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If you’re planning to sell an investment property or your own home this year, it’s important to be aware of the potential impact capital gains tax could have on your bottom line. Otherwise, you could end up with less money than you thought to put toward your next real estate purchase or another financial goal.

Fortunately, there are strategies that can enable sellers to avoid capital gains tax on real estate, either by legally deferring or avoiding paying taxes altogether on their real estate gains. Read on for some basic info on how the capital gains tax works and how you might be able to minimize the tax burden after a successful sale.

Understanding Capital Gains Tax on Real Estate

Selling a piece of real estate for more than you paid is usually something to celebrate — but don’t party too hard just yet. If the value of the property has increased substantially, you may have to make a hefty payment to the IRS to cover the capital gains tax on your profit.

The amount you might be taxed on your sale can depend on a few different details, including how long you owned the property, if it was your primary residence when you sold it, how much you made on the sale, and your household income that year. Here are some factors to consider:

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Capital Gains

The length of time you owned the property before selling it will determine whether your profit is a short-term or long-term capital gain. That could make a significant difference in how, and how much, it’s taxed — as well as in how to avoid capital gains tax on real estate sales.

•   If you sell the property after owning it for only a year or less, for example, the profit is considered a short-term capital gain, and you’ll be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate for the year you made the sale.

•   If you sell after holding the property for more than a year, on the other hand, the profit is considered a long-term capital gain, which makes it subject to preferential capital gains tax rates.

Long-Term Capital Gains Tax Rates

Whether you’re selling your primary residence or an appreciated investment property, the tax rate (0%, 15%, or 20%) that applies to your long-term capital gain will be based on your taxable income and filing status that year. Here’s what the rates look like for 2024:

Filing Status	0%	15%	20%
Single	Taxable income up to $47,025	$47,026 to $518,000	Over $518,000
Head of Household	Taxable income up to $63,000	$63,001 to $551,350	Over $551,350
Married Filing Jointly/ Surviving Spouse	Taxable income up to $94,050	$94,051 to $583,750	Over $583,750
Married Filing Separately	Taxable income up to $47,025	$47,026 to $291,850	Over $291,850

Potential Exemptions

Before you start calculating (and stressing out about) what you might owe, however, it’s important to note there are exemptions that might help you reduce or even avoid paying taxes on your capital gains. These include the “home sale exclusion,” which can be used by homeowners who are selling their primary residence, and the “1031 exchange,” which allows investors to defer the taxes on a real estate sale by reinvesting their profit into a similar property. Here’s a look at how each strategy might benefit you, depending on your specific circumstances.

Deferring Capital Gains Tax with a 1031 Exchange

A 1031 exchange (named for Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code) allows those who invest in real estate to defer the tax obligation on a property they’ve sold by using the proceeds to replace it with a similar, or “like-kind,” property. This is how it works:

Qualifying for a 1031 Exchange

The property used as a replacement in a 1031 exchange must meet three basic requirements:

•   It must be a long-term investment. The property can’t be a quick “flip.” And it can’t be your personal home.

•   It must generate income while you own it through rental or some other use. You can’t buy the property and just hold onto it with a plan to sell it later.

•   It must be of the same “character and class” as the property it’s replacing. The replacement property doesn’t necessarily have to be used for the same purpose as the one that’s been sold, though. As long as both properties are used as investment properties that earn income, they generally can qualify as a like-kind exchange.

Deadlines and Rules

You can make a direct swap with another property owner to complete a like-kind exchange — if you can find the right property for your purposes. More often, though, sellers use a qualified intermediary (QI) to facilitate a “delayed” exchange. With this type of transaction, proceeds from the sale of your original property go directly to the QI to hold in escrow, and you must find and purchase a replacement property within a preset timeline following two main deadlines:

•   The 45-Day Rule: Within 45 days of closing on the original property, you must designate a replacement property — or properties — in writing to the QI; and

•   The 180-Day Rule: You must close on the new property within 180 days of selling the original property.

These two periods run concurrently, so you may want to find a real estate agent who can help you locate a new property before you complete the sale of the old one. Make sure you’re familiar with how to get a mortgage loan and the different types of mortgage loans before you begin the process of closing on the original property, and line up a home mortgage loan for the new property, should you need one.

Reverse Exchanges

You also may choose to do a reverse exchange, using those same 45- and 180-day deadlines, and still qualify for the 1031 tax deferral. In this case, you would transfer a qualifying replacement property to an intermediary, identify a property you already own that you want to sell, and complete the sale within 180 days of closing on the new property.

Reporting a 1031 Exchange to the IRS

You must notify the IRS of the 1031 exchange by submitting Form 8824 with your tax return for the year the exchange took place. It’s important to hold on to financial documents and keep good records, including descriptions of the properties involved, closing dates, and other details of the transaction. (Because this can be a complicated process to complete and report, you may want to consult with a tax professional before proceeding.)

Recommended: Investment Property Mortgage Rates

Saving on Taxes with the Home Sale Exclusion

Investors aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a tax break when selling a property for a profit. A tax provision known as the Section 121 Exclusion, or “home sale exclusion” allows homeowners who meet specific requirements to exclude up to $250,000 (or up to $500,000 for married couples filing jointly) of capital gains from the sale of their primary residence. Here are some basics that can help you determine if you qualify.

Ownership and Use Tests

To use the home sale exclusion, you typically must meet these requirements:

•   You must have owned and used the home as your primary residence for at least two of the five years leading up to the date of the sale. The two years don’t have to be consecutive.

•   The home must qualify as your primary residence. For example, it should be the address used on state and federal IDs, voter registration, filing taxes, and utility bills. And you can only claim this exclusion once every two years.

Calculating the Taxable Gain

Here’s an example of how the home sale exclusion might work. Let’s say, Joe, who is single, buys a house for $200,000 and sells it three years later for $500,000. His profit is $300,000; but after applying his $250,000 exclusion, Joe would pay capital gains tax on only $50,000 of the profit.

Depending on what Joe’s taxable income is in the year he makes the sale, he could pay a capital gains tax rate of 0%, 15%, or 20% on this reduced amount.

Other Strategies to Minimize Capital Gains Tax

The 1031 exchange and home sale exclusion are two popular methods for minimizing the tax on real estate capital gains. But there are other strategies you may also want to consider to reduce the tax blow to your bottom line.

Installment Sales

If you make a large profit on your property sale and want to spread out your capital gains tax liability over a period of several years, you may want to look at the benefits of receiving installment payments from the buyer instead of a lump sum. With this method, you would pay capital gains tax only on the portion of the gain you receive each year until the property is paid off.

Let’s say you’re an older couple hoping to sell your home and downsize to a less expensive home purchase or a rental in retirement. Or maybe you’re a young couple planning to sell your home in a high-priced city in order to move to a less expensive location so one of you can stop working and stay home with the kids. An installment sale would allow you to reduce your upfront tax burden and could provide a reliable income stream when you make this big life change.

Tax-Loss Harvesting

Tax-loss harvesting is another popular option for reducing long-term capital gains. Here’s an example of how it might work:

Let’s say you made a big profit on a real estate deal, but you also suffered a large loss on a long-term investment held in a taxable investment account. You may be able to use (or “harvest”) that loss to offset some of the gains from your successful property sale. Or, if you have long-term investments that aren’t doing as well as you’d like, you might choose to sell them for less than you paid and use the loss to help offset your taxable gain.

If it turns out your loss is more than your gains, you also may be able to reduce your ordinary income by up to $3,000 in that tax year. And you can carry forward any remaining loss — up to $3,000 per year — to future tax years.)

Charitable Donations of Real Estate

If your list of financial goals includes charitable giving, donating real estate directly to a qualifying charitable organization — instead of selling it, paying capital gains tax, and then donating the profits — could help you maximize the amount of your gift. You also may be able to claim a tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the property during the tax year when the gift was made, which could significantly reduce your tax burden. With this strategy, both you and your favorite charity could benefit.

Recommended: Real Estate Listing Terms Decoded

Planning for Capital Gains Tax in Real Estate Investing

Navigating capital gains tax in real estate can be complex, which means planning is a must. Here are a few things to keep in mind whether you’re hoping to sell a property (or properties) this year or in the future.

Record-Keeping and Cost Basis

One of the best ways to reduce your capital gains tax is to make the most of all the reductions the IRS allows. But you’ll have to back up any costs you claim. So holding on to financial documents you receive while you own the property is imperative — including the original closing documents from your purchase, receipts from any major improvements you made, the real estate purchase contract and the closing documents from the sale. As a general rule, it’s smart to track home-improvement costs for any materials and labor that increase the value of the property (in other words, not general upkeep expenses).

This information will help you determine your property’s cost basis (or adjusted cost basis if you made major improvements), which is the value that will be assigned to your home or real estate investment for tax purposes.

Seeking Professional Advice

Another way to make sure you’re getting every tax break you can when you sell your property is to work with a financial professional who’s experienced in real estate taxation. This could help you keep more of your money after the sale and avoid making a misstep that could lead to an expensive IRS penalty.

The Takeaway

Understanding how to avoid capital gains on real estate, and doing some proactive planning, could make a big difference to the bottom line of a successful property sale. And the more money you can keep in your own pocket, the more you’ll have to put toward your other financial goals — including buying your next home or 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 qualifies as a like-kind property for a 1031 exchange?

A “like-kind” exchange doesn’t mean the old and new properties have to be exactly the same size or in the same neighborhood. But the net market value and equity of the replacement property must be the same as, or greater than, the property that’s been sold — and it must be in the U.S. The properties also should have a similar purpose (selling one rental property and acquiring another, for example).

Are there any time limits for 1031 exchanges?

Yes, there are two main deadlines you’re required to meet to successfully complete a 1031 exchange. First, within 45 days of closing on the original property, you must designate at least one replacement property in writing to a qualified intermediary. Next, you must close on the replacement property within 180 days of selling on the original property. These two time periods run concurrently.

Can you use a 1031 exchange for a primary residence?

A primary residence typically doesn’t qualify for a 1031 exchange. The properties involved must be used as an investment or for business.

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Photo credit: iStock/gorodenkoff

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.

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

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

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.
Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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Living small can have big advantages — particularly when it comes to cost. With fewer square feet to build, maintain, and keep lit, cooled, and heated, a tiny house can be far cheaper than more traditional iterations of the American dream.

Still, not all tiny houses come with tiny price tags. While it’s possible to build an off-the-grid tiny house for $10,000, some luxury tiny homes cost $100,000 or more. On average, a tiny home costs just over $50,000 to build, not including the price of the land it’s sitting on, though purchasing a prebuilt tiny home could rack up a higher price tag.

What Is the Average Tiny House Cost?

While, as we’ve seen, the cost of a tiny house can range significantly, the average price is usually somewhere between $30,000 and $60,000, according to Porch.com. Compare that to the latest median sale price for a non-tiny home — $434,000, according to real estate giant Redfin. (That’s before accounting for peripheral expenses like closing costs.) Bear in mind, though, that tiny house prices generally don’t include the land where the house will be located or the cost of any water, sewer, or electrical service hookup.

That’s a pretty hefty difference, although of course the tight housing market has an effect on the cost of prebuilt tiny homes, too. It’s not uncommon to see tiny homes listed for close to (or even over) $100,000, especially in highly desirable areas.

Many tiny houses are so relatively low cost that they don’t meet the minimum threshold to qualify for a home loan, although there are different types of mortgage loans and you can shop around to find a lender that might finance your home.

Tiny House on Wheels vs. Foundation

As you may already know, tiny homes can be built on wheels (though they’re not usually as mobile as standard mobile homes) or built on a foundation just like a larger home. Along with giving their owners some flexibility when it comes to location, building a tiny house on wheels can also change the price tag.

According to data from The Spruce, a tiny house on wheels costs an average of $60,000 to $80,000, while those built into foundations start lower — at $35,000 — but can run substantially higher, to $180,000.

Many other factors also play into the overall tiny home cost, too, which we’ll take a closer look at next.

Recommended: How to Get a Mortgage

Factors Affecting Tiny Home Cost

What other factors affect your tiny home’s bottom line? Here are some of the most impactful.

Size and Square Footage

While “tiny” is a fairly open-ended description, according to builder United Tiny Homes, these structures are generally between 100 and 400 square feet. There is some wiggle room on either end, though, and 500-square-foot tiny houses aren’t unheard of.

As you might expect, the larger your tiny house is, the more materials it takes to build — and therefore, the higher its price is likely to be. Still, since even the largest tiny homes are so much less expensive than traditional homes, it may be worth it to have just a little bit more room to roam.

Building Materials

Another factor that’s true for tiny homes as well as their larger counterparts: The higher the quality of the building materials, the more expensive the tiny home is likely to be. (However, it may also be able to withstand the test of time better, lowering overall maintenance costs and actually saving you money over time.)

However, some tiny home builders save by using recycled or reclaimed materials, which can substantially lower the overall cost (though make the project more time- and effort-intensive).

Labor and Professional Services

Labor is, of course, another major factor. If you’ve got the skills to build your tiny home yourself — or the patience to learn them — you stand to save thousands of dollars on what you’d spend to have a professional builder do it for you. How much does it cost to build a tiny house when it comes to labor? Construction work usually starts around $20 per hour, depending on the specific project, and that’s not counting the cost of materials and any overhead a contractor would charge. Professionals such as a plumber or electrician can run into the hundreds of dollars per hour.

Of course, when it comes to tricky and even potentially dangerous aspects of building a tiny home, like running electricity, professional know-how might be worth the price if you’re an amateur.

Building vs. Buying a Tiny House

When you’re budgeting for buying a house, bear in mind that buying a premade tiny home could be a lot more expensive than building one yourself — but as we’ve seen, you can also rack up a large overall bill on building your own if you rely on professional labor to do so. Here are some other considerations to keep in mind as you decide which route is right for you.

Custom Build

Having the opportunity to literally dream up your perfect tiny home and bring it to life might be priceless to you — and, again, if you’re able to DIY the project from start to finish, it might cost you less than buying someone else’s already-built dream. However, working with a contractor and architect to draw the blueprint and build the entire home from scratch could be a lot pricier. The good news is, tiny homes are popular enough now that services specifically designed to build tiny homes are more readily available.

Prefab or Kit Homes

Looking for a good middle road between a custom-designed, DIY tiny home and buying one that’s ready to go? Tiny home kits are available for prices starting around $12,000 or so — although this figure of course doesn’t include the land the tiny home will need to sit on, or the labor it’ll take to get it from flat to 3-D.

Used Tiny Homes

Buying someone else’s used tiny home is an option that could save you money — or cost you more, if the house has been carefully flipped and staged and is well marketed. Used tiny homes on wheels may be less expensive than those on foundations, but lots of factors play in, including geographical location, materials used, and more.

Recommended: Mortgage Calculator

Cost-Saving Tips for Tiny House Living

Here are some best practices for minimizing tiny house cost:

DIY Construction

Once again, if you have (or can summon) the know-how to build your own tiny house from scratch, you can shave a substantial portion off the final price tag. Plus, you’ll be better prepared for inevitable maintenance projects down the line — which means the saving opportunities just keep going.

Repurposed and Recycled Materials

Using repurposed and recycled materials can lower the cost of the physical parts of your building. In some cases, recycled and repurposed materials are available for free — though you may “pay” in the time it takes to find them.

Off-Grid Living

Finally, setting your tiny house up for off-grid living saves you money on utilities and city services like trash and water. By utilizing solar panels and a composting toilet, you can make your tiny house ready for the great outdoors — and self-sustaining enough to forego the regular monthly bills.

The Takeaway

While the cost of a tiny home can vary significantly, it’s almost always substantially lower than the cost of traditional, larger American houses — which can give those who live tiny big gains in terms of financial freedom.

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 cheapest way to build a tiny house?

If you have the know-how, building your own tiny house from scratch with recycled and repurposed materials can save you thousands of dollars. Many knowledgeable tiny home owners have completed the project for under $10,000.

How much does it cost to hire a tiny house builder?

While labor costs vary substantially depending on where you live (and other factors), the cost of materials for most tiny homes is already around $50,000, and labor usually costs about $20 per hour. Which is to say, the overall cost to hire a tiny house builder can quickly approach $100,000, particularly if you want a custom design.

Can you get a loan for a tiny house?

Tiny homes are still a relatively new phenomenon, and some mortgage lenders’ policies have not yet been updated to work for them. Given their relatively low cost, the amount you need to borrow may be under the mortgage lender’s minimum. Personal loans are another option for those who want to finance a tiny house, but beware: Unsecured personal loans usually come at higher interest rates than secured mortgages, and the interest may not be deductible on federal taxes as it would with a traditional mortgage.

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Photo credit: iStock/RossHelen

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.

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

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

Third-Party 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.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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An annual income of about $76,000 should put you in the position to afford a $250,000 mortgage, assuming you have relatively little other debt. But exactly what amount you’ll need to earn will depend on your interest rate, loan term, and debt level, among other factors. If you’re considering buying a new home, let’s take a closer look at how much you’ll need to earn to qualify for a $250,000 mortgage.

Income Needed for a $250,000 Mortgage

The exact income needed to afford a $250,000 mortgage loan can’t be nailed down without more information, but what we can get pretty close to is the P&I payment, which stands for principal and interest, and represents a majority of your monthly payment. However, even this calculation won’t give you an exact income number until you know your interest rate and desired loan term (15, 20, 30 years).

Other factors that will influence your monthly mortgage payment are:

•   Property taxes: Lenders often collect a portion of your property taxes each month and pay the local government on your behalf. And even if you don’t pay the taxes through your lender, you’ll need to include them in your budget.

•   Home insurance: Assuming you have a mortgage, your lender will require you purchase home insurance. Depending on the house and location, you may also be required to purchase earthquake insurance and flood insurance.

•   Loan specific fees: Different types of mortgage loans have unique fees that may increase the cost of your monthly mortgage payment. For example, the guarantee fee with a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan, or mortgage insurance premium with a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan.

•   Homeowners association (HOA) fees: Since you’ll likely pay the HOA directly, these fees should not increase the cost of your mortgage payment, but they will increase your monthly expenses. Keep this in mind while house hunting.

Moving forward, let’s assume you choose a 30-year loan term and receive a 7.00% interest rate.

How Much Do You Need to Make to Get a $250K Mortgage?

Using a mortgage calculator, it’s easy to get some quick numbers for the P&I payment (principal and interest) on a $250,000 mortgage. If you’re willing to estimate, a mortgage calculator with taxes and insurance included will get you a little closer as to what to expect.

If we assume you take out a 30-year mortgage and have a 7.00% interest rate, the monthly P&I payment on a $250,000 mortgage would be $1,663. Assuming your lender wants you to have a maximum 28% housing-to-income ratio, then the minimum income you would need to make for your P&I payment would be $71,271 a year or $5,939 a month. Add in your property tax, home insurance, and private mortgage insurance (PMI, which a lender will require if your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s sales price) and you’re likely looking at a monthly payment of $2,234.

Another thing you may want to try is determine how much banks are likely to lend to you. If you know your exact gross income and monthly debts, try out a home affordability calculator. Another option is to move forward with a mortgage preapproval process so you know exactly how much you have to work with.

What Is a Good Debt-to-Income Ratio?

Ideally, lenders want borrowers to stick to a 36% debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, with a maximum of 28% going toward housing costs. However, depending on your income and credit score, some lenders may accept higher DTIs.

If we consider the cost of living by state, 28% may be too much when you account for daily expenses, such as food and gas, which can skew the income needed for a $250K mortgage. Therefore, if your job and lifestyle allow you to be flexible on where you live, you might consider checking out a ranking of the most affordable states.

What Determines How Much House You Can Afford?

Lenders look at a variety of factors when determining how much house a borrower can afford, but the big four are:

•   Income

•   DTI ratio

•   Credit score

•   Down payment amount

What Mortgage Lenders Look For

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, lenders look at the following variables for each borrower:

•   Employment history

•   Income

•   DTI ratio

•   Credit score

$250,000 Mortgage Breakdown Examples

How much income is needed for a $250,000 mortgage is significantly influenced by your rate and term. Let’s take a look at the various P&I payments you can expect with different rates and different terms:

Term	Rate (APR)	Monthly P&I Payment:	Minimum annual gross income needed to cover P&I:
15	6.00%	$2,110	$90,429
15	6.25%	$2,144	$91,886
15	6.50%	$2,178	$93,343
15	6.75%	$2,212	$94,800
15	7.00%	$2,247	$96,300
20	6.00%	$1,791	$77,014
20	6.25%	$1,827	$78,300
20	6.50%	$1,864	$79,886
20	6.75%	$1,901	$81,471
20	7.00%	$1,938	$83,057
30	6.00%	$1,499	$64,243
30	6.25%	$1,539	$65,957
30	6.50%	$1,580	$67,714
30	6.75%	$1,622	$69,514
30	7.00%	$1,663	$71,271

Pros and Cons of a $250,000 Mortgage

Buying a house comes with both benefits and drawbacks. Here are some things you should consider:

Pros of a $250,000 Mortgage:

•   Each monthly payment builds equity

•   Home can be used as collateral for low rate loans

•   More freedom to make changes to home

•   Homeownership provides a hedge against inflation

Cons of a $250,000 Mortgage:

•   Homeowners are responsible for all repairs and maintenance

•   Must save up for both down payment and closing costs

•   Must purchase home insurance

•   Must pay property taxes

How Much Will You Need for a Down Payment?

If $250,000 is the purchase price, the lowest down payment a first-time borrower could make with a conventional loan is $7,500. If you choose an FHA loan, the lowest down payment you can make is $8,750. VA loans (from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) and USDA loans don’t require down payments. It’s worth noting that even if you have owned a home before, you might qualify as a first-time homebuyer from a lender’s perspective if it has been at least three years since you had ownership in a principal residence.

Can You Buy a $250K Home With No Money Down?

Yes, both USDA loans and VA loans don’t require a down payment. VA loans are for qualified active and retired military and surviving spouses, while USDA loans are for homes bought in certain rural areas the USDA has deemed to be in need of economic development.

Can You Buy a $250K Home With a Small Down Payment?

If you use a conventional loan, the lowest down payment a first-time homebuyer can make is typically 3%. The lowest down payment with an FHA loan is 3.5%. USDA and VA loans don’t require a down payment, but they do have eligibility requirements.

Is a $250K Mortgage with No Down Payment a Good Idea?

Whether skipping the down payment on a home is a good idea depends on your long-term goals and what you hope to do. If you want to save money over the life of the loan, making a down payment will save you money in interest. If you need the money now for other endeavors, there’s nothing wrong with choosing a loan that doesn’t require a down payment.

Can’t Afford a $250K Mortgage With No Down Payment?

If you can’t afford a $250,000 mortgage, there are some things you can do to make homeownership a little easier.

Pay Off Debt

Paying off your debt will lower your DTI, improve your credit score, and give you more cash to work with each month. Because there are so many benefits, it may be worth your time to pay down as much debt as possible before applying for a mortgage.

Look into First-Time Homebuyer Programs

There are many first-time homebuyer programs across the United States. Assistance can come in various forms. It may be a low-rate loan, a forgivable loan, or a grant. It often comes as a forgivable loan, which doesn’t require any form of repayment as long as certain conditions are met. Assistance is often first come first served, so apply early if you’re interested.

Build Up Credit

The lower your score, the higher your interest rate. Strengthen your credit score, and you could qualify for a better interest rate that would lower your monthly payment and save you money in interest over the life of the loan.

Start Budgeting

Take steps to eliminate unnecessary spending so you can put as much as you can toward your savings. Monthly subscriptions and dining out, for example, may need to be put on the back burner as you work toward your savings goals.

Also, any lump payments you receive throughout the year could be put toward savings. For example, an end-of-the-year bonus or tax refund should be tucked away as soon as it’s received. Currently, the average federal tax refund is $2,869. That’s 33% of an $8,750 down payment.

If you’re new to the world of mortgages and financing, check out our home loan help center where we go in-depth on everything you need to know about buying your first home or moving forward with a mortgage refinance.

Alternatives to Conventional Mortgage Loans

It depends on the seller, but some sellers are open to lease-to-own or seller financing. Another option may be to pursue a portfolio loan with a local bank or credit union.

Mortgage Tips

Here are some tips to qualify for a mortgage:

•   Pay down your debts

•   Pay close attention to your credit score

•   Save up for a down payment

•   Stick with your current employer

•   Gather all supporting paperwork needed for your mortgage application

The Takeaway

For a 30-year loan on a $250,000 mortgage with a 7.00% interest rate, you’ll need a gross income of around $76,000 a year. But exactly how much income you would need to have depends on several factors that are specific to you, including your existing debts, your credit score, and what loan term you choose and what interest rate you qualify for.

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

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

How much income do you need to qualify for a $250,000 mortgage?

To cover the monthly mortgage payment on a $250,000 mortgage, you’ll need an income of around $76,000 a year. For the most accurate estimate, you will need to know your exact interest rate, property taxes, home insurance, and home loan term.

Can I afford a $250K house on a $50K salary?

It would be difficult to afford a $250,000 house on a $50,000 annual salary unless you are able to make a large down payment, which would reduce your monthly mortgage costs to a manageable level. If you earn $50,000 a year and have minimal debts, you could probably qualify for a mortgage loan of around $150,000.

What is the monthly payment on a $250K mortgage?

The monthly principal and interest payment on a $250,000 home mortgage loan ranges from around $1,500 to $2,250, depending on the loan term (15 vs. 30 years) and interest rate (6.00% to 7.00%, although a higher or lower rate might be possible). The shorter the term and the higher the interest rate, the greater your monthly payment will be.

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Photo credit: iStock/yavorskiy

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.

*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.

‡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.

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

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

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.

^¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
^†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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The income needed for a $450,000 mortgage varies based on a few factors, but generally speaking, an income of $130,000 would put you in the position to afford a $450,000 mortgage. You can estimate how much you need to make by focusing on principal and interest. Together, these two factors account for a majority of a home’s monthly mortgage payment and reveal an approximate income you’ll want to bring in.

For a more accurate monthly payment estimate, you’ll need to know the home’s property taxes, home insurance costs, as well as which type of home loan you plan on using. Certain loans come with monthly fees that will increase your monthly housing costs.

If you’re thinking about borrowing $450,000 to buy a home, here’s what you need to know.

Income Needed for a $450,000 Mortgage

The income needed to qualify for a $450,000 mortgage varies on a few factors. However, the principal and interest (P&I) payment for a $450,000 mortgage would be $2,996 for a 30-year term with a 7.00% interest rate. For a 15-year term, the payment is $4,047. Keep in mind that these calculations do not include other fees that will increase how much you actually pay.

Many lenders want borrowers to stick to a 28% housing cost, meaning that they will not approve loans that take up more than 28% of the borrower’s gross monthly income. A mortgage calculator can do the math for you, but for a payment of $2,996 each month to equal 28% of your monthly income, you would need to earn about $10,800 per month, or about $130,000 per year. However, these calculations do not factor in other fees that contribute to your monthly mortgage payment.

To get a more accurate monthly payment, use a mortgage calculator with taxes and insurance included.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Guide

How Much Do You Need to Make to Get a $450K Mortgage?

The income needed for a $450,000 mortgage varies based on:

•   Loan term

•   Interest rate

•   Property taxes

•   Home insurance

•   Loan-specific fees

However, the loan term and interest rate determine a majority of the costs for any monthly mortgage payment.

What Is a Good Debt-to-Income Ratio?

The maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio lenders often accept is 36%, with a maximum of 28% going toward housing costs. Some lenders have higher margins, and some are willing to work with borrowers who have unusually high incomes and amounts of debts.

What Determines How Much House You Can Afford?

The two biggest factors that determine how much house you can afford are your income and DTI ratio. Regardless of your debts, the mortgage payment cap is often 28% of the borrower’s gross income.

What Mortgage Lenders Look For

Mortgage lenders typically look for a low DTI ratio, a strong credit score, a history of stable employment, and a high income. All of these factors suggest you are not only responsible enough to take on a mortgage but are financially capable of repaying your debts.

$450,000 Mortgage Breakdown Examples

When determining a home’s affordability, compare loan terms. A 30-year loan may enable you to buy a more expensive home, but increases the amount you pay in interest. For example, if you borrow $450,000 with a 30-year mortgage at 7.00%, over the life of the loan you will pay about $628,208 in interest in addition to the $450,000 principal. Borrow the same amount at the same rate but pay it back over 15 years and your interest charges shrink to around $278,236.

Remember, the above calculations do not include property taxes, home insurance, and loan-specific fees.

Pros and Cons of a $450,000 Mortgage

A $450,000 mortgage loan comes with its share of pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider:

Pros:

•   You build equity with each monthly payment

•   Equity can be used to secure a low rate loan

•   Fixed housing costs

•   Freedom to make changes to the property

Cons:

•   Yearly home maintenance costs

•   Large down payment

•   Large closing costs

How Much Will You Need for a Down Payment?

The minimum down payment a buyer can make for a conventional loan is 3%, and this low rate is often only available to first-time buyers. Assuming your mortgage is for $450,000, this means the purchase price must be $463,918. A 3% down payment would be $13,918.

Can You Buy a $450K Home With No Money Down?

It’s possible to buy a $450,000 home with no money down using a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Veterans Administration (a VA loan). All other traditional mortgages require a down payment. However, other options do exist.

Can You Buy a $450K Home With a Small Down Payment?

USDA and VA loans do not have down payment requirements. The lowest amount needed for a conventional loan for some buyers is 3% of the purchase price. FHA loans require a 3.5% down payment.

Is a $450K Mortgage with No Down Payment a Good Idea?

It certainly can be. For example, if you use a loan that doesn’t require a down payment, such as a USDA loan, you could use the money for something else. If you were to fix up the home and sell it after a few years, those renovations might bring in a good return on your investment.

Ultimately, however, it depends on the monthly payment. As long as you can comfortably afford the monthly payment, whether the mortgage requires a down payment or not doesn’t matter too much.

Can’t Afford a $450,000 Mortgage With No Down Payment?

You may want to consider lowering your maximum purchase price if you can’t afford the P&I payment.

If housing prices are high where you live, another thing you may want to consider is looking in another area. Consider looking at the cost of living by state with data that rates the most affordable states. You may find moving to a new location deserves some consideration.

You may also consider the following tips.

Pay Off Debt

Debts like student loans, credit cards, and car loans eat up your monthly income. As they are paid off, three things happen:

•   You free up cash

•   You lower your DTI ratio

•   You cultivate a better credit score

Once you do this, you may be approved for a higher loan amount or the monthly payment on a $450K mortgage will become more manageable.

Look into First-Time Homebuyer Programs

First-time homebuyer programs help homebuyers with down payments and closing costs. They often come in the form of grants, forgivable loans, or low interest loans. Many programs can be found through HUD and are first-come-first-served. Apply early if you’re interested.

Build Up Credit

The stronger your credit score, the more confidence lenders have in you. This will likely result in a lower rate, and may also result in a higher loan limit. However, your lender will still likely want you to stick to a 28% DTI for housing costs.

Start Budgeting

Create a monthly budget to intentionally track how much you spend and save. See if there are places where you can cut back to help save up for a larger down payment.

Alternatives to Conventional Mortgage Loans

There are alternatives to conventional mortgage loans, but they involve working with a seller who is open to nontraditional financing methods. Some nontraditional methods include seller financing and lease-to-own options.

Another option is a portfolio loan, which some banking institutions offer. A portfolio loan is a loan lenders don’t sell to another institution. Instead, they keep it in their own books, which enables them to allow for looser eligibility requirements.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

Mortgage Tips

Here are a few quick tips to qualify for a mortgage:

1.    Get preapproved as early as possible: The mortgage preapproval process helps with a lot of things, and it will tell you how much house you can afford.

2.    Use a mortgage calculator when shopping online: This will help you quickly crunch some numbers. There are many types of mortgage calculators online, including home affordability calculators.

3.    Compare loan types: There are many different types of mortgage loans, each of which comes with different requirements and different fees.

4.    Pay down your debts: The fewer debts you have, the more room in your budget you’ll have for a higher mortgage.

5.    Know that you can always refinance in the future: A mortgage refinance will take a fresh look at your credit score and income, and will also include your existing home equity when determining your new rate.

The Takeaway

You’ll need an annual income of around $130,000 if you want to be in a good position to make payments on a $450,000 home mortgage loan. Remember that your payments will likely include principal and interest, but also homeowners insurance and property taxes. Getting preapproved by a lender can help make your search less stressful.

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

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

How much do you need to make to qualify for a $450K mortgage?

Just considering the P&I payment of a $450K mortgage, the minimum you would need to make is around $130K a year. This is for a 30 year mortgage with a 7.00% interest rate.

What would my mortgage be on a $450,000 house?

How much money you would have to borrow to buy a $450,000 house would depend on the size of your down payment. First-time homebuyers can sometimes put down as little as 3% ($13,500). In this case, you would need a home mortgage loan for $436,500. If you put down 20% ($90,000), you would need a mortgage loan for $360,000.

Can you buy a house with a $40,000 salary?

Yes, but it depends on the purchase price of the home. The gross monthly income is $3,333, which means the maximum amount spent on housing should be $933. This puts the purchase price around $140,000.

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Photo credit: iStock/FreshSplash

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.

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

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

Third-Party 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.

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.

‡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.

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.

^¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
^†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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It’s tough to afford a home these days. If you’re looking at a $275,000 mortgage, you’ll have a monthly payment of around $2,400 with today’s interest rates at 7% on a 30-year loan. You’ll need an income of about $80,000 per year to afford this mortgage.

This can change if you have a significant amount of debt, a low down payment amount, or a less-than-perfect credit history. We’ll run through a few scenarios to show you how much income is needed for a $275K mortgage.

Income Needed for a $275,000 Mortgage

The income needed for a $275K mortgage is around $80,000. If you have more debt, the lender will need to factor that in before calculating how much income you’ll need to afford the $275,000 mortgage. For example, if you have $400 in debt payments each month, you’ll need to earn more money each month to be able to afford the $275K mortgage and still stay within the 36% debt-to-income ceiling most lenders prefer. A closer look:

$2,402 (mortgage) + $400 (other debt payments) = $2,802 total debt payments per month

For $2,802 to be 36% of your monthly income, you would need to make $7,783 each month, or $93,400 per year to qualify for the $275,000 mortgage. This estimate is based on a mortgage calculator with taxes and insurance. If you would like to see what a lender can do for you, explore getting prequalified for a home mortgage loan.

How Much Do You Need to Make to Get a $275K Mortgage?

How much income you need for a $275K mortgage also depends on your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, down payment, loan type, lender, and credit score. Let’s take a look at these each in detail.

What Is a Good Debt-to-Income Ratio?

The gold standard for debt-to-income ratios is <36%. However, there are lenders who are able to originate loans for borrowers with a DTI ratio up to 45%. Lenders who fall outside the norm in DTI and credit score requirements will influence how much you need for a $275K mortgage.

What Determines How Much House You Can Afford?

Home affordability isn’t a simple equation. There are a number of factors that go into a lender’s decision about your loan.

Income

Reliable income is the largest determinant in loan approval. The more you make, the more you have to work with each month. However, your income and home affordability are affected by how much debt you have.

Debt

Your lender will take into account any monthly debt obligations you have. These will be added to the maximum DTI. If you have debt, your monthly mortgage will need to be lower.

Down Payment

A larger down payment can afford you a larger mortgage. If you’re able to put down 20%, you won’t need to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI), which saves you money every month. However, 20% could be a big chunk of change to come up with, and most loans accept lower than a 20% down payment to start. See this mortgage calculator for examples.

Loan Type

Home affordability is also affected by the different types of mortgage loans. Fixed-rate loans will have a different monthly payment than adjustable-rate loans, for example. Likewise, the monthly payment on a 15-year mortgage is far different from the payment on a 30-year mortgage.

Lender and Interest Rate

Interest rates will vary from lender to lender. You may also see a different acceptable DTI ratio from lender to lender. When a lender is able to offer a lower interest rate, you’ll see your home affordability improve. When a lender has a higher acceptable DTI ratio, you may be able to qualify for a higher mortgage amount.

Recommended: Cost of Living by State

What Mortgage Lenders Look For

Worried about qualifying for a $275K mortgage? Here’s what your lender will look for during the mortgage preapproval process. These are right in line with home affordability requirements.

•   Income Your income needs to be reliable and sufficient to qualify for the loan you want.

•   Credit score A good credit score helps with approval and lower interest rates.

•   Debt-to-income ratio Too much debt could prevent you from securing the loan you want. Before you apply for a loan, work on paying off debt as best you can.

•   Down payment A higher down payment can help you qualify for a larger purchase price on a home. A down payment over 20% can help you avoid the monthly mortgage insurance payment as well.

•   Loan-to-value ratio Lenders also want to be sure the property you’re buying qualifies for a loan. They don’t want to loan more on the property than it’s worth.

$275,000 Mortgage Breakdown Examples

Your individual situation will influence the income needed for the mortgage you want. Here are a few examples created with a home affordability calculator to show you how this works. In each case, the interest rate is 7% on a 30-year mortgage.

With no debt

•   Principal and interest: $1,830

•   Taxes and insurance: $573

•   Total monthly payment: $2,403

Income needed to afford the monthly payment: $6,672 per month, or $80,064 per year.

Assumptions: 20% down payment. The original purchase price would be $343,750 to get a $275,000 mortgage with a 20% down payment.

With $1,000 per month in debt

•   Principal and interest: $1,830

•   Taxes and insurance: $573

•   Total monthly payment: $2,403

Add monthly debt obligations to the monthly mortgage payment. $2,402 + $1,000 = $3,402 monthly debts.

Income needed to afford the monthly payment: $9,450 per month, or $113,400 per year.

Assumptions: 20% down payment. The original purchase price would be $343,750 to get a $275,000 mortgage with a 20% down payment.

With no down payment and $600 in monthly debt payments

•   Principal and interest: $1,830

•   Taxes and insurance: $458

•   PMI: $252

•   Total monthly payment: $2,540

Add monthly debt obligations to the monthly mortgage payment. $2,540 + $600 = $3,140

Income needed to afford the monthly payment: $8,722 per month, or $104,664 per year.

Assumptions: No down payment. The original purchase price would be $275,000.

Pros and Cons of a $275,000 Mortgage

Pros

•   Lower mortgage payment than for the median home price in the U.S.

•   Lower income requirement than a higher-priced mortgage

Cons

•   Few homes can be found for $275,000

•   May still be unaffordable for many families

How Much Will You Need for a Down Payment?

If you’re deciding how much of your hard-earned money to put down for a down payment on a property that you plan to buy with a mortgage of $275,000, here’s how it breaks down by loan program.

Program	Minimum down payment percentage	Amount for $275,000
VA, USDA	0%	$0
Conventional	3% or more	$8,250 or more
FHA	3.5% or more	$9,625 or more

Keep in mind, when you make a payment lower than 20%, you’ll need to pay PMI each month. For some loans, like the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage, you’ll need a mortgage refinance to get rid of PMI.

Can You Buy a $275K Home With No Money Down?

Yes, you can buy a $275K home for no money down. The two main programs that don’t require a down payment include:

•   VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) mortgages

•   USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) mortgages

Beyond these two programs, you may also find local housing programs that offer down payment assistance that may be able to help get you into a home with no money down (or close to it).

Can You Buy a $275K Home With a Small Down Payment?

Since a $275K mortgage loan falls under the conforming loan limits, it qualifies for loan programs with lower down payment requirements. These include conventional financing with a minimum 3% down payment for qualified first-time buyers, FHA with a 3.5% minimum down payment, as well as VA and USDA loans which have no down payment requirement.

Recommended: Best Affordable Places to Live

Is a $275K Mortgage with No Down Payment a Good Idea

It’s possible to get a $275K mortgage with no down payment. It also may help you get into a home that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

If you’ve run your numbers through a mortgage calculator and have worked closely with a lender to determine if the monthly payment is affordable for you, you shouldn’t hesitate to get a mortgage with no down payment.

The major downside to getting a mortgage with no down payment is the amount of mortgage insurance you’ll pay every month. That will need to be factored in when the lender determines how much mortgage you’ll be able to afford.

Can’t Afford a $275K Mortgage With No Down Payment?

If you still have a little work to get qualified for a $275K mortgage, especially if the cost of living in your state is high, there are some smart moves you can make to help your odds of approval.

Pay Off Debt

You may qualify for more house by paying down debt. Let’s take a look at our previous examples:

With no debt, a $275K mortgage will cost $2,402 per month, and you’ll need to earn $6,672 per month, or $80,064 per year.

With $1,000 monthly debt obligations, a $275K mortgage will have a total of $3,402 monthly debts and you’ll need $9,450 per month, or $113,400 per year to afford a $275K mortgage.

With a reduced debt load of $600 instead of $1,000, and a $275K mortgage, you’ll have a total debt load of $3,002. You’ll need $8,339 in income per month, or $100,067 per year to afford your debt load. This is much less than the previous example where the debt load was $1,000 per month.

Look into First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Most states and local housing programs have some type of first-time homebuyer program. It may be a down payment assistance program or a forgivable second mortgage that helps cover closing costs.

Build Up Credit

There’s nothing you can do about the current interest rates, but you can work on your credit to get the best rate you can. A better credit score translates into a better interest rate almost every time, which helps immensely with affording a $275K mortgage.

Start Budgeting

Good old-fashioned budgeting can help you zero in on your goals and save a large enough down payment to afford a $275K home. It helps to think of budgeting as a tool for achieving goals, rather than a punishment or restrictive way of life.

Alternatives to Conventional Mortgage Loans

If you’re not able to qualify for one of the different types of mortgage loans just yet, you might want to look into the following alternative financing methods:

Seller financing Seller financing is where the seller agrees to carry the mortgage and acts as lender. Usually, it’s a short-term agreement and the seller may charge a higher interest rate than what a traditional lender would. The details of the arrangements are made between buyer and seller, and can be quite complex. But it also avoids many closing costs and can be a faster transaction than a traditional sale.

Private lending A private lender is any lender not associated with a bank or lending institution. They may be more flexible with qualification and offer a wider range of lending tools, such as bridge loans to help you get from one house to another.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

Mortgage Tips

Getting a mortgage is intimidating at first. Once you’re done reading tips to qualify for a mortgage, you’ll want to start talking to lenders. Here’s what you’ll do to find the best rate.

1.    Shop around for a loan. Shopping around for a loan within a 45-day window only counts as a single credit inquiry on your credit report, so you can check out as many mortgage lenders as you want. This can help you find one with a great deal and terms that work for you.

2.    Compare loan estimates. A loan estimate is a document that outlines the different loan costs the lender charges. You’ll be able to compare origination fees, underwriting fees, and other closing costs in determining which loan will work best for you.

3.    Don’t get caught up in analysis paralysis. After you’ve looked at a handful of lenders, it’s time to pick one. Make a decision and go forward with excitement about moving into your home.

The Takeaway

Affording a home in today’s economy seems hard, and the amount of income needed for a $275K mortgage may feel like a heavy lift. But it’s not impossible to qualify for the mortgage you want. Even after you’ve worked out all the numbers online, you’ll still want to talk to a lender. They may have more options than you’d expect, and it’s worthwhile to start the process sooner rather than later.

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 afford a $275K house on a $60K salary?

If you have a large enough down payment, you may be able to afford a $275,000 house on a $60,000 salary. For a $5,000 monthly income, you’ll need your mortgage amount to be around $1,800. To get to that payment, you’ll need a 20% down payment ($55,000) and a 6% interest rate (if rates don’t drop to that level, you can buy down your rate by paying mortgage points to your lender).

How much does a $275K mortgage cost over 10 years?

With an interest rate of 7%, a $275,000 mortgage will cost $383,158 over 10 years. So your total interest paid on this loan will top $108,000.

What credit score is needed to buy a $275K house?

Your credit score is only one factor in determining whether or not you can afford to buy a $275K house. FHA loans, for example, allow borrowers with credit scores as low as 500 (with a 10% down payment) and 580 (with a 3.5% down payment) to apply. Lenders also look at your debt-to-income ratio, income, employment history, and loan-to-value ratio.

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Photo credit: iStock/FG Trade Latin

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

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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‡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.

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^¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
^†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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