Aug
13
2025

Tax Implications of a Cash-Out Refinance: What to Know

By | Family Finances, Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on Tax Implications of a Cash-Out Refinance: What to Know

A cash-out refinancing loan is treated differently by the IRS than a traditional mortgage. Although you receive a lump sum of cash, cash-out refinancing is considered a form of debt restructuring, and you do not pay taxes on the cash you receive.

With cash-out refinancing, you cash out a percentage of the equity that you have accrued in your home and replace your existing mortgage with one with a higher principal. You can use the cash for any reason, such as consolidating debt, paying for home renovations, or unexpected medical expenses.

Here’s what you should know about cash-out refinancing and the tax implications.

Key Points

•   Cash received from a cash-out refinance is not considered taxable income by the IRS because it’s viewed as debt restructuring.

•   Interest on cash from a cash-out refinance may be tax-deductible if used for capital home improvements like renovations or new systems.

•   Capital improvements that increase a property’s value may qualify for interest deductions, while general maintenance and repairs do not.

•   Adding a home office through cash-out refinance can provide additional tax benefits, including the home office deduction for business owners.

•   For rental properties, expenses from cash-out refinance used for improvements or repairs are tax-deductible.

How Cash-Out Refinancing Works

When you refinance your mortgage, you cash out equity. Equity is the difference between your current mortgage balance and the value of your home today. For example, if your home is worth $300,000 and the balance on your mortgage is $150,000, you have $150,000 in home equity.

A lender typically requires you to keep at least 20% of the value of your home in equity. In the above case, you would leave $60,000 in equity and have $90,000 to cash out. Your mortgage lender would also charge around 2% to 5% of the loan amount in closing costs.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Questions? Call (888)-541-0398.

The Tax Implications of Mortgage Refinancing

A cash-out refinancing loan is treated differently by the IRS than a traditional home loan because it is considered a form of debt restructuring. You do not pay tax on the money you receive in cash, and you might also be able to deduct some of the interest you pay on that cash from your taxes.

Here’s a closer look at the tax implications of a cash-out refinancing loan.

Is a Cash-Out Refinance Taxable?

Because the IRS considers a cash-out refinance to be a form of debt restructuring, the cash you receive is considered a loan, not income, and is not taxed. In addition, you could receive additional tax benefits depending on how you spend the money you receive.

If you use the cash to increase the value of your home, by constructing a new addition or replacing your heating or cooling system, for example, you can claim the interest that you pay on the loan as a tax deduction.

Before you do this, however, consult a tax professional to make sure that the work qualifies. Simple repairs like painting or general maintenance do not qualify for tax deductions. You will also have to keep meticulous records and save receipts documenting what you spend so that you can prove your case when you file your taxes.

Requirements for Interest Deductions on a Cash-Out Refinance

Capital improvements to a property that increase its value will qualify for an interest deduction. Examples could include a new addition, a security system, or a new swimming pool. General maintenance and repairs will not qualify, nor can you deduct the interest you pay on the loan if you spend the money on a vacation, medical bills, or credit card debt.

How to Make a Cash-Out Refinance Tax-Deductible

Below is a list of home improvements that qualify for the interest deduction.

Qualifying Home Improvements

•   Renovating or adding on an addition, such as a garage or a bedroom

•   Putting in a swimming pool

•   New fencing

•   New roof

•   New heating or cooling system

•   Installing efficient windows

•   Installing a home security system

Improving your property’s value means you can also save money if you sell your home. Capital home improvements count toward the total amount you spent on the property and can potentially lessen your capital gains tax liability when you sell your home.

Deductions for Adding a Home Office

Adding a home office to your home is a capital improvement that qualifies for the interest deduction on a cash-out refinancing loan. There are also additional potential tax benefits to adding a home office for small businesses or the self-employed.

How Home Offices Can Impact Your Taxes

You can deduct the interest on your cash-out refinancing loan if you use the money to add a home office, because it will increase the value of your home and is considered a capital improvement. If you are a business owner or self-employed, you could also qualify for the home office deduction on your federal taxes.

The home office deduction is a benefit that allows you to claim a percentage of what you pay on your loan as a business expense. You must use the designated office space for business purposes only, and it cannot be used as a spare bedroom or family space or it will not qualify. Also, your home office must be the primary place where you conduct business.

Recommended: Home Office Tax Deductions: Do You Qualify?

Tax Implications of a Cash-Out Refinance for Rental Property

Rental income is considered personal income by the IRS. If you use the capital from a cash-out refinance to improve or repair a rental property, the expenses are tax-deductible. Also, interest, closing costs, and insurance paid on a rental property can be deducted from your income as business expenses.

What Are the Limitations for Interest Deduction with a Cash-Out Refinance?

For the 2025 tax year, single filers and married couples filing jointly could deduct mortgage interest up to $750,000. Married taxpayers who file separately could deduct up to $375,000 each. (The limit is higher for debts incurred prior to December 16, 2017: $1 million or $500,000 each for married couples filing separately.)

Can You Deduct Your Mortgage Points?

Mortgage points, also known as discount points, are fees you pay a lender upfront so that you can pay a lower interest rate on your loan. One point is typically equal to 0.25% of your interest rate and costs 1% of your mortgage loan. With a cash-out refinance, you generally cannot deduct all the money you paid for points in the year you refinanced. But you can spread out the cost throughout the loan. That means if you accumulate $2,500 worth of mortgage points on a 15-year refinance, you can deduct around $167 per year throughout the loan.

Risks of a Cash-Out Refinance

Cash-out refinancing is a risk. You are taking on a larger loan than your original home mortgage, which means that your monthly mortgage payment will probably increase unless interest rates are lower than when you applied for your current mortgage. If your payments are higher and you can’t keep up with the money, you could be at greater risk of foreclosure.

Alternatives to a Cash-Out Refinance

Two financing alternatives that also use equity in your home are a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

A home equity loan is a second mortgage for a fixed amount that you repay over a set period while keeping your original home loan. The payments include interest and principal, just like a traditional mortgage, but the interest rate may be higher than it would be for a primary mortgage. This is because the primary lender is paid first in the event of foreclosure, so the secondary lender takes on more risk.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is also a second mortgage but with a revolving balance. That means you can borrow a certain amount, pay it back, and then borrow again. As with a credit card, your payments are based on how much you use from the line of credit, not on the available credit amount. If you don’t need to borrow a large sum, this might be a cheaper option.

Recommended: Home Equity Loans vs HELOCs vs Home Improvement Loans

The Takeaway

Cash-out refinancing is a way to access the equity in your home and use it to pay for expenses, though it does mean taking on increased debt. The cash from this type of mortgage refinancing can be used any way you like, which includes paying for home renovations, college, or unexpected medical expenses.

When you opt for cash-out refinancing, your original mortgage is replaced by a larger mortgage. If interest rates are lower than when you took out your original mortgage, your monthly payments may go down, but it could take you longer to pay off the loan. Depending on how much cash you need, you can also consider a HELOC or a home equity loan to obtain the money you need.

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

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

FAQ

Is cash-out refinance tax-deductible?

Some of the interest you pay on a cash-out refinancing loan might be tax-deductible if you use the money to make capital improvements on your home, you keep meticulous documentation to prove it, and you itemize your taxes. It’s best to consult with a tax professional to make sure the improvements you do on your home qualify for the deduction.

Do you pay taxes on a cash-out refinance?

No. The funds you receive from cash-out refinancing are not subject to tax because the IRS considers refinancing a form of debt restructuring and the money isn’t categorized as income.

How do I report a cash-out refinance on my tax return?

You don’t need to report the cash you receive from a cash-out refi as income, so the refi would only show up if you record the interest you are paying on the new mortgage and/or qualified home improvements funded by the loan on an itemized return.

What are the tax implications of a cash-out refinance on a rental property?

Rental income is taxed as personal income by the IRS. The good news is that if cash from a refinancing is used to improve or repair a rental property, the expenses are tax-deductible. Also, some closing costs, interest, and insurance paid on a rental property may also be deductible from your income as business expenses.

How does the timing of a cash-out refinance affect my taxes?

As long as you meet the requirements for capital improvements, you can deduct the interest paid on your refinanced loan every year that you make payments throughout the life of your refinance loan. So, if you refinance your mortgage to a 15-year term, you must spread your deductions over the 15 years. However, you can only deduct the interest you pay each year, and the amount of interest paid will become less as the loan matures and you pay more toward the principal.

Photo credit: iStock/Jun

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.


*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.


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.

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

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Aug
12
2025
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A Guide to How Counteroffers Work in Real Estate

By | Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on A Guide to How Counteroffers Work in Real Estate

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

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

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

Key Points

•   Common reasons for counteroffers include changes to sales price, requesting a later closing date, changing the earnest money deposit, and removing certain contingencies.

•   The number of counteroffers can vary and can ping-pong back and forth for weeks or longer depending on the market and circumstances.

•   To negotiate effectively, buyers should have a comprehensive picture of costs, including closing costs, and be prepared to make a strong initial offer backed by market data.

•   Negotiable items in a counteroffer include possession date, personal property, home warranty, and earnest money deposit.

•   Being timely and responsive is crucial in the counteroffer process, as offers may come with expiration dates, typically ranging from 24 to 48 hours.

Common Reasons for Counteroffers

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

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

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Questions? Call (888)-541-0398.

A Change in Sales Price

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

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

Requesting a Later Closing Date

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

Increasing the Earnest Money Deposit

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


💡 Quick Tip: To see a house in person, particularly in a tight or expensive market, you may need to show the real estate agent proof that you’re preapproved for a mortgage. SoFi’s online application makes the process simple.

The Removal of Certain Contingencies

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

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

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

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

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

Requesting Repairs

If a home inspection reveals that repairs or renovations to the property are needed, the buyer could submit a counteroffer to negotiate a lower price or ask the seller to complete the repairs before closing.

Deciding Who Covers Closing Costs

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

How Do Counteroffers Work in Real Estate?

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

What’s a ‘Normal’ Number of Counteroffers?

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

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

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

Can a Seller Make Simultaneous Counteroffers?

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

How Long Does the Process Take?

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


💡 Quick Tip: You deserve a more zen mortgage. SoFi Mortgage Loan Officers are dedicated to closing your loan on-time — backed by a $10,000 guarantee offer.‡

How to Counteroffer in Real Estate

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

Have a Comprehensive Picture of Costs

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

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

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

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

Recommended: The Cost of Living by State

Go In With a Strong Offer

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

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

Know What Can Be Negotiated

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

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

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

•   Home warranty. Older houses can come with their own unique sets of systems and appliances, so buyers might make a counteroffer asking the sellers to cover the cost of a one- to two-year home warranty ($350 to $700 annually, on average) if unexpected repairs need to be made after move-in.

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

Be Timely and Responsive

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

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

Try Not to Take Things Personally

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

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

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

The Takeaway

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

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.


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FAQ

How do you handle counteroffers in real estate?

Counteroffers are an expected part of the negotiation process so approach any counteroffer calmly. Know your goal for the overall cost of your home purchase or sale, and what levers you can pull to get there, including a lower/higher price or a change in contingencies or closing timeline. Come back with your strongest counteroffer but always be prepared to walk away.

What are the steps in a counteroffer?

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

What is the general rule of counteroffers?

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

‡SoFi On-Time Close Guarantee: If all conditions of the Guarantee are met, and your loan does not close on or before the closing date on your purchase contract accepted by SoFi, and the delay is due to SoFi, SoFi will give you a credit toward closing costs or additional expenses caused by the delay in closing of up to $10,000.^ The following terms and conditions apply. This Guarantee is available only for loan applications submitted after 04/01/2024. Please discuss terms of this Guarantee with your loan officer. The mortgage must be a purchase transaction that is approved and funded by SoFi. This Guarantee does not apply to loans to purchase bank-owned properties or short-sale transactions. To qualify for the Guarantee, you must: (1) Sign up for access to SoFi’s online portal and upload all requested documents, (2) Submit documents requested by SoFi within 5 business days of the initial request and all additional doc requests within 2 business days (3) Submit an executed purchase contract on an eligible property with the closing date at least 25 calendar days from the receipt of executed Intent to Proceed and receipt of credit card deposit for an appraisal (30 days for VA loans; 40 days for Jumbo loans), (4) Lock your loan rate and satisfy all loan requirements and conditions at least 5 business days prior to your closing date as confirmed with your loan officer, and (5) Pay for and schedule an appraisal within 48 hours of the appraiser first contacting you by phone or email. This Guarantee will not be paid if any delays to closing are attributable to: a) the borrower(s), a third party, the seller or any other factors outside of SoFi control; b) if the information provided by the borrower(s) on the loan application could not be verified or was inaccurate or insufficient; c) attempting to fulfill federal/state regulatory requirements and/or agency guidelines; d) or the closing date is missed due to acts of God outside the control of SoFi. SoFi may change or terminate this offer at any time without notice to you. *To redeem the Guarantee if conditions met, see documentation provided by loan officer.

*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.


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


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

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

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Aug
11
2025

Benefits of a VA Loan vs a Conventional Loan

By | Family Finances, Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on Benefits of a VA Loan vs a Conventional Loan

When you’re comparing different types of mortgages, there are some great reasons to consider a loan from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if you’re eligible for one. Some of the best VA loan benefits include no down payment requirement, no private mortgage insurance, and the potential to get a lower interest rate.

There are, however, some advantages to getting a conventional loan instead, even if you qualify for VA financing. Comparing the benefits of a VA loan vs. a conventional mortgage can help you decide which one might be right for you.

Key Points

•   VA loans do not require a down payment, while conventional loans typically require a down payment to avoid private mortgage insurance.

•   The VA loan program does not have a minimum credit score requirement, but lenders may set their own requirements.

•   VA loans can be approved with a debt-to-income ratio of up to 41%, while conventional loans typically require a ratio of 36% or less.

•   VA loans are designed for primary homes, while conventional loans can be used for primary homes, second homes, or investment properties.

•   VA loans require a funding fee, which varies based on factors such as whether the borrower is a first-time homebuyer and the amount of down payment, if any.

Comparing VA Loans vs Conventional Loans

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, it’s good to know a little about different types of mortgages and how they work. VA loans and conventional loans can both help you to buy a home, but one might be a better fit than another, depending on your financial situation.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Conventional Loan

A conventional loan is a mortgage loan that’s not backed by the federal government. Examples of government-backed loans include VA loans and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, which are designed to make buying a home more affordable for buyers. Conventional loans can be conforming, meaning they meet standards set by government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or non-conforming.

Conventional loans might be what you automatically think of when discussing mortgage loans. You can get a conventional mortgage from a traditional bank or credit union, but you can also find them offered through online lenders. Conventional mortgages typically require a down payment, which is money you pay upfront to reduce the amount you need to borrow.

VA Loan

What is a VA loan? A VA loan is a loan that’s backed by the federal government. The Department of Veterans Affairs operates the VA loan program to help eligible current and former military members (including the National Guard and the Reserve) and their surviving spouses purchase housing. Borrowers can get a loan through an approved VA lender to buy a home, build a home, or pursue a mortgage refinance.

If a borrower defaults on a VA loan, the government steps in to help the lender recover some of its losses. This is one of several VA loan benefits. With a conventional loan, the lender can’t call on the government to get any of its money back if the borrower fails to pay what’s owed.

Mortgage Requirements for VA Loans vs Conventional Loans

What are the benefits of a VA loan vs. a conventional loan? A lot of the main advantages pertain to what’s needed to qualify and what you’ll pay as a borrower. Here are some of the main mortgage requirements to know when you’re looking at the benefits of VA loan financing side by side with conventional loans.

Credit Score

Lenders can use your credit score to qualify you for a mortgage, and your credit history can also influence the rates you pay for a home loan. One of the main benefits of using a VA loan to buy a home is that the VA program does not have a minimum credit score requirement. That could make a VA loan attractive for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.

However, VA-approved lenders may set their own minimum credit score requirements for loans. Of course, lenders can do the same for conventional mortgages. Generally speaking, an acceptable credit score for a mortgage is usually 620 or higher, though the better your score the easier it may be to get approved.

Down Payment

Putting money down on a home reduces the amount you need to borrow and if you’re getting a conventional loan, it may help you to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI is insurance that covers the lender in the event that you default on your loan and it’s typically required for conventional loans when you put less than 20% down.

The VA, however, doesn’t require a down payment for loans. That’s one of the nicer VA loan benefits for homebuyers, since you don’t have to part with a large chunk of cash all at once. Instead, you could save your money to buy new furniture, make improvements to your new home, or pad your emergency fund so that you’re prepared in case the roof springs a leak or you need to replace your water heater.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio reflects the amount of your income that goes to debt repayment each month. For conventional home mortgage loans, a good DTI ratio is 36% or less, though it’s possible to find lenders that will work with you if your DTI is above that amount.

With VA loans, it’s possible to get approved with a DTI ratio of up to 41%. However, having a higher DTI ratio could make it more difficult to keep up with your mortgage payments. For that reason, it’s a good idea to work out a detailed home-buying budget to determine how much you can afford without straining yourself financially.

Private Mortgage Insurance

As mentioned, private mortgage insurance is a feature that can be included in a conventional mortgage if you put less than 20% down. Premiums are added into your monthly mortgage payment and once your equity reaches 20%, you can request to have PMI removed from your loan. Lenders are supposed to drop PMI automatically once your mortgage balance reaches 78% of the home’s original value, assuming you are up to date on your payments.

One of the benefits of a VA home loan is that you don’t have to worry about any of that. There is no PMI for these loans, so you don’t have to factor in any added costs when estimating how much your monthly mortgage payments will be.

Property Eligibility

VA home loans can be used to purchase a variety of home types, including:

•   Single family homes with up to four units

•   Condos in a VA-approved project

•   Manufactured homes

The VA loan program requires an appraisal to make sure that the home is structurally sound and that its value is compatible with the amount that you want to borrow. If a home has any obvious defects, such as a cracked foundation, it may need to be addressed in order for you to move ahead with the loan.

VA loans are designed for purchasing primary homes. In other words, you can only get one for a home you plan to live in. Conventional loans, on the other hand, can be used to purchase a primary home, second home, or investment property. While an appraisal is usually required for a conventional loan, an inspection may be optional if the lender allows.

Borrower Fees

When you get a conventional loan, you’ll typically pay 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. Closing costs cover things like attorney’s fees, mailing fees, and recording fees. You’ll need to bring a cashier’s check to closing or wire the amount to your closing attorney to pay those fees, along with your down payment.

A VA lender can also charge closing costs and borrowers must usually pay a VA funding fee as well. This fee is used to cover the costs of the VA loan program and it’s paid just once. The amount you pay for a VA loan funding fee depends on factors that can include whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or repeat buyer and how much money you put down, if any.

Additional Requirements to Consider

Aside from having a good credit score and steady income, there’s one more thing you’ll need to qualify for a VA loan. Borrowers are expected to produce a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) demonstrating that they’re eligible for the VA loan program.

Veterans, service members, and surviving spouses can apply for a COE online through the VA website. To get your COE, you must be able to meet minimum duty and service standards. If you’re currently on active duty, you’ll need to get a statement of service from your commander, adjutant, or personnel officer.

If you don’t meet the service requirements for a COE, you may still be able to qualify if you were discharged. Exceptions are also made for the spouses of veterans and for people who served in certain organizations. However, if you’re not able to meet those requirements then you’ll need to consider another home loan option.


Get matched with a local
real estate agent and earn up to
$9,500‡ cash back when you close.

Recommended: Cost of Living by State

Pros and Cons of a VA Loan vs a Conventional Loan

The benefits of a VA mortgage loan are undeniable, particularly for first-time buyers who may not have a lot of cash to put toward a down payment. To recap, here are the main VA home loan benefits to know, as well as some of the drawbacks, when comparing them to conventional financing options.

VA Loans Conventional Loans
Pros No down payment is required. No private mortgage insurance is
necessary. Potentially lower interest rates apply. 		No VA funding fee is required. PMI is not charged if you can put
down 20% or more. You can purchase a primary home or investment
property.
Cons VA funding fee is usually required. Comprehensive appraisal is
required. Properties must meet eligibility standards. 		PMI can add to total home-buying costs. Interest rates may be
higher. A higher credit score may be required to qualify.

How to Choose the Right Mortgage For You

Weighing the benefits of VA loan financing against conventional loans is important when it comes to choosing the best loan option. If you meet the criteria for a VA loan, then you might consider prequalifying for this type of mortgage first to see what kind of rates and terms you’re eligible for.

On the other hand, if you’re ineligible for a VA loan because you don’t have a COE or you can’t meet a lender’s credit requirements, then a conventional loan might be better. Visit a home loan help center to explore more options.

With any mortgage, it’s helpful to consider:

•   Interest rates and what you might pay

•   Repayment terms

•   Closing costs and other fees

•   Appraisal and inspection requirements

•   Down payment requirements

•   Funding speed

It’s also to your advantage to make yourself as creditworthy as possible before applying for a home loan. Some of the best tips to qualify for a mortgage include paying down existing debts to reduce your debt-to-income ratio, making sure you’re paying all your bills on time, and holding off on applying for other loans or lines of credit.

Recommended: Cost of Living in California

The Takeaway

There are several VA home loan benefits. Getting a VA loan could save you money if you’re able to get a lower interest rate and avoid making a large down payment. Conventional loans, on the other hand, are still worth a look, especially if you want to buy a second home or an investment property.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.


SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

What is the advantage of a VA loan vs a conventional loan?

VA loans do not require a down payment or private mortgage insurance (PMI). Conventional loans may require a 20% down payment to avoid PMI. VA loans may also have lower interest rates for qualified borrowers.

Are VA rates better than conventional?

VA loans can have lower interest rates than conventional loans, which could save you some money as a homebuyer. The interest rates you’re able to qualify for with a VA loan vs. conventional loan can depend largely on your credit scores and credit history.

Why do sellers prefer conventional over VA?

Home sellers may prefer to sell to buyers who have conventional loan funding simply because VA loans tend to have stricter requirements when it comes to the property itself. Buyers must be able to get the home evaluated and appraised in order to move ahead with a VA purchase loan.

About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.


Photo credit: iStock/designer491

†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.

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

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


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


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

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

‡Up to $9,500 cash back: HomeStory Rewards is offered by HomeStory Real Estate Services, a licensed real estate broker. HomeStory Real Estate Services is not affiliated with SoFi Bank, N.A. (SoFi). SoFi is not responsible for the program provided by HomeStory Real Estate Services. Obtaining a mortgage from SoFi is optional and not required to participate in the program offered by HomeStory Real Estate Services. The borrower may arrange for financing with any lender. Rebate amount based on home sale price, see table for details.

Qualifying for the reward requires using a real estate agent that participates in HomeStory’s broker to broker agreement to complete the real estate buy and/or sell transaction. You retain the right to negotiate buyer and or seller representation agreements. Upon successful close of the transaction, the Real Estate Agent pays a fee to HomeStory Real Estate Services. All Agents have been independently vetted by HomeStory to meet performance expectations required to participate in the program. If you are currently working with a REALTOR®, please disregard this notice. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other REALTORS®. A reward is not available where prohibited by state law, including Alaska, Iowa, Louisiana and Missouri. A reduced agent commission may be available for sellers in lieu of the reward in Mississippi, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Oregon and should be discussed with the agent upon enrollment. No reward will be available for buyers in Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Oregon. A commission credit may be available for buyers in lieu of the reward in New Jersey and must be discussed with the agent upon enrollment and included in a Buyer Agency Agreement with Rebate Provision. Rewards in Kansas and Tennessee are required to be delivered by gift card.

HomeStory will issue the reward using the payment option you select and will be sent to the client enrolled in the program within 45 days of HomeStory Real Estate Services receipt of settlement statements and any other documentation reasonably required to calculate the applicable reward amount. Real estate agent fees and commissions still apply. Short sale transactions do not qualify for the reward. Depending on state regulations highlighted above, reward amount is based on sale price of the home purchased and/or sold and cannot exceed $9,500 per buy or sell transaction. Employer-sponsored relocations may preclude participation in the reward program offering. SoFi is not responsible for the reward.

SoFi Bank, N.A. (NMLS #696891) does not perform any activity that is or could be construed as unlicensed real estate activity, and SoFi is not licensed as a real estate broker. Agents of SoFi are not authorized to perform real estate activity.

If your property is currently listed with a REALTOR®, please disregard this notice. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other REALTORS®.

Reward is valid for 18 months from date of enrollment. After 18 months, you must re-enroll to be eligible for a reward.

SoFi loans subject to credit approval. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice.

The trademarks, logos and names of other companies, products and services are the property of their respective owners.


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Two people sit facing a desk, learning how to get a mortgage. We see only their hands. One fills out a form on a clipboard using a silver pen. A person facing them holds a tablet computer.

What Is a Piggyback Mortgage Loan and Rates?

By | Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on What Is a Piggyback Mortgage Loan and Rates?
Have you heard the term “piggyback mortgage” and wondered what it is? At its most basic, a piggyback mortgage can be considered a second mortgage. It’s usually either a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC).

Piggyback mortgage loans can sometimes also be a wise option for homebuyers looking to finance a home without having a significant down payment available. In this situation, the piggyback mortgage is taken out at the same time as the main mortgage and put toward the down payment. The benefit is that it may help you pay less over the life of the loan because you don’t need to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Read on to learn more about what a piggyback loan is and how it works.

Key Points

•   A piggyback mortgage is a second mortgage taken out simultaneously with the primary mortgage to help fund a home purchase without a significant down payment.

•   Piggyback loans can be structured in different ways, such as 80/10/10 or 75/15/10.

•   The primary benefit of a piggyback mortgage is avoiding PMI payments, which can substantially reduce monthly mortgage costs for homebuyers with low down payments.

•   Piggyback loans typically have higher interest rates than primary mortgages and may have variable rates that can increase over time.

•   Piggyback mortgages may not be suitable for everyone due to potential drawbacks, including additional closing costs and fees associated with two separate loans and high qualification requirements.

What Is a Piggyback Mortgage Loan?

Homebuyers can use a piggyback mortgage loan to help fund the purchase of a property. Essentially, they take out a primary loan and then a second loan, “the piggyback loan,” to fund the rest of the purchase.

Using the strategy helps homebuyers reduce their mortgage costs by enabling them to put down a 20% down payment. It also helps them avoid the need for private mortgage insurance, which is usually required for those who don’t have a 20% down payment.

Note: SoFi does not offer piggyback loans at this time.

Recommended: How to Qualify for a Mortgage

How Do Piggyback Loans Work?

When appropriate for a homebuyer’s unique situation, a piggyback mortgage might potentially save them money in monthly costs and reduce how much they need to come up with for the down payment.

Here’s an example of how piggyback mortgages work:

Jerry is buying a home for $400,000. He doesn’t want to put down more than $40,000 from his savings account for the down payment. This eliminates several mortgage types. He works with his lender through the prequalification and preapproval process to secure a first mortgage for $320,000, then with a piggyback mortgage lender to secure a piggyback mortgage of $40,000, and finishes the financing process with his total 20% down payment of $80,000, the sum of his saved money and the piggyback mortgage.

Piggyback home loans were a popular option for homebuyers and lenders during the housing boom of the early 2000s. But when the housing market crashed in the late 2000s, piggyback loans became less popular, as a lack of equity made homeowners more vulnerable to loan defaults.

Fast forward to today’s housing market. With the cost of living rising in certain areas, piggybacks are starting to become a viable option again.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Types of Piggyback Loans

Here are some types of piggyback loans to consider:

A 80/10/10 Piggyback Loan

There are different piggyback mortgage arrangements, but an 80/10/10 loan tends to be the most common. In this scenario, a first mortgage represents 80% of the home’s value, while a home equity loan or HELOC makes up another 10%. The borrower’s down payment covers the remaining 10%.

In addition to avoiding PMI, homebuyers may use this piggyback home loan to avoid the conforming mortgage limits standard in their area.

A 75/15/10 Piggyback Loan

A loan with a 75/15/10 split is another popular piggyback loan option. In this case, a first mortgage represents 75% of the home’s value, while a home equity loan accounts for another 15%. And like the 80/10/10 split, the remaining 10% is the part of the down payment the borrower already has.

For example, a $450,000 75/15/10 loan would break down like this:

Main loan (75%): $337,500
Second loan (15%): $67,500
Down payment (10%): $45,000

See how these options stack up in chart form:

80/10/10 Piggyback Loan

 75/15/10 Piggyback Loan
Structure: 80% primary loan
10% 10% HELOC or home equity loan
10% down payment 		75% primary loan
15% HELOC or home equity loan
10% down payment
Typical use: Commonly used to avoid PMI and stay under jumbo loan limits Commonly used when purchasing a condo to avoid higher mortgage rates

Average Piggyback Mortgage Rate

A piggyback loan usually has a higher interest rate than the primary mortgage, and the rate can be variable, which means it can increase over time. Let’s say your primary mortgage rate is 6.75%. The rate on the second mortgage might be 7.50%. If you borrowed $35,000 over a 10-year term with this piggyback mortgage, your monthly payment for that loan would be about $415. Of course, the exact rates you are able to secure from a piggyback mortgage lender would be based on how much you borrow, your credit score, current interest rates, and other variables.

Benefits and Disadvantages of a Piggyback Mortgage

A piggyback mortgage may help homebuyers avoid monthly PMI payments and reduce their down payment. But that’s not to say an 80/10/10 loan doesn’t come with its own potentially negatives.

There are pros and cons of piggyback mortgages to be aware of before deciding on a mortgage type.

Piggyback Mortgage Benefits

Allows you to keep some cash on hand. Some lenders request a down payment of 20% of the home’s purchase price. With the median American home price at $446,766 as of mid-2025, this can be a difficult sum of money to save, and paying the full 20% might wipe out a buyer’s cash reserves. A piggyback mortgage may help homebuyers secure their dream home but still keep cash in reserve.

Possibly no PMI required. What may be the largest motivator for securing a piggyback mortgage is that homebuyers may not be required to pay PMI, or private mortgage insurance, when taking out two loans. PMI is required until 20% of a home’s value is paid, either with a down payment or by paying down the loan’s principal over the life of the loan.

PMI payments can add a substantial amount to a monthly payment and, just like interest, it’s money that won’t be recouped by the homeowner when it’s time to sell. With an 80/10/10 loan, both loans meet the requirements to forgo PMI.

Potential tax deductions. Purchasing a home provides homeowners with potential tax deductions. Not only is there potential for some or all of the interest on the main mortgage loan to be tax deductible, but the interest on a qualified second mortgage may also be deductible if it is used to buy, build, or substantially improve the home.

Potential Downsides of Piggyback Mortgages

Not everyone qualifies. Piggyback mortgage lenders take on extra risk. Without PMI, there is an increased risk of a financial loss. This is why they’re typically only granted to applicants with strong credit. Even if it’s the best option for you, there’s no guarantee that a lender will agree to a piggyback loan scenario. You’ll see whether the odds are in your favor by going through the process of getting preapproved for your home loan.

Additional closing costs and fees. One major downside of a piggyback loan is that there are always two loans involved. This means a homebuyer may have to pay closing costs and fees on two loans at closing, though some lenders may offer low- or no-cost closings for home equity loans.

Savings could end up being minimal or lost. Before deciding on a piggyback loan arrangement, a homebuyer may want to assess the potential savings. While this type of loan has the potential to save money in the beginning, homeowners could end up paying more as the years and payments go on, especially because second mortgages tend to have higher interest rates.

To make a quick assessment, check whether the monthly payment of the second mortgage is less than the applicable PMI would have been on a different type of loan.

Here are the pros and cons of piggyback loans in chart form to help you decide if this kind of mortgage arrangement is right for you.

thumb_up

Pros:

•   Can make it possible to secure a home purchase with less cash

•   Possible elimination of PMI requirements

•   Could qualify for additional tax deductions

thumb_down

Cons:

•   A strong credit score may be required

•   Potential for extra closing costs and fees

•   Might cost more money over the entire loan term

How to Qualify for a Piggyback Mortgage

It’s essential to keep in mind that you’re applying for two mortgages simultaneously when you apply for a piggyback home loan. While every lender may have a different set of requirements to qualify, you usually need to meet the following criteria for approval:

•   Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio should not exceed 36%. Lenders look at your DTI ratio — the total of your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income — to ensure you can make your mortgage payments. Therefore, both loan payments and all of your other debt payments shouldn’t equal more than 36% of your income, although some lenders may go higher.

•   Your credit score should be very strong. Because you are taking out two separate loans, your risk of default increases. To account for this increase, lenders require a strong credit score, usually over 700 (though some lenders may accept 680), to qualify. A higher credit score indicates you’re more creditworthy and less likely to default on your payments.

Before you apply for a piggyback loan, make sure you understand all of the requirements to qualify.

Refinancing a Piggyback Mortgage Loan

Sometimes homeowners will seek to refinance their mortgage when they have built up enough equity in their home. Mortgage refinancing can help homeowners save money on their loans if they receive a lower interest rate or better terms.

If you have a piggyback mortgage, however, refinancing could pose a challenge. It’s often tricky to refinance a piggyback loan because both lenders have to approve. In addition, if your home has dropped in value, your lenders may even be less inclined to approve your refinance.

On the other hand, if you’re taking out a big enough loan to cover both mortgages, it may help your chances of approval.

Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Refinance a Mortgage?

Is a Piggyback Mortgage a Good Option?

Not sure if a piggyback mortgage is the best option for you? It may be worth considering in the following scenarios:

If you have minimal down payment resources: Saving up for a down payment can take years, but a piggyback mortgage may mean you can sign a contract years sooner than any other type of mortgage.

If you need more space for less cash: Piggyback loans often allow homeowners to buy larger, recently updated, or more ideally located homes than they can with a conventional mortgage loan. This advantage can make for a smart financial move if the home is expected to build equity quickly.

If your credentials are a match: It’s traditionally more difficult to qualify for a piggyback loan than other types of mortgages. For many lenders, you will need to have a strong credit score, stable income and employment history, and an acceptable DTI ratio lined up.

Piggyback Mortgage Alternatives

A piggyback mortgage certainly isn’t the only type available to hopeful homebuyers. There are other types of mortgage loans you may also want to consider.

Conventional Fixed-Rate Mortgage

This type of loan typically still requires PMI if the down payment is less than 20% of the home’s purchase price, but it is the most common type of mortgage loan by far. They’re often preferred because of their consistent monthly principal and interest payments.

Conventional loans are available in various terms, though 15-year and 30-year options are among the most popular.


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

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

Also known as an ARM, an adjustable-rate mortgage may start homebuyers out with an interest rate that’s lower than they’d get with a fixed-rate loan. However, the interest rate will only remain the same for a certain period of time, typically for one year up to just a few years.

After the initial term, rate adjustments will reflect changes in the index (a benchmark interest rate) the lender uses plus the margin (a number of percentage points) added by the lender.

Interest-Only Mortgage

For some homebuyers, an interest-only mortgage can provide a path to homeownership that other types of mortgages might not. During the first five years (some lenders allow up to 10 years), homeowners are only required to pay the interest portion of their monthly payments and can put off paying the principal portion until their finances more easily allow that.

FHA Loan

Guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans automatically include built-in mortgage insurance, which makes these loans less of a risk to the lender. But while it’s not possible to save on monthly insurance payments, homebuyers may still want to consider this type of loan due to the low down payment requirements.

Other Options to Consider

Some other alternatives to a piggyback mortgage might include:

•   Speaking to a lender about PMI-free options

•   Quickly paying down a home loan balance until 20% of a home’s value is paid off and PMI is no longer required

•   Refinancing (if a home’s value has significantly increased) to allow the loan to fall below the percentage requirements for PMI

•   Saving for a larger down payment and reducing the need for PMI

The Takeaway

Before signing on for a piggyback mortgage, a homebuyer should fully understand all of their mortgage options. While a second mortgage might be the best option for one homebuyer, it could be the worst option for another. If you select a piggyback mortgage, understanding its benefits and potential setbacks may help you avoid financial surprises down the line.

FAQ

What is a piggyback fixed-rate second mortgage?

A piggyback fixed-rate second mortgage is a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) with a fixed rate that is obtained at the same time as the primary mortgage on a home purchase. Because its rate is fixed, the interest rate does not change over the life of the loan.

Is it hard to get a piggyback loan?

Because piggyback borrowers typically don’t pay for private mortgage insurance, the requirements to obtain this type of loan can be more strict than they are for other home loans. You may need a credit score of 680-700 or more and a debt-to-income ratio of 36% or less.

What is the advantage of a piggyback loan?

A piggyback loan can help you avoid having to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you are making a low down payment on a home purchase. However, you’ll want to compare the costs of the second mortgage (including its closing costs) against the costs of PMI before making a decision.

About the author

Ashley Kilroy

Ashley Kilroy

Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.



*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-criteria for more information.


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.

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

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

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How to Get Preapproved for a VA Home Loan

By | Home Ownership, mortgage, Real Estate | Comments Off on How to Get Preapproved for a VA Home Loan

The Department of Veterans Affairs sponsors the VA loan program to help eligible military members and surviving spouses become homeowners. If you’re interested in how to get a VA loan, you’ll need to first make sure you meet the government’s requirements and then find a VA-approved lender and seek preapproval for a loan.

Getting preapproved for a home loan can give you an idea of how much you’ll be able to afford. Having a VA loan preapproval letter in hand can also give you some leverage when it’s time to make an offer. Here’s a closer look at how to get preapproved for a VA home loan.

What Is a VA Loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage loan that’s backed by the federal government. The Department of Veterans Affairs works with a network of approved lenders that grant VA loans to eligible military members (including members of the National Guard and the Reserve) and surviving spouses. Should a borrower default on a VA loan, the federal government steps in to help the lender recoup some of its losses.

What is a VA loan good for? There are four ways that borrowers can use them.

•   VA purchase loans allow you to buy a home through an approved lender.

•   Native American Direct Loans (NADL) help Native American veterans or veterans married to Native Americans buy, build, or improve a home on federal trust land.

•   Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRL) can help make existing VA-backed loans more affordable through interest rate reductions.

•   Cash-out mortgage refinance loans can help eligible borrowers tap into their home equity to withdraw cash, while refinancing into a new loan.

In terms of how to get a VA loan, each of these options has different requirements that borrowers need to meet.



💡 Quick Tip: Apply for a VA loan and borrow up to $1.5 million with a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage. The flexibility extends to the down payment, too — qualified VA homebuyers don’t even need one!†^

How Does VA Home Loan Preapproval Work?

Mortgage loan preapproval simply means that a lender has reviewed your financial situation and made a tentative offer for a loan. It doesn’t constitute final approval for a mortgage, but getting preapproved is often beneficial, as a mortgage preapproval letter can give you an edge if you’re vying with another buyer for a particular property.

VA home loan preapproval works much the same as any other type of mortgage preapproval, with one extra step: Before you apply for the loan, you’ll need to get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. This document shows your lender that you’re eligible for a VA loan, based on your service history and duty status. The minimum service requirements for a COE depend on when you served. You can request a COE online through the VA website.

After you have the COE, you’ll need to give the lender some basic information about your household income, assets, and how much you’re hoping to borrow in a process called prequalification. This will allow you to see — often in just a few minutes — what kind of mortgage terms you might qualify for. From there, you can choose a lender and go through the next step, preapproval.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Questions? Call (888)-541-0398.

How to Get a VA Home Loan Preapproval Letter

Getting a VA home loan preapproval letter is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s what you’ll need to do.

•   Obtain your COE from the Veterans Administration.

•   Choose a VA-approved lender.

•   Complete the lender’s preapproval application.

Let’s get into the details of securing a VA home loan preapproval. First, you’ll need certain documents on hand to apply for the COE, and those documents are specific to your military status. If you are a veteran, you’ll need a copy of your discharge or separation papers. Active-duty service members will need to furnish a statement of service signed by their commander, adjutant, or personnel officer. This statement needs to include your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, date you entered duty, duration of any lost time, and the name of the command providing the statement. You can find full details and an online COE application on the VA website.

Once you have your COE and have found a prospective lender, the lender will likely ask to see certain documents to verify your income and financial situation, including:

•   Tax returns

•   Pay stubs

•   Bank account statements

•   Investment account statements

You may also need to provide a valid photo ID, your date of birth, and Social Security number. This information is needed to process a hard credit check, which can impact your credit score.

After your lender has everything it needs to process your preapproval, it will review your finances and complete a hard check of your credit history. Assuming your credit score and income check out, and there are no issues with your COE, you should be able to get a preapproval decision within a few days.

How to Buy a Home With a VA-Backed Loan

Home mortgage loans offered through the VA are attractive for a few reasons. For one thing, you can buy a home with no down payment required. For another, VA loans can offer more attractive interest rates than other types of mortgage loans.

Now that you know how to get a VA home loan, if you’d like to buy a home with a VA-backed loan, getting preapproved is the first step. Again, VA loan preapproval can give you an idea of how much you’ll be able to borrow, which can help you narrow down your search for a property. Once you find a home that you’re interested in, making an offer is the next step.

You can use a VA-backed loan to buy:

•   Single family homes with up to four units

•   Condos in a VA-approved project

•   Manufactured homes

VA loans can also be used to build a home. You’ll need to have the home appraised and evaluated to make sure that the property is structurally sound and that its value aligns with the amount you want to borrow. If there are no issues, you can move on to the closing to sign final paperwork and pay the VA loan funding fee.

This fee is a one-time payment VA borrowers are required to make to help cover the costs of the VA loan program. The amount you’ll pay for the funding fee depends on factors like whether you’re a first-time homebuyer and how much money you put down on the home, if any. Some buyers may pay no fee at all, or have it refunded.

Recommended: Cost of Living by State

Who Is Eligible for a VA Loan?

Eligibility for a VA loan is a two-pronged test. You’ll need to be able to obtain a COE from the government and you’ll need to be able to meet the lender’s credit score and income requirements.

COE requirements depend on your duty status and time served. Generally, you’re eligible if you are:

•   An active-duty service member who has served at least 90 days continuously.

•   A veteran who served at least 24 months continuously or 90 days of active duty.

•   A National Guard member who has served at least 90 days of active duty.

•   A Reserve member who has served at least 90 days of active duty.

These requirements assume that you served between August 2, 1990 and the present day. If you’re a veteran, National Guard member, or Reserve member who served before August 2, 1990, the service requirements are different.

You may also be able to get a COE under other conditions. Here are a few examples (find a complete list on the VA website):

•   Are a surviving spouse of an eligible service member

•   Are a Public Health Service officer

•   Served as an officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

•   Served as a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy

If you don’t meet any of the requirements to get a COE for a VA loan, then you’ll need to consider other home loan options.

How to Get Preapproved for a VA Home Loan

VA loans can be attractive to buyers since the VA doesn’t require a down payment or private mortgage insurance. If you’re wondering how to get approved for a VA loan, here are a few tips to qualify for a mortgage.

•   Consider your credit. The VA loan program has no minimum credit score requirement but the higher your score, the better your odds of being approved. A higher credit score can also help you get a lower interest rate on your loan.

•   Know your budget. Estimating how much you can afford when buying a home is important for ensuring that you don’t go over budget. If you know that you’re going to be looking at homes in the $300,000 range, for instance, then you wouldn’t want to ask for $500,000 when you’re trying to get preapproved.

•   Check the lender’s requirements. Researching VA lenders can help you find the one that’s the best fit for your needs and situation. Comparing minimum credit score requirements and income requirements can help you weed out lenders that are less likely to approve you.

Ideally, you should request preapproval from just one lender but that doesn’t mean you can’t shop around first by prequalifying with several lenders to compare rates.



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

How to Find a VA Lender

The simplest way to find a VA lender is to use the resources available on the Department of Veterans Affairs website. You can also search for VA-approved lenders online. For instance, you might try searching for “VA lender near me” or “VA lender online application” to see what results turn up. If you aren’t sure a VA loan is right for you, check out a home loan help center to get more ideas for how to finance a home purchase.

Recommended: Cost of Living in California

How to Choose the Best VA Lender for You

One of the most important considerations when weighing how to get a VA loan is choosing a lender to work with. Comparing VA lenders is similar to comparing lenders for different types of mortgage loans, including conventional or FHA options. Here are some key things to consider as you shop around:

•   VA loan interest rates

•   Closing costs the lender charges, including origination fees

•   Minimum credit score and income requirements

•   Whether you have the option to buy points if that interests you

•   How long it typically takes for the lender to close a VA loan once you’re approved

It’s also a good idea to check out reviews from previous buyers to see what they have to say about a particular lender. The better the lender’s reputation is overall, the easier they might be to work with.

Tips on the VA Home Loan Preapproval Process

VA home loan preapproval may seem a little tedious with all the information that you need to provide. But it’s important that you don’t skip this step, as preapproval can work in your favor when it’s time to buy a home.

Here are a few tips for ensuring that your VA home loan preapproval goes as smoothly as possible.

•   Carefully read through the instructions for completing the application before you begin.

•   Organize your documents beforehand so that you’re not scrambling to find information later.

•   Review your application before submitting it to make sure you haven’t overlooked anything and there are no errors.

•   Opt for an online application process if possible, which could save you some time.

How long does it take to get a VA loan? While you might be able to get preapproved the same day or the next business day, closing can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days. That’s important to know as you plan out your home purchase.

The Takeaway

VA loans can offer some attractive benefits to homebuyers, and getting preapproved is usually to your advantage. It’s important to take your time to find the right lender to work with so you can get the best loan terms possible.

SoFi offers VA loans with competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance, and down payments as low as 0%. Eligible service members, veterans, and survivors may use the benefit multiple times.

Our Mortgage Loan Officers are ready to guide you through the process step by step.

FAQ

Can you get preapproval for a VA loan?

Yes, it’s possible to get preapproved for a VA home loan. You’ll need to find a VA-approved lender to work with and verify that you’re eligible to get a loan through the VA program. Having VA loan preapproval doesn’t guarantee that you’ll qualify for a mortgage, however.

What do I need to get preapproved for a VA loan?

To get preapproved for a VA loan, you’ll need to find a VA-approved lender. Next, you’ll need to provide the lender with some information about your finances, along with a Certificate of Eligibility. You can obtain this document from the Veterans Administration.

How long does it take to get a VA loan preapproval?

Assuming that you have all of the necessary documents and information to process your preapproval application, it may be possible to get a decision the same day. VA loan preapproval shouldn’t take more than a few days to obtain if you’ve checked off all the lender’s requirements.

About the author

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake

Rebecca Lake has been a finance writer for nearly a decade, specializing in personal finance, investing, and small business. She is a contributor at Forbes Advisor, SmartAsset, Investopedia, The Balance, MyBankTracker, MoneyRates and CreditCards.com. Read full bio.


Photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio

†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.
^SoFi VA ARM: At the end of 60 months (5y/1y ARM), the interest rate and monthly payment adjust. At adjustment, the new mortgage rate will be based on the one-year Constant Maturity Treasury (CMT) rate, plus a margin of 2.00% subject to annual and lifetime adjustment caps.

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

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


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


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

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