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When you carry large amounts of debt across different credit cards and loans, it’s easy to feel snowed under. Making the minimum payment on each leaves you paying a lot in interest and doesn’t make it easy to eliminate all that debt.

One debt repayment strategy you might want to consider is the debt snowball. Many find it to be an effective method of paying off outstanding debt, and it may help you get back to healthy financial practices faster.

Let’s look at what a debt snowball strategy looks like, including how to use a debt snowball calculator.

Debt Terms Defined

Before we go into creating a debt reduction plan, let’s make sure you’re up to speed on certain debt terms.

Interest Rate: The interest rate is the percent of the amount you borrow that you pay to the lender in addition to the principal.

Annual Percentage Rate: This is the interest rate charged per year for purchases you make with a credit card, and may include other fees.

Minimum Payment: Loans and credit cards have a minimum amount you must pay each month on the balance, though you certainly can pay more.

Bankruptcy: If you’re unable to pay off your debts, filing bankruptcy may be a last-ditch solution to consider. Essentially, it reduces or eliminates your debts. Know that it will negatively impact your credit for many years. That’s why it’s worth it to come up with a plan for the ultimate debt payoff strategy.


💡 Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.

What Is the Debt Snowball?

Just like an actual snowball, the debt snowball method starts out small. You first tackle the smallest debt balances you have. Once those are paid off, you apply what you were paying on those to the next smallest debts. You continue to pay at least the minimum due on all your debts.

However, by focusing your attention on one debt at a time, you then free up more money to make larger payments on other debts until it’s all gone. Your snowball of debt repayment, so to speak, grows over time.

Benefits of the Snowball Method

The snowball method is one of the fastest ways to pay off debt. And over time, this method will help you have fewer payments as you pay off credit cards and loans and put more money to the remaining debt.

Drawbacks of the Snowball Method

The smallest debts you have may not be the ones with the highest interest. So while you’re paying off the little loans, the debts with higher interest continue to accumulate interest, which adds to your debt.

Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche

If you have larger loans with higher interest, the debt snowball method may not be your best option. You might also explore another popular way to pay off debt: debt payoff strategy, the debt avalanche method.

With the debt avalanche method, you start paying down the loans and credit cards with the highest interest first. By doing so, you reduce the amount of debt you have at those higher interest rates, which slows down the amount of interest that accumulates over time.

Just like with the snowball, you pay off one debt and then put the money you were paying on that debt toward the loan or card with the next highest interest rate until it’s all paid off.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

How Is Debt Snowball Payoff Calculated?

To use the debt snowball payoff method, you’ll need to gather information about all the debt you have. Let’s use the following example:

•   Personal loan 1 balance: $3,000

◦   12% interest

◦   Minimum payment: $100 per month

•   Credit card A balance: $2,000

◦   17% interest

◦   Minimum payment: $25 per month

•   Credit card B balance: $1,000

◦   22% interest

◦   Minimum payment: $30 per month

•   Personal loan 2 balance: $750

◦   8% interest

◦   Minimum payment: $20 per month

Even without a snowball debt payoff calculator, you can reorder these debts so that you focus on the one with the lowest balance first:

•   Personal loan 2: $750

•   Credit card B: $1,000

•   Credit card A: $2,000

•   Personal loan 1: $3,000

Now that you’ve ordered your debts from least to greatest, you can see how, once you pay off the $750 loan, that money can go toward the credit card with the $1,000 balance. Once that’s paid off, you put all that money toward paying off the $2,000 credit card balance, and then finally, to pay off the $3,000 loan.

Debt Snowball Payoff Examples

Let’s look at what the monthly payments for these reordered debts would look like, if you were able to set aside $400 a month toward paying them off.

# Payments	Personal Loan 2 ($750)	Credit Card B ($1,000)	Credit Card A ($2,000)	Personal Loan 1 ($3,000)
1	$245	$30	$25	$100
2	$245	$30	$25	$100
3	$245	$30	$25	$100
4	$25.19	$249.81	$25	$100
5	–	$275	$25	$100
6	–	$275	$25	$100
7	–	–	$300	$100
8	–	–	$300	$100
9	–	–	$300	$100
10	–	–	$300	$100
11	–	–	$300	$100
12	–	–	$300	$100
13	–	–	$300	$100
14			$260.72	$139.28
15	–	–	–	$400
16	–	–	–	$400
17	–	–	–	$400
18	–	–	–	$400
19	–	–	–	$400
20	–	–	–	$400
Total principal & interest	$7,568	Total interest	$829

As the chart shows, what might have taken you years to pay off can be paid off in under two years with the debt snowball method.

One way to keep your finances on track while you’re paying off debt is to create a budget. A money tracker app can help you come up with a spending and saving plan that works for you.

Is a Debt Snowball for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to debt payoff strategies. But to determine whether the debt snowball method is right for you, consider how many different debts you have as well as their interest rates. If your larger debts have higher interest rates, you might consider the avalanche method.

But if your interest rates vary, or the smaller debts have higher interest, you might benefit from paying off those lower amounts first before snowballing those payments into the larger debts.

The Takeaway

If you’re trying to pay off outstanding debt, you have options. The debt snowball method has been proven effective for many people. If nothing else, it’s a way for you to focus your attention on whittling down debt and minimizing how much you pay in interest.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

How long to pay off debt using snowball?

The amount of time it takes to pay off your debt with the snowball method will depend on how much debt you have and how much you can budget to pay it down. However, you may be able to pay off your debt faster with this method.

What is the best way to pay off debt using the snowball method?

The debt snowball method pays off your smallest balances first, then rolls those payments up toward the larger debts until they are all paid off.

What are the 3 biggest strategies for paying down debt?

To pay down or pay off debt, you can consider the debt snowball method (which pays off the smallest balances first), the debt avalanche method (which pays off the balances with the highest interest first), or debt consolidation (which provides a new loan with a single payment and single interest rate).

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Photo credit: iStock/Abu Hanifah

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

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.

SORL1023020

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Is your trip to the grocery more expensive these days? You’re not alone. Food prices have been steadily increasing since 2020 and jumped 3.7% between September 2022 and September 2023, according to the most recent consumer price index report.

One way to deal with rising food prices? Have a plan for how to manage the amount of money you spend on groceries.

Here, we’ll look at the average cost of groceries, provide a grocery budget calculator table to help you manage your food spending, and explore a few ways you can save.

What Is a Grocery Budget?

In order to manage what you spend on food, you have to know how much you can afford. That’s where having a grocery budget comes in handy.

A grocery budget is simply an allotted amount that you can use to buy food for your household. Ideally, you’d spend that amount or less, and anything left over can go toward other living expenses or savings.


💡 Quick Tip: Online tools make tracking your spending a breeze: You can easily set up budgets, then get instant updates on your progress, spot upcoming bills, analyze your spending habits, and more.

Pros and Cons of Grocery Budgets

Grocery shopping on a budget generally means being more mindful about your food purchases, which has a number of benefits.

One of the biggest perks of sticking to a grocery budget is that it helps you avoid overspending. It also ensures you still have money for other expenses.

Plus, having an idea of how much you should spend on food can help cut down on the amount of food that goes to waste.

On the other hand, creating a grocery budget means reigning in impulse buys and being stricter about what ends up in your cart. You may have to spend more time looking for the best prices on food items, and you might even need to visit multiple grocery stores to save money.

Average Cost of Groceries by State

Curious about how your grocery bills stack up against others in the U.S.? Here’s the average monthly cost of groceries in the most populous city in each state, ranked from lowest to highest.

State	City	Monthly Food Costs
Wyoming	Cheyenne	$335.97
Arkansas	Little Rock	$343.15
West Virginia	Charleston	$347.40
Iowa	Des Moines	$351.80
New Hampshire	Manchester	$357.33
Utah	Salt Lake City	$359.65
Virginia	Virginia Beach	$362.00
Arizona	Phoenix	$367.15
Mississippi	Jackson	$367.52
Idaho	Boise	$371.54
Kansas	Wichita	$372.42
Missouri	Kansas City	$377.06
Nevada	Las Vegas	$382.16
Indiana	Indianapolis	$382.62
New Jersey	Newark	$390.89
Michigan	Detroit	$392.16
Ohio	Columbus	$392.59
Oklahoma	Oklahoma City	$401.48
Kentucky	Louisville	$406.95
Montana	Billings	$411.70
Minnesota	Minneapolis	$416.66
Alabama	Huntsville	$420.97
Texas	Houston	$424.71
South Carolina	Charleston	$427.57
Maryland	Baltimore	$429.38
Vermont	Burlington	$434.48
Florida	Jacksonville	$434.98
Nebraska	Omaha	$438.79
New Mexico	Albuquerque	$440.66
Louisiana	New Orleans	$443.34
Pennsylvania	Philadelphia	$444.29
Colorado	Denver	$452.45
California	Los Angeles	$458.71
South Dakota	Sioux Falls	$462.65
Oregon	Portland	$467.77
Tennessee	Nashville	$469.01
Illinois	Chicago	$470.65
North Dakota	Fargo	$474.01
North Carolina	Charlotte	$475.19
Georgia	Atlanta	$477.96
Rhode Island	Providence	$479.81
Alaska	Anchorage	$480.11
Maine	Portland	$486.53
Washington, DC		$486.63
Connecticut	Bridgeport	$497.70
Massachusetts	Boston	$506.63
Washington	Seattle	$512.11
Delaware	Wilmington	$527.51
New York	New York City	$555.11
Hawaii	Honolulu	$638.57

Source: Move.org

Average Cost of Groceries by Age

It’s not just geography that can impact how much you spend on groceries. Your age and budget can also play a role. Let’s look at how spending can differ by age and budget sizes. Note that these figures are suggestions and reflect a grocery bill for two.

Age Group	Low Budget	Moderate Budget	Liberal Budget
19-50	$512.50	51-70	$633.20
51-70	$490.10	$612.20	$740.40
71+	$474.50	$599.80	$731.60

Source: One Main Financial

Average Cost of Groceries by Household Size

Not surprisingly, the size of your household can have a major impact on how much you spend at the grocery store. But it’s worth noting that the more family members you have, the less your budget increases. In other words, you don’t have to double a single person’s budget for two and triple it for three.

Instead, add about 20% to your budget for one extra person, 10% for two extra people, and 5% for three extra people. So if your allocate $400 a month for yourself, you’d increase that to:

•   $480 for two people

•   $576 for three people

•   $605 for four people

This will, of course, vary depending on who’s in your household. Teenagers, as we know, eat a lot!

How to Calculate for a Grocery Budget

Generally, people spend about 12% of their household income on groceries. To get an idea of what you’ve been spending, gather receipts from past grocery shopping trips.

Pay attention to what you’ve bought. How much of it was necessary and how much was an impulse buy? Keep in mind that when you make your new monthly or weekly budget, you’ll likely need to curb some unnecessary spending.


💡 Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.

Grocery Budget Calculator Table

Let’s create a scenario to illustrate what a monthly grocery budget could look like. The example below is for a household of three.

Category	Spending
Fruits and vegetables	$50
Milk, yogurt, ice cream	$30
Meat	$90
Household items (toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo)	$30
Snacks	$40
Dry goods	$40
Frozen foods	$40
Breakfast foods	$30
School lunches	$50
Alcohol	$70
Bread	$20
Discretionary spending (impulse buys)	$50
Total	$800

This budget may be on the high end for a three-person household, depending on its monthly income. If $800 per month is too high for you, you might explore ways to cut down on spending in some of these categories.

Ways to Saving Money on Groceries

One effective way to save money on groceries is to track your spending. Categorize your spending so you can track your budgets and make sure you’re within the margin. A money tracker app or grocery budget calculator app can make the job easier.

It also helps to familiarize yourself with the grocery stores in your area so you know who has the best deal on which items. Check the weekly store flyers, and stock up on good deals. Many things, including meat, can be frozen, so consider buying in bulk.

Having a membership to a store like Costco or Sam’s can also be a smart economical move, especially if you’ve got a large family. Also consider cutting coupons the old-school way or downloading a coupon app.

Always make a game plan before you leave for the store. Look at your list and see which store is offering the best prices on the things you need. Check your coupons and plan to buy items that you can save on.

Finally, here’s a tried-and-true tip that’s very useful: Never go to the store hungry. If you’re shopping on an empty stomach, you’re more likely to buy what you want to eat, rather than what you need.

The Takeaway

If you’re looking to save money on food, consider making a grocery budget. The spending plan can ensure that you only buy what you can afford, and may leave you with extra money to put toward other expenses or financial goals.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.

FAQ

How do you calculate your grocery budget?

Begin by looking at how much on average you’ve been spending at the grocery store. If your current budget can’t accommodate that amount, look for items you can cut out.

What is a realistic budget for groceries?

Many American households spend about 12% of their monthly income on groceries. How much you spend will depend on the size of your household and how strict you want your budget to be.

How much should I budget for groceries for a week?

Once you work out a monthly budget for your groceries based on about 12% of your household income, you can break that amount down by the number of weeks in a month.

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Photo credit: iStock/Candle Photo

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

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.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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.

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.

SORL1023022

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Rent-to-own homes are properties rented by individuals who intend to buy the property at the end of their lease term. Typically, the renter and the property owner sign a rent-to-own agreement that states the agreed selling price and includes an upfront option-to-buy fee.

Both parties can benefit from this type of agreement. The seller continues to receive rental income until the home is sold, and the buyer has time to save for a down payment, build their credit score if necessary, and shop for a mortgage. But there are potential downsides as well, such as the tenant losing their fee or the seller dealing with a renter who tries to renege on their arrangement.

In this guide, you’ll learn such information as:

•   How does rent-to-own work?

•   What are the two types of rent-to-own contracts?

•   How does a rent-to-own contract benefit the seller?

•   What should sellers know about entering into a rent-to-own contract?

What Are Rent-to-Own Homes?

Rent-to-own homes are properties that a renter plans to buy from their landlord after a set period, often between one to three years. This type of arrangement benefits potential buyers who otherwise may not be able to follow the traditional home-buying process. Perhaps they have a low credit score or can’t afford a down payment right away. If so, this type of arrangement gives the buyer time to improve their financial situation and save for a down payment. For instance, it might be a wise move for some first-time homebuyers.


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

How Do Rent-to-Own Homes Work?

So how does rent-to-own work? Here is how this kind of an agreement might unfold:

•   First, know that there are two kinds of rent-to-own arrangements. With a lease option, you usually have the choice of buying the home at the end of the lease or walking away. With a lease purchase, you are entering into an obligation to buy the property at the end of the rental term. (You’ll learn more about the differences between these deals in a minute.)

•   The monthly rental price may be higher than the market rate determined by the cost of living in your state or area. The reason why: The amount paid will often include rent credits. What are rent credits? This is money put toward the downpayment on the home when the lease is up and the renter moves forward with buying it. Discuss and read any agreement carefully before signing to understand any rent credit provision.

•   If you are entering into a deal with rent credits, here’s how the math might look. Say the price of the home is $100,000. A tenant-buyer might put $5,000 toward a down payment. This could be paid as an additional $416.67 per month above the standard rental price over the course of a year-long lease.

In this rent credit example, the tenant-buyer would only need to borrow $95,000 since they have paid the homeowner $5,000 already. For people committed to renting to own, this is a way to build equity sooner. However, if you walk away from the property at the end of the lease in a lease-option arrangement, that rent credit money may not be refunded.

•   The renter may also pay a nonrefundable upfront fee. This is called an “option fee” and gives the renter the option to buy the house when the lease ends. Option fees are typically between 1% to 5% of the home’s value. If the renter chooses not to buy the house, they likely lose the money.

The Process for Selling a Rent-to-Own Home

A renter typically has one to three years to exercise an option to buy a home. The process for the seller generally includes the following:

1. Prepare the necessary legal documents that detail the agreement — lease-option or lease-purchase. A lawyer may consult to draw up this paperwork. Rent-to-own agreement terms vary, and it is a good idea for tenants to also consult a lawyer to make sure their agreement suits their situation.

2. Collect a nonrefundable deposit and option fee (typically, this is 1% to 5% of the purchase price). The deposit will go toward the down payment for the house.

3. Collect monthly rent for one to three years. A portion of the rent may go toward the eventual purchase of the home and lower the amount paid at the end of the lease term.

4. If the two parties signed a lease-option agreement, the renter has the option to buy the home after the agreed amount of time. If the renter decides not to buy, the seller usually keeps the down payment money collected.

5. If the renter signed a lease-purchase agreement, the renter must purchase the home after the agreed amount of time and at the agreed-upon price. If they don’t do so, the tenant will usually lose the money paid for fees and the rent credits. In addition, the seller can sue them for breach of contract.

💡 Quick Tip: A major home purchase may mean a jumbo loan, but it doesn’t have to mean a jumbo down payment. Apply for a jumbo mortgage with SoFi, and you could put as little as 10% down.

Pros and Cons of Selling a Rent-to-Own Home

The biggest pro for sellers regarding a rent-to-own home is that they stand to make more money. The biggest downside to selling a rent-to-own home is that there is no guarantee a renter will close the deal.

The Advantages of Selling a Rent-to-Own Home

The list that follows highlights some of the key pros of selling via a rent-to-own arrangement.

•   The seller can earn rental income while preparing to sell the property.

•   This is useful if they have to move, buy another home, and pay two mortgages.

•   Sellers often earn additional rent by offering rental credits on a property, which provides an income stream.

•   Sellers keep the upfront option fee paid by the renter should the renter decide not to buy the property. They may also keep the rent credits.

•   Sellers will likely sell the home for a better price than the market price because there are typically no real estate commissions paid out.

•   A renter who plans to buy the home may be more motivated to pay on time and more inclined to take care of the property, lowering the seller’s maintenance costs.

The Disadvantages of Selling a Rent-to-Own Home

Next, consider the cons of entering into a rent-to-own arrangement.

•   There is no guarantee that a renter will buy the home at the end of the lease. They may not be able to qualify after shopping around for a mortgage or have enough for a downpayment despite making payments toward it.

•   The renter may fall delinquent with payments and refuse to vacate the property when the lease is up.

•   The renter may not take care of the property if they decide not to buy it.

•   The seller may be responsible for the upkeep of the property for the rent-to-own lease period.

•   The seller is responsible for any unpaid utility bills the tenant falls behind on bill payments.

•   The seller could wind up having to take legal action if a renter agrees to buy the home at the end of the lease but then refuses to do so.

Recommended: Things to Know When Renting Out an Airbnb

When Rent-to-Own Works

These rent-to-buy arrangements can have their benefits. Here’s how rent-to-own can work for the seller and the buyer.

•   A rent-to-own agreement can benefit a potential buyer by giving them time to build their credit score and save for a down payment while learning about the mortgage loan process.

•   The seller benefits because they still receive rental income during that time rather than leaving the home vacant while they try to sell it. In addition, the seller may receive above-market rent as the tenant accrues their down payment. They may also save on some of the expenses of selling a home.

When Rent-to-Own Doesn’t Work

While rent-to-own homes can work, this arrangement may not be the right choice for all sellers. Some points to consider:

•   It can take time, perhaps years, before the renter is financially equipped to buy the home. So if the seller needs money now, this is probably not a good option.

•   Also, if home prices are dropping, the seller may want to sell the home sooner rather than later. Or, since the home price is often determined in advance, the tenant might look for a price adjustment to reflect market conditions.

•   Conversely, if home prices rise and the property’s selling price was previously set, the seller might feel as if they are missing out on the opportunity to reap a higher figure for the property.

•   Lastly, a seller might regret entering into a rent-to-own agreement if the tenant finds problems with the home and demands a lower purchase price.

Recommended: Should You Buy an Investment Property While Renting?

Types of Rent-to-Own Contracts

As mentioned briefly above, there are two main types of rent-to-own agreements: lease option and lease purchase. Both types of arrangements allow the renter to buy the home at the end of what is typically a one- to three-year term, but there are some key differences to the agreement requirements.

Lease-Option Agreement

With a lease-option contract, the renter pays an option fee when they sign, which is typically around 1% to 5% of the purchase price of the home. Built into the rental payments are usually rent credits, which is extra money set aside for a down payment from the renter. The purchase price of the home is probably decided in advance, though sometimes it is only set when the lease agreement expires. If the latter, the price will be based on a home appraisal.

The renter can still decide not to buy the home at the end of a lease-option contract, but they will lose the rent credit amount they have paid and forfeit the option fee.

Lease-Purchase Agreement

With a lease-purchase agreement, the renter still rents the home for usually one to three years, and a percentage of the rent goes toward the down payment. In addition, the purchase price is typically determined upfront.

The difference with this type of agreement is that the renter is obliged to buy the home when the lease is up.

If the renter cannot buy the home at the end of the lease (say, they decide to move to another area or they can’t qualify for a mortgage), they lose their claim to the home and the money put toward the down payment. In addition, the seller may sue them for breach of contract.

How to Sell a Rent-to-Own Home

If you are selling a home as a rent-to-own property, heed this advice:

•   It’s a good idea for sellers to first establish a rental agreement with the renter before entering into a lease-purchase or lease-option agreement. That way, the seller can claim a deposit for the property in case the renters do not take care of it or they drop out of the contract.

•   The option-to-buy agreement will likely stipulate the price of the home, the option-to-buy fee, and the rent credits that will go toward the purchase price.

•   The option-to-buy agreement can provide the owner/seller with the document they need if they have to evict the renter. This could occur if the tenant refuses to buy the home or to leave at the end of the lease term.

•   With a lease-purchase agreement, the document drawn up will be legally binding and specify the arrangement for the tenant to buy the home at the end of the rental term. If the tenant should fail to buy the property at the end of the lease, the seller could sue.

•   In both of these scenarios, it can be wise to have legal counsel to advise and to draw up documents.

Ask the Right Questions Before You Sign the Contract to Sell

First, manage your expectations. There is no guarantee that tenants who sign a rent-to-own agreement will ultimately buy the home. Many don’t.

However, two aspects are under your control:

•   Consult with a skilled real estate lawyer who can structure the paperwork to protect your interests. Their expertise can help you avoid feeling as if you are losing money if your tenant leaves at the end of the lease.

•   Also, property owners can maximize the likelihood of a sale if they choose their tenants wisely. You can ask for references from previous landlords and look into a potential renter’s employment history to assess their ability to pay rent and ultimately qualify for a mortgage.

The Takeaway

Rent-to-own contracts can be beneficial for both buyers and sellers. For buyers who cannot qualify for a mortgage because they have poor credit or do not have enough for a downpayment, renting to own can give them time to save for a down payment and build their credit score.

For sellers in this scenario, they continue to collect rental income until the home is sold rather than leaving the property vacant until they find a buyer. This is particularly valuable if they are buying another home and taking on two mortgages. The seller can also save money on real estate commissions and other aspects of selling a 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 are two benefits of owning a home vs. renting one?

Buying a home is an investment. Over time, the value of the home can increase, and, as the owner pays down the mortgage, they build equity and wealth. Another advantage of homeownership: potential tax deductions. The home mortgage interest deduction can allow homeowners to deduct the mortgage interest from their taxable income, thereby reducing their tax burden.

Can you rent-to-own a house in California?

Yes, you can rent-to-own a house in California. However, as with rent-to-own agreements in any area, each party should be aware of the pros and cons of the arrangement. There are financial and legal implications to consider for both the tenant and the seller.

What is the meaning of lease-to-own?

Lease-to-own, or rent-to-own, usually means that the tenant pays rent on a property for a number of years and has an option to purchase it at the end of the lease. In some cases, at the beginning of the rental period, the tenant commits to buying the home at a specific price in the future.

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Photo credit: iStock/recep-bg

*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.

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

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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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Although many people haven’t heard of these policies, borrowers can get insurance coverage for a personal loan. In the event you get injured, sick, lose your job, or die, the insurer will make loan payments for you.

Personal loan protection insurance is available to borrowers for specific situations that prevent them from repaying their loan. Although costs vary and raise your monthly expenses, loan insurance can help you out in a tight spot, protect your credit, and prevent the financial burden from falling on your family. Read on to learn if loan insurance may be right for you.

What Is Loan Insurance?

Loan protection insurance is coverage borrowers can purchase for various loans — such as personal loans — to guard against situations where the borrower can’t repay the loan. Typically, personal loan insurance covers the borrower when they suffer a disability, injury, job loss, or death. The personal loan protection policy pays a prearranged amount to satisfy the borrower’s balance.

Is Personal Loan Insurance Required?

Personal loan insurance is not mandatory when you obtain a personal loan, and a lender can’t refuse to give you a personal loan because you don’t insure it. However, if you get a secured loan, you may have to insure the collateral you put up. Borrowers with unsecured loans won’t have these concerns, although they will likely have a higher interest rate.

If a lender ever tells you they won’t provide you a loan unless you purchase loan insurance from them, know that you have options. You can report the lender to your state’s attorney general, insurance commissioner, or the Federal Trade Commission.

How Much Is Insurance on a Loan?

You can pay for loan insurance either through a one-time payment or monthly premiums. Your premium will vary based on several factors. First and foremost is the loan balance, with bigger loans incurring higher insurance costs. Paying your premium with an upfront lump sum can decrease the cost.

Your coverage will also determine personal loan insurance costs. For example, you might purchase a $15,000 policy for a $20,000 loan because you have $5,000 in savings. This protection would cost less than a $20,000 policy.

Your location and lender will also influence how much your personal loan insurance costs. Therefore, it’s recommended to shop around for personal loan lenders, just as you would when looking for a new bank or investment firm.

What Are the Benefits of Personal Loan Insurance?

Personal loan insurance helps when you can’t repay your loan. Here are the specific ways a personal loan protection policy benefits you:

Prevent Delinquency or Default

If you suffer a severe injury that prevents you from working, any lost income could result in missed payments. If you have personal loan insurance, it will repay the loan, and you won’t need to worry about delinquent (late) payments or default (failure to repay the loan).

Protect Your Credit Score

Late payments and defaulted loans are reported to the credit bureaus, and that can negatively impact your credit report, causing your credit score to drop. A low credit score can hurt your chances of qualifying for competitive interest rates. You don’t need to worry about late payments and default if you have personal loan insurance, so you can feel confident your credit score won’t be damaged if you’re not able to pay the loan.

Protect Your Dependents and Coborrowers

Similar to life insurance policies, personal loan insurance can help your beneficiaries so your family won’t have to pay off the loan if you cannot. You can purchase a plan that covers coborrowers as well, protecting spouses, loved ones, and business associates from the financial burden.

Recommended: Types of Personal Loans

Types of Loan Insurance

Loan insurance goes beyond personal loans. You can purchase coverage for the following loan types:

Business Loans

Business loans can help small business owners get their companies off the ground or sustain operations. These loans can fund equipment purchases, scaling efforts, or fund payroll. As a result, they are crucial for small businesses in getting established or enduring a market downturn.

Business loan insurance will pay out if the owner or a crucial employee can no longer work. This policy names the lender as the beneficiary and repays the loan on the borrower’s behalf. Business loan insurance can keep a company afloat if it is struggling due to slowed operations and a hefty financial obligation.

Personal Loans

A personal loan is a flexible financial tool that a borrower can use for many purposes. For example, common personal loan uses include repaying high-interest debt or remodel your kitchen.

Personal loan insurance protects the borrower in case they can’t repay the loan due to a serious life event. You may want to consider purchasing insurance for a high-balance personal loan if your dependents and beneficiaries can’t afford to pay it without you.

Recommended: What Is a Personal Loan?

Student Loans

Student loans cover the cost of higher education. Borrowers can take out student loans from either the federal government or private lenders (or both), but these loans have different terms and conditions, and it’s important borrowers know the difference.

Federal student loans are canceled if the borrower dies. Similarly, Direct PLUS loans are canceled if the parent or student dies. As a result, insurance is usually unnecessary for federal student loans.

Private lenders don’t typically discharge student loans when the borrower dies. Instead, they may pursue family members, cosigners, or anyone mentioned in the contract for repayment. Therefore, student loan insurance can be a good investment if you’re concerned about resolving unpaid balances for borrowers who die or become disabled.

Home Loan

A mortgage loan, also called a home loan, is likely your highest debt balance, and the idea of not being able to repay it because of injury, illness, or death is scary. Mortgage protection insurance is for a specific balance your beneficiaries will receive if something happens to you.

For example, if you have $150,000 left on your mortgage, your policy will be for that same amount. If you pass away with $100,000 left, your coverage will pay the balance and transfer the leftover $50,000 to your family.

When applying for mortgage protection insurance, there are fewer health-related questions and standards than for life insurance, so it’s easier to get approved. However, wider accessibility comes with a higher premium cost.

Mortgage protection insurance policies come in all shapes and sizes. You might have coverage solely in the event of your death, or you can limit the payout to your mortgage balance to reduce costs. These policies vary depending on the lender and product type. It’s important to thoroughly understand the policy before committing so you understand exactly what you’re paying for.

Reasons for Getting Loan Protection

Loan protection insurance allows you to safeguard your finances when unexpected crises occur. For example, it ensures that loan repayment won’t be a burden if you’re struggling with illness or unemployment. Similarly, your family won’t have to repay your debts if you die. But it’s important to understand the coverage to determine if it suits your needs.

While loan protection is usually optional, its primary advantage is that it offers borrowers some peace of mind. It allows you to focus on your recovery or job search instead of worrying about meeting loan obligations and maintaining financial stability.

There are other kinds of insurance that are not directly tied to your financial products but can still help pay off debts if you get injured, have a long-term illness, or die.

Disability Insurance

You can also include disability as a condition for your loan insurance. While some policies only cover the borrower’s death, you can add disability to expand your coverage. Doing so means you’ll receive financial relief if you can no longer work due to an illness or injury.

Life Insurance

Your life insurance policy offers a payout if you die. However, it can specifically insure your personal loans and lines of credit if you have high balances. The advantage of the limited coverage is you don’t have to pass a medical examination as you would with a traditional life insurance policy. The drawback is the policy will be more expensive.

Pros and Cons of Loan Protection

Here is a comparison of the pros and cons of loan protection insurance:

Pros	Cons
Offers peace of mind	Increases the cost of the loan
Financial relief during hardship	Might accrue interest
Protects your credit score	Lenders may deny coverage
Avoids delinquency or default on loans
Flexibility for various situations and loan types
Protects dependents
Coverage is optional

The Takeaway

Loan insurance for a personal loan covers scenarios where you become disabled, unemployed, or deceased. This coverage allows you to maintain strong credit instead of missing payments. In addition, it protects your loved ones from unexpected debt. As a result, purchasing insurance when taking out a personal loan can grant peace of mind and help you focus on what matters most.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

FAQ

What is loan insurance?

Loan insurance is a policy from a lender providing a payout to cover your loan if you can’t repay it. You can purchase coverage for situations where you become disabled, lose your income, or die.

How much is insurance on a loan?

The cost of a loan insurance premium depends on multiple factors, such as the loan size, the lender, your location, and if you pay the premium in one shot. In addition, your insurance may have an interest rate, increasing its cost.

What is the benefit of personal loan insurance?

The advantage of personal loan insurance is that your loan will be repaid even if you lose your income or die. As a result, you don’t have to worry about a situation where your loved ones must dig their way out from under your debt. In addition, you’ll preserve your credit score because you won’t fall behind or default on the loan.

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Photo credit: iStock/Pekic

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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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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A low-income home loan is designed to make it possible for borrowers with lower income levels to meet their goals of homeownership. Typically, low-income mortgage programs help borrowers overcome a variety of barriers. Alongside to serving those with a low income, these programs can help if someone has a poor credit score, large amount of debt, or a small down payment.

This guide takes a closer look at such details as:

•   How home loans for low-income borrowers work

•   Examples of these programs

•   How to buy a home when someone has a low income.

What Is a Low-Income Home Loan?

When it comes to home loans with low-income requirements, these programs tend to have more relaxed income, credit, and down payment requirements than conventional loans. Other advantages of these programs can include lower interest rates, discounted mortgage insurance, and reduced closing costs.

Many low-income loan programs actually have income limits that prohibit those with higher incomes from qualifying. These programs can make it much easier to qualify for a mortgage when someone has a lower income, but they do still need to be able to afford the cost of their monthly payments.

Some of these programs are specifically designed to help first-time homebuyers, and there can be grants, tax credits, and other types of assistance available to new homeowners.


💡 Quick Tip: SoFi Home Loans are available with flexible term options and down payments as low as 3%.*

Examples of Low-Income Home Loans

There are a few different types of home loans for low-income borrowers. Here are a few popular examples:

•   United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans. Even with a low income, it’s possible to qualify for a USDA loan if the borrower plans to buy a home in an eligible rural area. As a bonus, this program doesn’t require a down payment.

•   Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans. These government-backed loans tend to come with lower credit score requirements than conventional loans and only require a 3.5% down payment, no matter what the buyer’s income level is.

•   Veterans Affairs (VA) loans. Active service members, veterans, and potentially surviving spouses can use a VA loan to buy a home without making a down payment.

How Do Low-Income Home Loans Work?

How low-income home loans work depend entirely on the specific loan program the borrower is applying to. For example, with FHA low-income home loans, borrowers must make a 3.5% down payment, but income levels don’t make borrowers ineligible for a loan.

VA loans on the other hand don’t require a down payment at all. It’s best for mortgage seekers to do careful research on each loan program to confirm if they qualify for a mortgage or not.


💡 Quick Tip: A VA loan can make home buying simple for qualified borrowers. Because the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, you could skip a down payment. Plus, you could qualify for lower interest rates, enjoy lower closing costs, and even bypass mortgage insurance.†

Pros and Cons of Low-Income Home Loans

Home loans for low-income families come with some unique advantages and disadvantages worth keeping in mind.

Pros of Low-Income Home Loans

First, consider the upsides:

•   Low to no down payment requirements

•   Easier to qualify for than conventional loans

•   Less strict credit score requirements

•   May have more favorable interest rates.

Cons of Low-Income Home Loans

Next, review the downsides of these loan programs:

•   May only work for specific applicants (like VA loans)

•   May require ongoing mortgage insurance

•   Can be harder to find low-income loan programs.

Are Low-Income Home Loans Worth It?

Low-income loan programs can be worth it if the math makes sense. It’s generally a good idea to shop around with different lenders to see which mortgage loan will be the most beneficial. It can be a good idea to compare different interest rates, mortgage insurance requirements, and fees to see which loan will cost the least.

Borrowers can research a variety of loan programs to see which may best suit their needs. For example, home loans for low-income single mothers, home loans for low-income seniors, or low-income home improvement loans are designed for different borrowers.

Steps for How to Buy a House With a Low Income

When a borrower has a low income, there are steps they can take to make buying a house easier.

•   Build one’s credit score. The higher someone’s credit score is, the easier it can be to qualify for a home loan. It’s a good idea for borrowers to check their credit score to see where they stand and if there are any mistakes on their credit report that might be harming their credit score. Consumers will want to consistently pay their bills on time if they want to help build their credit score before buying a home.

•   Pay off debt. Another technique that can help build a credit score is to pay off debt. This can be beneficial to one’s score, and the less debt someone has, the easier it can be to qualify for a home loan. Lenders take a borrower’s debt-to-income (DTI) ratio into account when deciding how much money to lend them and the lower this ratio is, the better.

•   Save for a larger down payment. The larger someone’s down payment is, the less money they need to borrow. When someone has a low income, it’s easier to qualify for smaller loans. Conventional wisdom may be that they will put down at least a 20% down payment, even if the low-income mortgage loan program doesn’t require that large of a down payment.

Recommended: What Is a HUD Home?

Low-Income Home Loan Tips

If someone is struggling to qualify for a low-income home loan, these are some steps they can take to make the process easier.

•   Find the right program. To start, finding a niche program designed to meet the applicant’s specific needs can help. For example, a single mother may want to look into low-income home loans for single mothers, as well as more general loan programs.

•   Use a cosigner. If someone’s credit score or income makes it challenging for them to qualify for a mortgage, they can apply with a cosigner who has the qualifications lenders are looking for. The cosigner needs to know they will be responsible for making payments if the main borrower defaults on the loan.

The Takeaway

While income is a major factor that mortgage loan lenders take into consideration, having a low income doesn’t need to disqualify someone from qualifying for a mortgage loan. There are low-income loan programs that can help consumers meet their goals of homeownership.

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

Can I buy a house if I make 25k a year?

Whether or not someone can buy a house with only a $25,000 a year income depends on a few different factors. The overall cost of the house, their down payment amount, and the lender they choose to work with can all impact if their income will make it possible to qualify for a loan.

What’s the lowest score you can have to get a home loan?

Generally borrowers need to have a credit score of at least 620 to buy a home. All lenders and loan programs have different requirements though, so it’s worth researching the loan programs that work for each applicant’s credit score.

Is there an income limit for first-time homebuyers in California?

Some first-time homebuyer programs in California have income limits. These limits exist to stop buyers who have high-income from taking advantage of programs designed to support low-income buyers.

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Photo credit: iStock/digitalskillet

*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.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

^†Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.

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