides a renewable energy source that can help reduce your carbon footprint. This can be appealing to investors interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible investing.

Solar energy is also sustainable, especially compared to fossil fuels and traditional energy sources. The amount of oil and coal in the ground is limited, but the sun will likely keep shining for many more years. Investors interested in investments with long-term growth potential may prefer solar energy to other energy stocks.

Additionally, if you install solar panels on your home, it can increase the value of your property.

Risks

A primary risk of solar energy is that it is intermittent, meaning that solar energy is only generated when the sun is shining. Solar energy is only available during daylight, and a cloudy day may interfere with energy production. While this is a problem, technology is advancing so solar energy can be more adequately captured and stored during periods of extreme sunshine.

Another downside to solar energy is that many technologies in the sector require rare earth materials in the production process. The solar industry must compete with other industries for these scarce resources. Because there can be supply and demand issues for these commodities, it can increase costs for solar energy producers.

And though solar energy is a renewable resource, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t create any harm to the environment. The materials used in solar technologies are difficult to dispose of and recycle, which cuts into the sustainability claims of solar energy investments.

💡 Recommended: What Every New Investor Should Know About Risk

4 Ways to Invest in Solar Energy

Investors can invest in solar energy by putting money into the stocks and bonds of companies in the solar energy industry. Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with solar energy or renewable energy-focused strategies are also potential investment vehicles for those interested in adding solar energy to their portfolio.

Regardless of the type of investment vehicle, investors need to remember that many companies and funds are diversified, meaning they may be involved in sectors other than solar energy. For investors that want to invest in purely solar energy companies or funds, it’s essential to do research into potential investments.

Stocks

Investors can put money into various publicly-traded companies involved in some aspect of the solar energy industry. Solar energy companies may include manufacturers of components for solar technologies, installers of solar panels, and firms that operate solar energy facilities.

Some companies involved in the solar energy industry include:

• Enphase Energy (ENPH): This company designs and manufactures technologies that turn sunlight into energy

• SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG): This firm creates products that help photovoltaic systems convert solar energy into power

• First Solar (FSLR): This company is a manufacturer of solar panels and a provider of utility-scale photovoltaic power plants

• Sunrun (RUN): This firm is a leading provider of residential solar panels

• Daqo New Energy (DQ): This company manufactures monocrystalline silicon and polysilicon, primarily for use in solar photovoltaic systems

💡 Recommended: How to Analyze a Stock

Mutual Funds and ETFs

Investors who don’t want to pick individual stocks to invest in can always look to mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that provide exposure to solar energy companies and investments. A growing number of index funds invest in a basket of companies in the solar energy industry. These funds allow investors to diversify their holdings by investing in one security. However, not all solar energy funds follow the same criteria and may focus on different aspects of solar energy. These funds may also have holdings in traditional energy and utility companies that only are partially involved in the solar energy industry.

Bonds

The bonds of corporations involved in solar energy business practices can be a good option for investors interested in fixed-income securities. Green and climate bonds are bonds issued by companies to finance various environmentally-friendly projects and business operations.

Additionally, government bonds used to fund solar energy projects can be an option for fixed-income investors. These bonds may come with tax incentives, making them a more attractive investment than traditional bonds.

💡 Recommended: How to Buy Bonds: A Guide for Beginners

Install Solar Panels

As mentioned above, investors who want to profit from solar energy can purchase solar panels and install them on a home or business. This may be an appealing way to save money on your energy bills, generate income by selling electricity to a utility company and helping reduce your carbon footprint.

💡 Recommended: Solar Panel Financing in 4 Ways

How to Start a Solar Investment Portfolio

If you are ready to start investing and want to build a portfolio of solar energy investments, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Open a brokerage account

You will need to open a brokerage account and deposit money into it. Once your account is funded, you can buy and sell stocks and other securities. SoFi Invest® offers an active investing platform where you can start building your solar energy portfolio.

Step 2: Pick your assets

Decide what type of investment you want, whether in a company’s stock, a solar energy-focused ETF or mutual fund, or bonds.

Step 3: Do your research

It’s important to research the different companies and funds and find a diversified selection that fits your desires and priorities.

Step 4: Invest

Once you’re ready, make your investment and then monitor your portfolio to ensure that the assets in your portfolio have a positive environmental and financial impact.

It is important to remember that you should diversify your portfolio by investing in various asset classes. Diversification may help to reduce your risk and maximize your returns.

The Takeaway

Solar investing has become increasingly popular in recent years as the cost of solar panels has fallen and the technology has become more efficient. Solar panels are now available for a fraction of the cost of traditional electric power, and they are becoming more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity. Investing in the solar energy industry can be a great way to profit from the growth outlook for solar energy. However, it’s necessary to do your homework before investing in any solar company or fund or installing solar panels on your home.

If you’re ready to invest in solar energy stocks and ETFs, SoFi Invest can help. With SoFi Invest’s stock trading platform, investors can trade stocks and ETFs with no commissions for as little as $5.

Get started investing with SoFi Invest

Photo credit: iStock/deepblue4you

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

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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Jun

2022

How to Invest in Wind Energy

By Michael Flannelly | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off

Investing in wind energy involves putting money into companies or funds focused on some aspect of the wind energy industry. Individuals can invest in the wind energy industry directly by investing in companies that operate wind farms or indirectly by putting money into companies that manufacture wind turbines or components.

Wind energy is one of the cornerstones of the renewable energy industry, providing a stable and cost-effective source of electricity generation. As more attention is paid to the effects of climate change and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, more and more investors are turning to wind energy investments.

What Are Wind Energy Investments?

Wind energy investments are financial stakes in companies and projects focused on generating electricity through wind power. Wind turbines, sometimes called windmills, harness this power by collecting the energy created by wind and converting it into electricity.

Wind energy is often divided into two market segments, distributed wind and utility-scale wind.

Distributed Wind Market Segment

The distributed wind market is usually made up of smaller-scale projects, where wind turbines are used to generate electricity for homes, businesses, and even entire communities.

Utility-scale Market Segment

Utility-scale wind energy, in contrast, consists of turbines that generate more than 100 kilowatts of energy. The power generated by utility-scale wind projects is added to the electrical grid. Companies involved in utility-scale wind energy draw the most interest from individual investors.

Utility-scale wind energy projects can be land-based, where a group of wind turbines is grouped in a wind farm on land. Offshore wind farms built off the coast are another type of utility-scale wind energy, taking advantage of powerful ocean winds to generate large amounts of energy.

Individuals can invest in the wind energy industry by putting money into companies involved in some portion of the wind energy industry or, more rarely, by investing in specific wind energy projects.

Increased Popularity

Wind energy investments, and other socially responsible investments, are becoming increasingly popular as the focus on the need for sustainable energy grows. Because they rely on wind power rather than fossil fuels, these investments and projects cut down on emissions and pollution.

Furthermore, wind energy is becoming more acceptable because of declining costs, technological improvements, and government tax incentives. In the United States, wind power was the source of 9.2% of all electricity generation in 2021, up from 2.3% in 2010. By 2050, wind energy may make up 35% of all electricity generation in the US.

3 Ways to Invest in Wind Energy

Investors can invest in wind energy by putting money into the stocks and bonds of companies in the wind energy industry. Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with wind energy or renewable energy-focused strategies are also potential investment vehicles for those interested in adding wind energy to their portfolio.

Regardless of the type of investment, investors need to remember that many companies and funds are diversified, meaning that they may be involved in sectors other than wind energy. For investors that want to invest in purely wind energy companies or funds, it’s essential to do research into potential investments.

💡 Recommended: Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Investing

1. Stocks

Investors can put money into various publicly-traded companies involved in some aspect of the wind energy industry. These companies may include wind farm operators, which own and operate wind turbines to produce energy for customers and end-users, and manufacturers of turbines and other components of wind farms. Some utility companies may also be an option for wind energy investors.

Some companies involved in the wind energy industry include:

• Orsted: The Denmark-based power company is the largest developer of offshore wind power in the world

• Vestas Wind Systems: The Denmark-based company is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of wind turbines

• General Electric (GE): The US-based company installed 53% of all land-based wind turbines in the US in 2020

• NextEra Energy (NEE): The American energy company has 119 wind farms in operation

• Alliant Energy (LNT): The American energy company owns and operates wind farms across Wisconsin and Iowa

💡 Recommended: How to Analyze a Stock

2. Mutual Funds and ETFs

Investors who don’t want to pick individual stocks to invest in can always look to mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that provide exposure to wind energy companies and investments. A growing number of index funds invest in a basket of companies involved in the wind energy industry. These funds allow investors to diversify their holdings by investing in one security. However, not all wind energy funds follow the same criteria and may focus on different aspects of wind energy. These funds may also have holdings in traditional energy and utility companies that only are partially involved in the wind energy industry.

3. Bonds

The bonds of corporations involved in wind energy business practices can be a good option for investors interested in fixed-income securities. Green and climate bonds are bonds issued by companies to finance various environmentally-friendly projects and business operations.

Additionally, government bonds used to fund wind energy projects can be an option for fixed-income investors. These bonds may come with tax incentives, making them a more attractive investment than traditional bonds.

💡 Recommended: How to Buy Bonds: A Guide for Beginners

Benefits and Risks of Investing in Wind Energy

The trend of investing in renewable energy sources like wind energy is rising as the public becomes more aware of the environmental and economic benefits of doing so. However, before investing in this sector, there are benefits and risks to consider.

Benefits

A benefit of investing in wind energy is that it is a renewable resource, so it will never run out as long as the sun shines and the wind blows. Additionally, wind energy is cost-effective. According to some estimates, wind is one of the lowest-priced energy sources. And because the power generated from wind farms is sold at a fixed price over a long period of time, it can provide reliable returns for investors.

Wind power is also a clean energy source, meaning it does not produce emissions that can harm the environment like fossil fuels and power plants. This can be attractive for investors focused on building a portfolio of green investments.

Risks

One primary risk of investing in wind energy is that it is a relatively new technology, so there is little data available on its long-term performance. Wind energy and all renewable energy sources must compete with traditional energy sources like oil, coal, and natural gas. Because of this, the long-term outlook for wind energy investments may change. Wind energy investments may be harder to stomach for investors who are not comfortable with the risk of newer technologies.

Additionally, wind energy projects may get pushback from communities where companies want to operate. Wind turbines cause noise and aesthetic pollution, potentially creating negative public perception.

How to Build a Wind Energy Portfolio

If you are ready to start investing and want to build a portfolio of wind energy investments, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Open a brokerage account

You will need to open a brokerage account and deposit money into it. Once your account is funded, you can buy and sell stocks and other securities. SoFi Invest® offers a stock trading platform where you can start building your wind energy portfolio.

Step 2: Pick your assets

Decide what type of investment you want to make, whether in a company’s stock, a wind energy-focused ETF or mutual fund, or bonds.

Step 3: Do your research

It’s important to research the different companies and funds and find a diversified selection that fits your desires and priorities.

Step 4: Invest

Once you’re ready, make your investment and then monitor your portfolio to ensure that the assets in your portfolio have a positive social and financial impact.

It is important to remember that you should diversify your portfolio by investing in various asset classes. Diversification may help to reduce your risk and maximize your returns.

The Takeaway

Wind energy is a renewable resource that is becoming increasingly popular and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This makes it a potential growth investment for those looking to diversify their portfolios and reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources.

While the outlook for wind energy is promising, investments in wind energy may not always produce positive returns. When considering a wind energy investment, it is important to do your research and understand the risks and rewards involved with this nascent industry.

If you’re ready to invest in wind energy stocks and ETFs, SoFi Invest® can help. With a SoFi Invest investment account, you can trade stocks and ETFs with no commissions.

Get started investing with SoFi Invest

Photo credit: iStock/XtockImages

Jun

2022

The Best Investment Strategies for Each Generation

By Michael Flannelly | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Life & Career | No Comments

The global economy and financial markets have changed dramatically during the past decades. Each generation has faced unique financial circumstances, including a Wall Street boom in the 80s, robust economic growth in the 90s, the Great Recession, and the Covid-19 fallout. So it’s not surprising that different generations could have widely different money habits and views on investing.

That doesn’t even include the differing needs for someone in their 70s and enjoying retirement compared to someone who has just graduated from high school. Given these vastly different experiences and ages, there are various investment strategies best suited for each generation that may help them meet financial goals.

Strategies for Baby Boomers

Baby boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 – are likely finished or almost done paying off their homes and in the middle of or looking toward retirement. That means their financial goals are changing. Baby boomers must learn how to budget their expenses without regular labor income while still planning to spend for travel, health care, and other things.

A 2020 survey by Charles Schwab found that baby boomers had saved $920,400 in retirement savings, and 82% believed their savings will get them “all the way” or “most of the way” to living out their dream retirement.

Still, a 2022 study by Fidelity found the average couple will need $315,000 in medical expenses in retirement, excluding long-term care, representing a potential gap in their savings plan.

Here are some investing strategies baby boomers can use to save for retirement:

Strategy 1: Keep Cash on Hand

It’s crucial to still stash away a few bucks for unexpected expenses, such as health care costs. Health care has continually been one of the largest expenses in retirement. So keep squirreling away a little bit of your remaining income into an emergency fund.

Strategy 2: Stay Invested Until Retirement

Like all age demographics, baby boomers should still live by the idea that they’re in it for the long haul. Get and stay invested in the market via a 401(k), IRA, or other investment account, and do not touch these accounts before retirement age — which is 64 in the U.S., on average.

💡 Recommended: When Can I Retire?

Strategy 3: Continue to Diversify

Baby boomers should continue to diversify their portfolios as they near retirement. However, experts generally recommend shifting your portfolio’s asset allocation at this stage in life, moving toward a conservative investment strategy focused on fixed-income securities and blue-chip stocks.

And once you retire, it doesn’t mean it’s time to pull all your money out of the markets and live with the cash on hand. There are several investment options for retirees, including a portfolio of income-producing assets like bonds and dividend-paying stocks.

💡 Recommended: 5 Investment Tips for Retirees

Strategies for Gen Xers

Meanwhile, Generation X – or those born between 1965 and 1980 – feel much less rosy about their financial future. A 2021 report by Bank of America found that 94% of Gen Xers said they feel stress when thinking about their financial situation

It could have to do with their place in life. Unlike boomers, Gen Xers may still face student debt and mortgage payments. Additionally, this generation faces more hurdles, like child caregiving and employment challenges. With all this financial stress, here are some investing tips for Gen Xers:

Strategy 1: Consider Your Financial Goals

To help build a savings nest egg, many Gen Xers use what is known as managed portfolios of investments, which are personalized and tailored investments made for the specific needs of the individual account holder.

And this targeted approach may be crucial for this middle-of-the-road age demographic as they are finally earning more. However, Gen Xers also need to save for retirement and college for their children and pay off mortgages on their recently purchased homes.

Strategy 2: Get Financial Advice

For Gen Xers, who haven’t done much in terms of investing, it’s never too late to start. Seeking help from financial advisors and other professionals can help you set short-term and long-term financial goals.

Strategy 3: Take on Some Risk

For professionals in their 40s, their money likely has another 20-plus years in the market before retirement. They still have time to make up for any potential losses, so it may not hurt to put a little on the line in exchange for a bigger win down the road. So, Gen Xers can still factor some risk into their portfolio’s asset allocations, including investing more heavily in stocks and other risky securities. However, it’s best never to risk more money than you can afford to lose.

Investment Strategies for Millennials and Gen Z

Millennials – those born between 1981 and 1996 – lived through the severe economic downturn of the Great Recession and faced some of the highest unemployment rates in history. So, it’s no wonder they have felt trepidation toward the market.

Additionally, millennials and Generation Z – those born after 1997 – had to endure the economic and financial turmoil caused by Covid-19. A 2022 study by Fidelity said that 55% of people between 18 and 35 (those belonging to Gen Z and a younger cohort of millennials) put their retirement planning on hold during the pandemic. As a result, 39% of this age group expect to retire later than originally planned.

Here are some investing tips to get millennials and Gen Zers on the path toward saving for the future:

Strategy 1: Start Investing Early

As the youngest set, millennials and Gen Zers have the most to gain by investing early and staying in the game. After all, they will likely have the most time in the market. Because millennials and Gen Zers will have more time to save, they can weather the ups and downs of the markets and take advantage of compound interest.

💡 Recommended: A Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Your 20s

If you are employed, the easiest way to dip your toe in the market is to get involved in your company’s 401(k) savings account as soon as possible. This way, you’ll automatically send a percentage of your paycheck directly into your savings. And if your company has a 401k matching program, you’ll be earning essentially free money.

Strategy 2: Explore Diversification

A great way young people can diversify their portfolios is by investing in the market via mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Mutual funds are portfolios that gather money from investors and then make investments, typically in stocks or bonds. ETFs are similar in that they’re baskets of securities, but ETFs are listed on public markets and can be traded all day.

These are low-cost and diversified ways to invest in a portfolio of stocks and bonds. It’s easy to do this via a robo-advisor that does all the heavy lifting for you.

Strategy 3: Pay Off Debt

Millennials have an average student loan debt of $38,877, while Gen Zers have an average debt of $17,338. The need to pay off this debt contributes to a delay in investing and saving for the future. But it’s still critical to keep on your payments to keep this burden from hanging over your head for too long.

However, just because people of these generations have student loan debt doesn’t mean they can start investing now. A little bit of investing goes a long way, so putting just a little bit in the markets now can pay off in the long run.

The Takeaway

Different generations face different investment challenges, but by and large, important rules to follow include paying off debt as quickly as possible and saving and investing early.

SoFi Invest® is an all-in-one platform for an individual’s investment needs. With SoFi online investing, you can trade company stocks, ETFs, or fractional shares with no commissions for as little as $5. Additionally, those who want help building a portfolio can use SoFi Automated Investing with no SoFi management fee.

Open a SoFi Invest account today.

SoFi Invest®
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE
SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above please visit SoFi.com/legal.
Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOIN0622010

Jun

2022

Deed of Trust vs Mortgage: What Are the Differences You Should Know?

By Kelly Boyer Sagert | Family Finances, Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off

If you finance a home, the lender will have you sign a deed of trust or a mortgage. A mortgage involves you and the lender, but a deed of trust adds a neutral third party that holds title to the real estate.

Many states allow either choice. Thanks to an easier foreclosure process, many lenders prefer a deed of trust to a mortgage.

First, some mortgage basics.

Mortgage Loans 101

A mortgage is a loan that’s used to purchase a piece of real estate. First, the borrower applies for a loan from among the different mortgage types.

Once approved, they sign a mortgage note, promising to pay the lender back over a specified time with agreed-upon terms. The real estate serves as collateral for the loan.

You may hear a mortgage note referred to as a promissory note. In any case, it’s a legally binding document.

Mortgage Transfer

A mortgage transfer takes place when a borrower assigns what is typically an assumable mortgage to another person. Most mortgage loans are non-transferable. That said, in the case of marital separation, divorce, death, or other unusual circumstance, a mortgage transfer is sometimes permitted.

FHA, VA, and USDA loans, insured by the government and issued by private lenders, are assumable if the buyer qualifies.

Mortgage Foreclosure

When a borrower defaults on making mortgage loan payments as agreed upon, the lender may start legal proceedings to take ownership of the property and resell it to recover funds owed to the financial institution.

A mortgage foreclosure can take place when a borrower doesn’t meet other terms of the agreement, but failing to make payments is the most common reason. A variety of mortgage relief programs help borrowers stave off foreclosure.

What Is a Deed of Trust?

Some states incorporate a deed of trust into their home loan process, while financial institutions in other states can choose to do so or not. A deed of trust is an agreement that’s signed at a home’s closing that states how a neutral third party — typically the title company — will hold legal title to the home until the borrower pays the loan off.

Terms to know include the following:

• Trustor: the borrower

• Beneficiary: the financial institution loaning the money

• Trustee: a third party that will legally hold the title until the loan is paid off

Deed of Trust Transfer

If the borrower pays off the mortgage loan, the third-party trustee dissolves the trust involved and transfers the title of the real estate to the borrower.

If the borrower sells the home before the balance owed is paid in full, the trustee takes the sales proceeds and pays the lender what is still owed and gives the borrower/trustor the rest of the money.

Deed of Trust Foreclosure

As with a mortgage, there are clauses in the deed of trust agreement that will trigger foreclosure proceedings. In this case, the trustee will sell the property and distribute the funds appropriately.

Similarities Between a Mortgage and a Deed of Trust

Both a mortgage and a deed of trust are used when someone buys a home and takes out a loan to complete the purchase. Under each structure, the lender has the option to foreclose on the home if terms and conditions agreed upon by the buyer are not met.

In states where either option is allowed, the lender will decide which one to use.

Key Differences Between a Mortgage and a Deed of Trust

Here’s the big one: ease of foreclosure by a private trust company when a deed of trust is in place.

	Mortgage	Deed of Trust
Number of parties	Two: borrower and lender	Three: trustor (borrower), beneficiary (lender), trustee
Transfers	Uncommon	Part of the transaction when loan is paid off
Foreclosure	Typically involves court	Typically handled outside court system, which is usually faster and less costly

How to Determine If You Have a Mortgage or a Deed of Trust

Although deed of trust versus mortgage differences may seem reasonably small, it can make sense to be clear about which one you have. Look at a mortgage statement to find your loan servicer and ask.

A longer route: Mortgages and deeds of trust are publicly filed documents, so you could seek out the local government agency that manages these kinds of records and get a copy.

The Takeaway

Deed of trust vs mortgage? They are the two main systems for securing home loans. One key difference is the presence of a neutral third party in deeds of trust. The trustee holds legal rights over the real estate securing the loan.

It’s easy to get lost in the forest of mortgage matters. The SoFi mortgage help center can lend a hand.

And here are tips on shopping for a mortgage.

When you’re serious about your search, check out the advantages of a SoFi Mortgage and apply for a home mortgage in minutes.

FAQ

Who can be listed on a deed of trust or mortgage?

On a deed of trust, all three parties are listed: the trustor (borrower), beneficiary (lender), and trustee (third party that holds the title until the loan is paid in full). With a mortgage, there is no third party involved.

How are mortgages and deeds of trust recorded in public records?

A deed of trust will be filed and recorded in public records in the county where the house exists. A similar process takes place for mortgage deed recordings. The recorded documents could be located at a county clerk’s office, a public recorder’s office, or an office of public records.

Is your title separate from deed of trust and mortgage?

Yes. A title is a concept rather than a physical document like a deed of trust or a mortgage note, and it refers to a person’s legal ownership of a home or other property. When a property is sold, the title is transferred from the current owner to the buyer.

Does a mortgage involve a trustee like a deed of trust?

No. Deeds of trust require a trustee, but a mortgage does not.

Photo credit: iStock/zimmytws

Jun

2022

Home Loan vs Mortgage: What You Should Know

By Austin Kilham | Family Finances, Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off

You’ll likely hear the terms home loan and mortgage used interchangeably, but home loan covers a variety of mortgages, home refinances, and home equity loans.

This piece will focus on the difference between a typical mortgage, used to buy a home, and home equity loans, which are used to tap the equity you’ve gained.

What Is a Mortgage?

Mortgages are loans used when buying a home or other real estate. When you take out a mortgage, your lender is allowing you to borrow the money you need to buy a home in exchange for charging you interest. You’ll repay the loan and interest in monthly installments.

Mortgages are secured loans, meaning the property is used as collateral. If you fail to make mortgage payments, your lender can foreclose on the home to recoup its money.

In order to take out a mortgage, you’ll typically need to make a down payment equal to a percentage of the purchase price. Your down payment is the portion of the cost of the home that you aren’t financing and provides immediate equity in the property.

Buyers may put down 20% on conventional mortgages to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), but many buyers put down much less. In fact, the median down payment for all homebuyers was 13% in 2021, according to a National Association of Realtors® report. A mortgage calculator can help you determine what effect the size of your down payment will have on your monthly payments.

When shopping for a home, you can seek mortgage pre-approval. After investigating your financial history, your lender will provide you with a letter stating how much money you can likely borrow and at what interest rate.

Types of Mortgages

There are several types of mortgages available. Mortgage insurance, in the form of PMI or mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), may be part of the deal. It’s good to understand PMI vs MIP.

• Conventional mortgages are funded by private lenders like banks and credit unions. They are not backed by a government agency. You’ll typically need to pay PMI if you don’t make a 20% down payment; mortgage insurance is canceled when 22% equity is reached. Conventional conforming loans adhere to lending limits set each year by the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

• Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the lending limits set for conventional loans. So a jumbo loan is a “nonconforming” loan. Conventional lenders issue jumbo loans, and the Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees a VA jumbo loan, possibly with no down payment.

• FHA loans are made by private lenders and guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration. You may qualify to make a down payment of as little as 3.5%. Upfront and annual MIPs are required, usually for the life of the loan.

• USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and help low- to moderate-income households buy property in designated rural and suburban areas. No down payment is required. An upfront and annual guarantee fee are required.

• VA loans are designed for active-duty and veteran military service members and some surviving spouses. VA loans don’t require a minimum down payment in most cases. There’s no MIP; there is a one-time funding fee.

What Is a Home Equity Loan?

A home equity loan is frequently known as a second mortgage. Home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow against the portion of their home they own outright.

As with typical mortgages, home equity loans are secured using the home as collateral.

The amount you’re able to borrow will be determined by a few factors, including your credit history and how much equity you’ve built: the current value of your house less any outstanding debt.

It’s common for lenders to allow you to borrow up to 80% of the equity you’ve established. The loan arrives in a lump sum. You repay the home equity loan with interest over a set period of time. If you miss payments, your lender can foreclose on the house.

The borrower may pay closing costs based on the loan amount.

Another way to tap home equity is with a cash-out refinance, when you take out a new loan to pay off your old one and free up equity.

Similarities Between Home Equity Loan and Mortgage

When you apply for a mortgage as part of the home-buying process, or a home equity loan as a homeowner, lenders will look into your financial history to help them establish terms and the interest rate for the loan. For example, they will examine your credit reports, often awarding more favorable terms and interest rates to those with higher scores.

Mortgages and home equity loans are both secured loans.

Differences Between Home Equity Loan and Mortgage

A mortgage must be used to purchase an intended property. There are fewer limitations on the money received from a home equity loan.

Mortgage interest can be deducted if you itemize your deductions. However, you can only deduct interest on a home equity loan if you use the loan to buy, build, or substantially improve your main or second home. So if you want to buy a boat, that deduction won’t hold water.

When You Should Consider a Mortgage

If you don’t have the cash to buy a home outright, you will have to finance the purchase with a mortgage. However, there are some considerations you may want to take into account. For example, the larger your down payment, the more equity you will have in your home and the smaller your monthly mortgage payments will be.

Because you have more equity in the home, the bank will see you as less risky. As a result, larger down payments also tend to translate into lower interest rates. So, consider putting down as much as you can afford to.

Also, even if you have the cash to pay for a home in full, you may consider a mortgage anyway. You may not want to tie up cash that could be used for other purposes, such as in an emergency. You may be able to invest that money and earn a return that’s higher than the interest rate you’d pay on the loan.

When You Should Consider a Home Loan

Many people choose to take out home equity loans to make home improvements. That can increase the value of your home, putting you ahead if you ever choose to sell.

You may also consider a home equity loan when consolidating other debt, including high-interest credit card debt. The average interest rate for a home equity loan remains significantly lower than the average credit card rate. As a result, it can make financial sense to pay off the more expensive debt with a new, cheaper loan.

Home Loans With SoFi

Home equity loan vs. mortgage? One uses a home as a tool; the other gets a buyer into a home. If you’re looking for a home equity loan, a mortgage, or a refinance, it’s a good idea to compare rates and terms.

Give SoFi’s menu of home loan options a look. SoFi offers fixed-rate mortgages and refinancing at competitive rates, and home equity loans through Spring EQ.

Check your rate with no effect on your credit score.*

FAQ

Is a home loan the same as a mortgage?

Yes. “Home loan” is an umbrella term that covers a wide variety of mortgages, home equity loans, and home refinances.

Why is a home loan called a mortgage?

“Mortgage” comes from the old French mort gage, meaning a death pledge — a morbid origin for the pledge you make to a lender to pay back the money you borrow.

Is a mortgage cheaper than a home loan?

Mortgages are a type of home loan. Your interest rate will depend on the type and size of your loan, your down payment, and your financial history, such as your credit score.

Photo credit: iStock/Brandon Ruckman

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

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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