SoFi

If you’re dreaming of a home of your own, pulling together a down payment is probably on your financial to-do list. That sum can seem hard to wrangle, but take heart: First-time homebuyers with good credit have an edge. They often can put just 3% down, and they have access to a host of down payment assistance programs. What’s more, there are other ways to gather cash for your property purchase.

In this guide, you’ll learn more about down payments and how to afford one for your first home.

What Is a Down Payment?

Simply put, a down payment is a sum of money, often a percentage of the purchase price, that a buyer pays upfront when purchasing a home or a car.

When talking about buying a home, many people believe that 20% in cash is required, but that’s not the case. Twenty percent is the figure needed to avoid paying PMI, or private mortgage insurance, but there are mortgages available with 3% or even 0% down payments in some situations.


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

How to Afford a Down Payment on Your First Home

There are many ways to afford a down payment on your first home. Below, you’ll learn some ways to save up and find low down payment options as well.

But first, consider some general ways to raise cash:

•   Start a side hustle to bring in more income. That could mean driving a rideshare, selling your ceramics on Etsy, walking dogs, or any number of other pursuits. This is a popular strategy: In an April 2024 SoFi survey of 500 would-be homeowners, 41% of people said they had taken on more work or started a side hustle to increase their income.

•   Sell your stuff. If you have gently used items, such as clothing, housewares, electronics, and jewelry, you might get cash by selling them.

•   Automate your finances. Have some money direct-deposited into savings with every paycheck. That can build your down payment, and the money doesn’t go into your checking account, where you might be tempted to spend it.

•   Make a better budget. If you’re not saving at all or as much as you’d like, evaluate your earnings, spending, and saving to optimize that. The 50/30/20 budget rule is one popular budgeting method.

Smart Ways to Save Up for a Down Payment

Here’s the lowdown on how to afford a down payment on a house. Read on before you go shopping for a mortgage.

1. Get a Low Down Payment Conventional Mortgages

Conventional loans, the most common type of mortgage, are offered by private mortgage lenders, such as banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. If you can find one with a low down payment requirement, that can take some of the pressure off of accumulating a large down payment. Getting prequalified or preapproved by a lender can help you determine your home-buying budget (in SoFi’s survey, more than one in four homebuyers based their budget off a lender’s assessment).

Some points to note:

•   Many lenders allow a down payment of 3% for a fixed-rate conventional conforming loan.

•   To qualify, borrowers usually will need to have a credit score of at least 620 and a debt-to-income ratio of 46% or less, though you might get approved with a DTI of 50%. Income limits may apply.

•   Putting 20% down, however, will allow a borrower to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) on a conventional loan.

2. Focus on Government-Backed Loans

If you are a low- to moderate-income borrower or have a lower credit score, you might want to pursue a government-backed loan, like an FHA, VA, or USDA mortgage. These also can have lower down payment requirements.

•   An FHA loan requires as little as 3.5% down on one- to four-unit owner-occupied properties as long as the borrower occupies the building for at least one year. To qualify for 3.5% down, your credit score must be 580 or higher. Someone with a credit score between 500 and 579 may qualify to put 10% down.

•   A VA loan, for veterans, active-duty military personnel, National Guard and Selected Reserve members, and some surviving spouses, requires no down payment. Borrowers can buy a property with up to four units, as long as the borrower occupies the property throughout the ownership. There is no stated minimum credit score, but generally speaking, lenders require a minimum credit score in the low- to mid-600s to qualify.

•   A USDA loan, for properties in eligible rural and suburban areas, also requires no down payment. Lenders typically want to see a credit score of at least 640, and household income can’t exceed 115% of the area’s median household income.

USDA and VA loans typically come with lower interest rates than conventional or FHA loans, but a USDA loan requires a guarantee fee, a VA loan requires a funding fee, and an FHA loan, upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). It pays to understand PMI vs. MIP to gain more insight onto the total costs of your loan.


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

3. Down Payment Gifts

“Hey, Mom and Dad (or Great-Aunt Beth), I’d love it if you gave me a large cash infusion to help me buy a house.” It just rolls off the tongue, right? But in fact, one or more loved ones may be willing to pitch in toward your down payment or closing costs. In fact, almost one in four homebuyers (24%) in SoFi’s April 2024 survey had sought financial assistance from family or friends to buy a home.

Some details to know:

•   Under conventional loan guidelines, gift money for a principal or second home is allowed from someone related by blood, marriage, adoption, or legal guardianship, or from a domestic partner or fiance. There’s no limit to the gift, but conventional loans may require borrowers to come up with a portion of the down payment.

•   FHA guidelines allow gift money from relatives, an employer, a close friend, a charitable organization, or a government agency that provides homeownership assistance.

•   With USDA or VA loans, the only people who cannot provide gift funds are those who would benefit from the sale, such as the seller, lender, real estate agent, or developer. A mortgage gift letter signed by donor and recipient will be required, verifying that the down payment funds are not expected to be repaid. A lender may also want to track the gift money.

•   There are also gifts of equity, when a seller gives part of the home’s equity to the buyer to fund all or part of the down payment on principal or second homes. For FHA loans, only equity gifts from family members are acceptable. A signed gift letter will be required.

4. Crowdfunding a Down Payment

Crowdfunding to help buy a house? It’s possible with sites like GoFundMe, Feather the Nest, HomeFundIt, and even Honeyfund (which is set up as a crowdfunder for honeymoons). A couple of details to consider, because fees are often involved when you use these platforms:

•   GoFundMe charges 2.9% plus 30 cents per gift.

•   Feather the Nest isn’t associated with a mortgage lender, so donation seekers can decide where to go for a loan. It charges a fee of 5% for every contribution.

•   HomeFundIt charges no fees, but you must pre-qualify and then use CMG Financial for your home purchase. The site shows a money match toward closing costs for first-time buyers.

•   For Honeyfund, U.S. residents receiving U.S. dollars via PayPal are charged 3.5% plus 59 cents per transaction.

5. Retirement Account Withdrawals or Loans

It might be a good idea to explore all options for getting cash before tapping your 401(k) savings account.

As you probably know, taking money out of your 401k before age 59 ½, or before you turn 55 and have left or lost your job, is met with a 10% early withdrawal penalty and income tax on the amount. So withdrawing money early from this tax-deferred account has a painful cost and impairs long-term growth.

Here are other options if you want to tap retirement savings:

•   Borrowing from a 401k may be possible. Your employer’s plan might let you borrow money from your 401k and pay it back to your account over time, with interest, within five years, in most cases. You don’t have to pay taxes and penalties when you take a 401k loan, but if you leave your current job, you might have to repay the loan in full fairly quickly. If you can’t repay the loan for any reason, you’ll owe taxes and a 10% penalty if you’re under 59 ½.

•   A traditional IRA allows first-time homebuyers to take an early withdrawal up to $10,000 (the lifetime limit) to use as a down payment (or to help build a home) without having to pay the 10% early withdrawal penalty. They still will have to pay regular income tax on the withdrawal.

•   With a Roth IRA, if you take a distribution of its earnings before age 59 ½ and before the account is less than 5 years old, the withdrawal may be subject to taxes and penalties. You may be able to avoid penalties but not taxes if you use the withdrawal (up to a $10,000 lifetime maximum) to pay for a first-time home purchase.

If you’re under age 59 ½ and your Roth IRA has been open for five years or more, a withdrawal of earnings will not be subject to taxes if you use the withdrawal to pay for a first-time home purchase.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyers Guide

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Here’s another way to help make your home-buying dreams come true: State, county, and city governments and nonprofit organizations offer down payment assistance programs to help get first-time homebuyers into homes. (By the way, the definition of who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer is more expansive than it may seem.)

Down payment assistance may come in the form of grants or second mortgage loans with various repayment or loan forgiveness provisions.

HUD steers buyers to state and local programs, and the National Council of State Housing Agencies has a state-by-state list of housing finance agencies; each offers a wealth of information designed to boost housing affordability and accessibility.

First-Time Homebuyer Tips

As you save for your down payment, follow this advice to get ready to become a property owner:

•   Figure out how much house you can afford with a home affordability calculator. You want to budget appropriately. SoFi’s survey showed that 37% of prospective homebuyers used a home affordability calculator to help set their budget.

•   Don’t forget to account for closing costs, which are typically 3% to 6% of your loan amount.

Check your credit score and credit report. Building your credit and eliminating any errors on your report can help you qualify for favorable rates.

Recommended: Most Affordable Places to Live in the US

The Takeaway

How to afford a down payment on your first house? Saving is, of course, part of the equation. But you may not need to accrue that 20% of the purchase price that so many people aim for. There can be mortgages available with as little as 3% or even 0% down. Also, first-time homebuyers may benefit from assistance programs, down payment gifts, and other forms of funding.

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.

FAQ

How much should I save for a down payment on my first house?

While many people aim for a 20% down payment to avoid paying PMI, there are mortgages available to qualified buyers with as little as 3% or even 0% down.

Can I borrow money for a down payment on a house?

You might be able to find a personal loan to use for a down payment, or you could see if a relative or significant other has funds to lend you. Check with your lender to see if this source of cash is acceptable, though.

What credit score do I need to buy a house with no money down?

You’ll typically need a credit score of at least 640 for the 0% USDA loan program. VA loans with no money down (and low down payment FHA and conforming loans) usually require a minimum credit score of 580 to 620.

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.

SOHL-Q324-107

Buying a house is a major step, and planning to purchase a home can be a lot of fun. You get to figure out where you’d hang your favorite artwork, plant a vegetable garden, put the PlayStation — and maybe contemplate taking on some DIY projects yourself.

But there’s another, more nuts-and-bolts aspect to your pursuit of the American Dream: how to budget for a house. Most people in the U.S. are homeowners, with the latest Census data revealing that 65.6% had attained this status in the second quarter of 2024. So that’s a good indicator that buying your own home is within reach.

Doing so will likely require you to be smart about your finances, both as you save and then take on the responsibility of owning a home. To help you be successful in this pursuit, read on for the intel you need, such as:

•   How do I know how much house I can afford?

•   What are the costs/fees to consider?

•   What will my ongoing costs be?

•   How can I budget for a house?

Up-front Expenses

First, consider how much you would have to fork over if you find that perfect center-hall Colonial or loft-style condo. Once an offer on a new home is accepted, there are certain costs the buyer needs to pay right off the bat and, in most cases, out of their own pocket. These are called up-front expenses. Here are a few to prepare for as you consider how to budget for a house:

Down Payment

You may have heard of the traditional 20% down payment guideline, which helps you avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI) on applicable loan programs. Additionally, a higher down payment can sometimes result in better mortgage loan terms (such as a lower interest rate) which may translate into lower monthly mortgage payments.

Yep, it’s a lot of money to try to save, but if you can swing it, in the long run, applying a 20% down payment will likely save you from paying thousands of dollars in additional mortgage interest over the life of the loan. Can’t pull together that big a chunk of change? Look into your options for a mortgage lender with lower or no down payment. Some options:

•   The minimum down payment for a first-time homebuyer on a conventional loan can be as low as 3%. You may also need a certain credit score of, say, 620, to qualify for this kind of mortgage.

•   An FHA government loan that is open to everyone typically requires a down payment of at least 3.5%.

•   Veteran VA loans or government USDA loans may allow eligible borrowers to finance up to 100% of their home’s cost. In other words, no down payment is required.

It’s worth noting that, regardless of the size of your down payment, buying may still significantly reduce your overall monthly expenses, compared to your current rent and real-estate market conditions.

3% to 5% Closing Costs

You can likely expect to pay an estimated 3% to 5% of your home price for closing costs, and should save accordingly. For example, if you buy a home that costs $300,000, you may be required to pay between $9,000 and $15,000 in closing costs.

Worth noting: Some costs are fixed and not tied to the price. In these cases, the percentage can be higher for the lower range and lower for the higher purchase price range.

What exactly comprises closing costs? This can be bank charges like origination fees and any points you may have purchased to buy down your interest rate. There are also costs like the appraisal fee, a title search, and others.

Keep in mind that there are alternatives to paying the closing costs out-of-pocket, such as requesting a seller credit, requesting a lender credit, or tapping an applicable down payment assistance program. These can help you minimize this expense.

Moving Costs

Don’t forget when budgeting for buying a house that you will need funds to actually move in. Unless you’re lucky enough to have a generous pal with a van, you are probably going to have to hire a moving company when it’s time to get settled in your new home. The average cost of moving the contents of a three-bedroom home 1,000 miles is $4,800 according to research by U.S. News & World Report.

These costs can vary widely, of course. If you are moving with just a bedroom’s worth of furniture versus a whole house, your price tag will be lower. It’s wise to comparison-shop for moving companies and factor this expense into your own budgeting for a home move.

If you are moving for work reasons, check with your company to see if it offers a relocation package to help cover some or all of the moving costs.

New Furniture and Appliances

Your new house may not have the same dimensions and style of your old house. That could mean that you need to buy new furniture and appliances. When budgeting for buying a house, you might want to talk to friends or relatives who have moved recently and inquire about unexpected expenses as well. For example, it’s not uncommon when you move to have to purchase such items as new locks, shower rods, and window treatments. These can add up quickly.

You might want to start a savings account for these types of purchases — some of them may be unexpected and costlier than you imagined.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Ongoing Expenses

Now that you’ve figured out the details related to the actual purchase, consider the expenses that will accrue once you are a homeowner. This is a very important step when budgeting for buying a house. These recurring charges are a vital part of the calculations of how much home you can afford.

Monthly Charges

First, consider how much you’ll be spending every month on your monthly mortgage payment and related costs. PITIA (principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and other assessments) is an acronym describing all the components of a mortgage payment. Here’s how it breaks down:

•   P: The principal is the “meat” of the monthly payment amount — paying down the principal will reduce the loan balance.

•   I: Interest is what you are charged for borrowing the money.

•   T: Taxes refer to your property taxes.

•   I: This “I” refers to insurance. This includes both your homeowners and mortgage insurance, if applicable.

•   A: The other assessments refer to things that may be applicable to the home you purchase such as homeowners association dues, flood or earthquake insurance, and more.

HOA Dues

HOA stands for homeowners association. These dues usually apply to a condo, co-op, or property owned in a planned community.

The charge is usually monthly (but it could also be charged quarterly or annually), and it typically goes to maintaining the community (landscaping, garbage collection, repairs, and upgrades).

Before purchasing a property with HOA dues, it can be important to ask the Homeowners Association for a complete HOA questionnaire. With this in hand, you can view how healthy the association is, whether there is any outstanding litigation due to structural or other issues, etc. These could mean increased costs down the road.

Maintenance and Lawn Care

Your budgeting probably won’t stop once you’ve moved and settled into your new home. Expenses will likely continue to knock on your door — landscaping, roof repair, and water heater replacement are just a few items that might require ongoing financial consideration.

You may want to budget for 1% to 4% of the cost of your home in maintenance each year to pay for these expenses. However, deferred maintenance costs may require more funding, depending on the age, quality of construction, where you live, and more.

Pest Control, Security, Utilities

The cost of electricity, gas, water, and internet services differ from market to market. This is also true with pest control, and services that help ensure your home is secure and safe. You could find yourself paying more (or even less) for these services in your new home.

How Much House Can You Afford Quiz

Planning Ahead

So now that you understand the costs associated with homeownership, whether they are one-time or ongoing, you can get to work on how to budget for a house.

Ideally, you want to cover the homebuying costs and then be able to afford your monthly carrying costs without racking up debt. The standard advice is that your monthly housing expenses should account for up to 28% of your monthly pre-tax income. Given how expensive some housing markets can be, it’s not uncommon to find people spending more than that right now.

Here, some advice on figuring out what you can afford.

Target Mortgage Costs

Do your research on the different types of mortgage loan programs. Determine what your price range is given the current interest rates. Find the programs that may best suit you, so you’ll feel confident you can bid and afford a home once you have your down payment saved. Don’t forget to factor in those other PITIA expenses mentioned above as you think about your own monthly income and cash outflow when you’re a homeowner.

Build a Budget

Once you have these costs calculated, you can then start budgeting for buying a house. You’ll want to accumulate your down payment, while taking care of current bills and other financial obligations, of course.

•   Create a line item budget. You’ll want to note how much money you have coming in and how much goes out toward your needs (housing, food, medical expenses, debt repayment). Then you’ll see what’s left for your wants (think travel, dining out, clothes, entertainment) and start saving it, whether for your future home or retirement.

   Don’t skimp, though, on establishing an emergency fund. In a pinch, these funds can keep you from using your credit card and running up even more debt.

•   Assess where you can save more. To ramp up your savings for your house, look for ways to economize. Could you drop a subscription or two to streaming channels, or perhaps eat out less often?

   Also see what you can do to avoid high-interest credit card debt, which can take a bite out of anyone’s budget. You might want to take advantage of a zero-interest balance transfer credit card offer, or investigate whether a lower-interest personal loan could help you pay off your debt and save money.

•   Use automatic transfers. Help yourself hit your savings goals by automating payday transfers from checking to savings. That way, you won’t see the cash in your account and be tempted to spend more.

•   Bring in more moolah. If the numbers aren’t adding up to bring your homebuying plans within reach fast enough, consider using windfalls (a tax refund, a bonus at work, a birthday gift of cash from a relative) to plump up your savings. Also think about ways to bring in more income, whether by asking for a raise or pursuing a side hustle.

The Takeaway

Budgeting for buying a house requires thinking about both short-term costs, such as a down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses, as well as long-term costs such as homeowner’s insurance and maintenance expenses. It’s wise to look at both before you pursue a mortgage preapproval or make an offer on a home.

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

FAQ

How much money should you save before buying a house?

If possible, you should save enough money for a down payment on a house in the price range you’re thinking about. But you don’t need to make a 20% down payment — many homebuyers put down less, and some government programs will allow you to buy with no down payment at all. You’ll also want to have closing costs on hand (3% to 6% of the home’s price). And it’s wise to always have an emergency fund in case of an unexpected setback.

How much do I need to earn to afford a house?

How much you need to earn to afford a house depends on the housing market you’re looking in and the area’s overall cost of living. The national average salary is $63,795 and at that salary you may be able to afford a home priced at $180,000. Use a home affordability calculator to explore the numbers for your specific situation.

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.

SOHL-Q324-053

There is no waiting period for borrowers who want to refinance an FHA loan and switch to a conventional loan. But that doesn’t mean it’s automatically a good idea. When you refinance a mortgage, you want to benefit — maybe enjoy lower monthly payments, or perhaps save money on interest over the loan term.

To decide whether or not to refinance, it first helps to understand the difference between an FHA loan and a conventional mortgage. An FHA loan is a home loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration. The FHA doesn’t directly loan to borrowers; instead, it insures loans for lenders to alleviate some of the risk the lender takes on when lending money. Borrowers can usually meet FHA loan requirements with a lower credit score, and can provide a lower down payment than would be necessary with some conventional loans. For this reason, FHA loans are popular with first-time homebuyers.

A conventional loan, on the other hand, is a home mortgage loan not backed by the federal government. Borrowers with less-than-stellar credit ratings or minimal down payments aren’t always able to get a conventional loan. Or if they do, a conventional loan might have a higher interest rate than an FHA loan.

You don’t have to wait to make the switch from FHA loan to conventional. But why would you want to refinance, should you do it, and what are the pros and cons? Let’s have a look at these questions.

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

Can You Refinance an FHA Loan to a Conventional Loan?

Yes, you can refinance an FHA loan to a conventional loan. However, a lender won’t just approve you for a refinance immediately. If you currently have an FHA loan, you must qualify to refinance to a conventional loan.

Why Should You Refinance From an FHA to a Conventional Loan?

One reason you might refinance from an FHA to a conventional loan is that FHA loans require you to pay a mortgage insurance premium (MIP). First, there is a required upfront mortgage insurance premium that you make when you purchase your home. You also pay an additional mortgage insurance premium on top of your mortgage payments each month. The ongoing annual MIP of 0.45% to 1.05% is divided by 12 and added to your monthly mortgage payment.

FHA borrowers must pay MIP for either 11 years or throughout the loan term, depending on the amount you put down. Getting rid of MIP is one of the top reasons to refinance to a conventional loan.

You may also find that you can get a lower interest rate by refinancing to a conventional loan. If that’s the case, a refinance could save you thousands of dollars over your home mortgage loan term.

It’s also possible that you can increase or lower your mortgage payment with a refinance. If you find it difficult to make your monthly payments, a refinance may help you lower them. But note that a lower payment often comes with a longer loan term. On the other hand, you may decide you can pay off your mortgage faster, and so you refinance to decrease your loan term from 20 to 15 years, saving time and money.

Ultimately, you want a refinance to benefit you, so learn more from lenders and use an FHA loan mortgage calculator.

Recommended: How Do Low-income Home Loans Work

Requirements to Refinance From an FHA Loan to Conventional

You must qualify for a refinance through your credit score and debt-to-income ratio (DTI):

•   Credit score: Many lenders look for at least a 620 credit score for a conventional mortgage refinance.

•   DTI: Your DTI refers to the amount of debt you have relative to your income. There are no hard-and-fast requirements for DTI, but many lenders like to see a DTI of at least 43%. You can calculate your DTI by dividing your monthly debt payments by your gross income and converting that figure into a percentage.

Once you think you have your ducks in a row with your credit score and DTI, you must fill out applications with several lenders. Consider checking out the same type of interest rate and loan term so you can compare apples to apples among several lenders.

Get ready to submit your documents to prove your income and assets — pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, proof of investments — to show underwriters that you indeed have those assets at your disposal.

Not sure you’ll qualify? A lender can walk you through all the requirements and help you determine whether a refinance to a conventional loan makes sense for you.


💡 Quick Tip: You can use money you get with a cash-out refi for any purpose, including home renovations, consolidating other high-interest debts, funding a child’s education, or buying another property.

Pros of Refinancing From an FHA to Conventional Loan

Refinancing from an FHA to a conventional loan has some definite benefits. Let’s look at a few reasons:

•   Get a lower interest rate: Many lenders require a minimum 580 credit score (or 500 with a larger down payment). You may qualify for a lower interest rate if your credit score has increased from the 500s.

•   Get rid of MIP: As noted above, lenders charge MIP to compensate for an FHA loan’s lower credit and down payment requirements. Getting rid of MIP will save you money.

•   Save on interest: Qualifying for a lower interest rate could save you thousands of dollars over your loan term.

Cons of Refinancing From an FHA to Conventional Loan

There are downsides of refinancing from an FHA to a conventional loan.

•   Tougher qualifications: You must meet stiffer requirements to qualify for a conventional loan than an FHA loan. Again, there are no hard-and-fast rules governing qualifications, but so your best bet is to talk to lenders about your situation.

•   Private mortgage insurance (PMI): You may not be off the hook for mortgage insurance. If you don’t have at least 20% equity in your home, you must pay PMI, which automatically cancels once you reach 22% equity. Consider how much you’d pay in MIP vs. PMI over time before you refinance your home.

•   Closing costs: Refinancing requires you to pay closing costs, typically between 2% and 5% of the full loan amount.

Recommended: The Cost of Living By State

Alternatives to Refinancing Your FHA Loan to a Conventional Loan

Instead of a conventional loan, you can choose to refinance your existing FHA loan to another FHA loan using a few options:

•   FHA streamline refinance: A streamline refinance allows for limited documentation and underwriting. In order to obtain a streamline refinance, you may not be delinquent on your current loan, and refinancing must confer a net tangible benefit, meaning it must save you money. Some lenders offer “no cost refinances” by charging a higher interest rate in lieu of closing costs.

•   FHA simple refinance: A simple refinance replaces your existing FHA loan, just like a streamline refinance. You get a new fixed- or adjustable-rate loan faster than when you received your original loan. A fixed-rate loan stays the same throughout a loan term, while an adjustable-rate loan interest rate changes over the loan term. One difference between the simple and streamline refinance is that the simple version typically requires a credit check and an appraisal of your home.

•   FHA cash-out refinance: A cash-out refinance allows you to refinance with a larger loan amount and take the difference out in a lump sum. A cash-out refi could make sense if you need cash for a home project, education, or other reasons. The amount you can take out depends on how much your home is worth.

•   FHA 203(k) refinance: How do FHA loans 203k work? An FHA 203(k) refinance allows you to roll any home improvement or renovations you want to make into your home loan. You can choose from a limited 203(k) refinance or a standard 203(k) refinance. The standard doesn’t have a ceiling on the amount you can spend, while the limited refinance supplies up to $35,000.

You may face time and payment restrictions when replacing an existing FHA with an FHA refinance. For example, an FHA streamline refinance requires you to have an FHA loan for at least 210 days and make on-time mortgage payments for six months.

The Takeaway

You don’t have to wait to refinance from an FHA to a conventional loan. Still, it’s essential to consider all the ramifications of refinancing — especially the costs and savings. You may have qualified as a first-time homebuyer for your original FHA loan. The process looks different when you refinance. If you plan to refinance to a conventional loan, check your credit report, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and other factors, and talk through what you need to present to a lender to get a conventional loan. Ultimately, you want to ensure that you will benefit from a switch before you make your move.

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.

FAQ

Can you refinance an FHA loan within 6 months?

Yes, you can refinance from an FHA loan to a conventional loan within six months. However, you would first want to consider whether doing so would save you money.

How long do you have to wait to refi a conventional loan?

In most situations, you can refinance a conventional loan immediately. However, you might have to wait six months before refinancing with the same lender. Check with your lender for more information about how long you’ll have to wait for a conventional loan refinance.

Can you have an FHA loan and a conventional loan at the same time?

You might find it difficult to qualify for a conventional loan with an FHA loan because FHA loans typically go to borrowers who have less financial stability. Lenders will want to ensure that you can make payments on both your first and second home before they approve you for a conventional loan. Talk to your lender for more information about your options.

About the author

Melissa Brock

Melissa Brock is a higher education and personal finance expert with more than a decade of experience writing online content. She spent 12 years in college admission prior to switching to full-time freelance writing and editing. Read full bio.

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It is possible to use your utility bill payment history to help build credit. However, utility bills, like your gas, water, and power bills, aren’t automatically reported to the credit bureau agencies. To get them reported — and thus to have your utility bills affect your credit score — you’ll typically need to work through a third-party company that reports your utility bill payments so they show up on your credit report.

If you’re interested in making this happen, read on, and also learn other options to help establish your credit score.

How Do Utility Bill Payments Appear on My Credit Report?

Utility bill payments typically do not automatically appear on your consumer credit report. That’s because they’re not considered credit accounts. When you pay for utilities, you are paying for a service, rather than opening and maintaining a line of credit, or borrowing money that you then repay over time.

However, utility bill payments can appear on your credit report if you work with a third-party service that does the reporting on your behalf. These services typically charge a small monthly fee, but there are companies that offer this free of charge. If you’re paying utility bills on time, then getting that information reported to the credit bureaus could help to build credit.

Recommended: What Is a Charge Card?

How Do Utility Bill Payments Affect Your Credit Score?

While utility bill payments don’t appear on your credit report, they still can ding your credit score if you fall behind on payments, and the balance you owe becomes delinquent and goes to collections. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, debt can linger on your credit report for up to seven years. Because your payment history makes up a lion’s share of your credit score, a debt that enters collections and then remains on your report can have a significant impact on your credit score.

On the flipside, utility bills also have the potential to build credit. As mentioned, this could occur if you sign up to have your utility payments reported to the three major credit bureau agencies, and you consistently make your payments on time. To ensure this happens, you might consider setting up automatic bill payments.

Utility bills could also help build your credit score if you opt to pay bills with a credit card. Staying on top of your credit card payments is a key determinant of your credit score though, so just make sure to pay off your statement balance on time and in full when it becomes due. That way, you’ll avoid late payment consequences and also dodge paying interest on the utility bill payments charged to your card.

By making credit card payments when they are due, you’ll avoid late payment consequences and also dodge paying interest on the utility bill payments charged to your card.

Can Late Utility Bill Payments Affect Credit?

Late utility bill payments can hurt your credit if you miss enough payments for your account to enter “delinquent” status, after which it would get sent to collections or get handled as a charge-off. If this happens, that information can stay on your credit report for up to seven years. (It can be wise to check your credit report at least once a year, to make sure that it properly reflects your history.)

Similarly, if you sign up for a credit reporting service but then are late on making payments, that late payment activity could negatively impact your score. Often services will not report late payments for utility bills too.

Still, given the potential consequences of late payments, organizing your bills is a good idea to help ensure you pay on time and don’t lose track of due dates.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest on a Credit Card

What Other Bills Help You Build Credit?

Your payment of the following bills will generally show up on your credit report and as such will have an impact on your credit score:

•   Car payments

•   Credit card payments

•   Student loan payments

•   Mortgage payments

Similarly to your utility bills, some bills have the potential to impact your credit, but don’t automatically show up on your credit report. However, you may be able to sign up for a credit reporting service or pay them using your credit card to have them help build your score. These types of bills include your rent payments, insurance payments, and bills for services like internet and cable.

Other Ways to Build Credit

Beyond your utility bills, there are other ways you can establish credit. This includes:

•   Opening one of the different types of credit cards and then using it responsibly.

•   Taking out an auto loan to pay for your next car.

•   Getting a secured card, which is easier to qualify for than a traditional credit card because it requires a deposit.

•   Taking out a personal loan and then staying on top of payments.

•   Becoming an authorized user on the credit card account of someone with a solid credit history and responsible credit usage.

•   Getting your timely rent payments reported to the credit bureaus.

•   Taking out a credit-builder loan, which gives you the funds once you pay it off.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

The Takeaway

While paying utilities doesn’t automatically establish credit, it can help your score if you work with a third-party service to have your payment activity reported and pay those bills on time. There are other ways you can build credit from scratch as well, such as taking out a personal loan or opening a credit card account, and then handling payments responsibly.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

What is the impact of paying your utility bills early on your credit score?

Typically, utility bills are not reported to the credit bureaus and therefore don’t impact your credit score. However, if you work with a third-party service, you could have your utility bills reported. In this instance, paying your utility bills on time could help build your score.

Are utility bill payments reported to a credit reporting service?

Utility bill payments can be reported to a credit reporting service if you sign up for an account and opt in to have your utility bills reported. You might need to pay a monthly fee for this service though.

Photo credit: iStock/tommaso79

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

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

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

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.

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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It can take six to 12 months to build credit with a secured credit card. This can be a good route for those who are new to credit or are seeking to build a low score, and it requires managing your card responsibly and paying your bill on time. Learn more about how to get the most out of a secured card.

What Is a Secured Credit Card?

A secured vs. unsecured credit card is one that requires the cardholder to put down a deposit (basically, collateral) in order to open an account. The deposit typically acts as the credit limit. For example, if you make a $500 deposit when opening a secured credit card, the issuer grants you a $500 credit limit.

These types of credit cards are usually meant for those with no or limited credit history who need to build their credit history. Since these types of borrowers appear more risky — there’s no or limited evidence of their behavior as borrowers — secured credit cards reduce the risk for the lender.

Recommended: Does Applying For a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

How Do Secured Credit Cards Work?

Secured credit cards require the cardholder to “secure” their debt by putting down a refundable deposit. The credit card issuer will use this amount as the credit limit. The cardholder can then use the card as they would a more traditional credit card, which may be more in line with their idea of what a credit card is.

Cardholders can make purchases (and take out cash advances, depending on the terms of the card) up to the credit limit. Some secured credit cards even offer rewards, such as cash back or points toward travel.

At the end of each statement period, the issuer will send a credit card statement detailing all applicable transactions, the minimum amount due, and the payment due date. Your payment activity is typically reported to the credit bureaus — late payments could negatively impact your score.

Depending on your card issuer’s terms, you may be able to upgrade to an unsecured credit card (where you don’t need to put down a deposit) and get your deposit refunded if you can consistently make on-time payments for a predetermined amount of time.

Recommended: When Are Credit Card Payments Due?

Building Credit From Scratch With a Secured Credit Card

When it comes to building credit from scratch with a secured credit card, you can typically do so in the following ways:

•   Establishing payment history: Getting a secured credit card means the issuer will report your payment activity to the credit bureaus, in addition to letting them know you opened an account. Since your payment history is one of the most important factors that determine your credit score, making on-time payments helps to establish that you’re a responsible borrower.

•   Maintaining a low credit utilization ratio: Your credit utilization is the percentage of the overall credit limit available to you on your revolving accounts (like a secured credit card) that you’re using. This is another major factor that’s used to calculate your credit score. A general rule of thumb is keeping your credit utilization at 30% or less. Meaning, if your credit limit is $750, don’t carry a balance of more than $250 on your card. A high credit utilization may signal to lenders that you’re not as responsible with debt, which could hurt your score.

Recommended: Tips for Using a Credit Card Responsibly

Pros and Cons of Building Credit Using a Secured Credit Card

Trying to decide if a secured credit card is the right route to build credit? Here are the pros and cons to consider:

Recommended: What Is the Average Credit Card Limit?

Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Secured Credit Card

Using a secured credit card can be a great solution to establishing credit. While it’s hard to tell how fast a secured card will build credit, you can get the most out of using one by taking these suggestions into consideration.

Make On-Time Payments

Consistently paying your credit card bill on time can help you to establish a positive credit history. Late payments tend to come with late fees and penalties like additional interest, on top of negative remarks on your credit report.

Pay Your Balance in Full

While you’re only required to make the minimum payment, paying off your balance in full could lower your credit utilization ratio. Further, doing so will help you avoid paying interest on purchases.

Recommended: How to Avoid Interest On a Credit Card

Watch Your Credit Utilization

You can technically spend up to your credit limit, but doing so could negatively impact your score. Instead, keep track of your balance and aim to keep it as low as you can — ideally at 30% off your overall credit limit or less.

Keep in mind that the credit limit for secured credit cards is usually low. To avoid a high credit utilization ratio, you might consider using the card for smaller purchases like subscription services or your daily latte. That way, you’re less at risk of nearing your credit limit.

Monitor Your Credit

Checking your credit report can help you to determine whether your payment activity is being correctly reported to the credit bureaus. This is essential as you’re building your credit from scratch. If there are any errors, it’s best to get those fixed as soon as possible.

Request an Upgrade

A secured credit card can be one of the first steps to accessing other types of credit. It’s helpful to think of the next steps — like upgrading to an unsecured credit card — as you continue to use your current card. Doing so will usually require making on-time payments consistently, and asking your card issuer how getting an upgrade works. While some automatically do it, others may require you to formally submit a request.

Alternative Ways to Build Credit

If you feel like a secured credit card isn’t for you, here are some alternatives to consider to help you build credit:

•   Get your rent, cell phone, and/or utilities payments reported to the credit bureaus. There are many services available if your landlord doesn’t offer this as an option.

•   Become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card.

•   Take out a credit builder loan, with which you can show responsible borrowing behavior for the purpose of establishing credit.

•   Get a cosigner on a personal loan so you can more easily qualify, and then handle repayment responsibly.

•   Consider retailer, gas, or student credit cards, which are generally easier to qualify for.

•   Take out a secured loan, like an auto loan.

The Takeaway

Using a secured credit card to build credit can take time. Exactly how long it takes to build credit with a secured credit card will depend on your financial behavior. Your best course of action is to continue to show your issuer that you’re a responsible user, always make payments on time, and monitor your credit regularly to see where you stand.

If you’re responsible with your secured credit card, you can likely upgrade to an unsecured credit card.

Whether you're looking to build credit, apply for a new credit card, or save money with the cards you have, it's important to understand the options that are best for you. Learn more about credit cards by exploring this credit card guide.

FAQ

How do the credit bureaus see unsecured vs secured credit cards?

The credit bureaus see both types of credit cards as a type of credit account. As such, there is virtually no difference in how your activity gets reported.

How often should I use my secured credit card to build credit?

It’s generally a good idea to use your secured card regularly so that more activity gets reported to the credit bureaus. To keep your credit card utilization low, however, consider using the card for smaller purchases.

What are the best ways to use a secured credit card to build my credit?

In most cases, the best ways to use a secured credit card are to make consistent on-time payments, attempt to pay off the balance in full each month (or at the very least, make the minimum payment required), and keep an eye on your credit usage.

Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages

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

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.

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

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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