What Is a Home Equity Loan Calculator?

A home equity loan calculator gives you an idea of whether you can qualify for a home equity loan, along with how much you can borrow and your monthly payment amount. The calculator bases these figures on your current home value and existing mortgage balance.

You usually need at least 15% to 20% equity in your home to qualify for a home equity loan. Equity is the difference between your home’s value and current mortgage loan balance (plus any other loans secured by your home, such as a home equity loan or line of credit).

How to Use the Home Equity Loan Calculator

Using the home equity loan calculator is easy. All you need to do is enter two basic pieces of information:

•   Home’s estimated value (remember, this is not what you paid for your home but rather its current estimated market value)

•   Existing mortgage balance (include the balance on all loans or credit lines you have that are secured by your home)

After you provide this information, the home equity loan calculator will reveal your estimated maximum home equity loan amount. Note that this calculator assumes good or excellent credit. If you have weaker credit, you might have higher loan costs or not qualify for a home equity loan. Keep in mind that this calculator only provides an estimate. You’ll need to work with a lender directly to get a specific offer based on your financial situation.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

Benefits of Using a Home Equity Loan Calculator

Here are the main advantages of using a home equity loan calculator.

•   It crunches the numbers for you. Instantly estimate your potential loan amount without doing the math by hand.

•   It shows your maximum loan amount. This calculator shows the most you might be able to borrow — but remember that you don’t have to borrow the full amount if it exceeds your financing needs.

What Is a Home Equity Loan?

A home equity loan is a type of loan that’s secured by your home. It provides a lump-sum of funding upfront that you pay back in monthly installments over time. You can usually choose a repayment term that ranges anywhere from five to 30 years.

You’ll pay interest on the loan, along with any additional fees. Similar to a mortgage, home equity loans typically come with closing costs, which may total between 2% and 5% of your loan amount.

Benefits of a Home Equity Loan

There are several benefits to taking out a home equity loan, including:

•   High loan amounts: Depending on how much equity you have in your home, you may be able to access a large loan amount. This may be helpful if you’re looking to pay for a pricey renovation or other high-cost project.

•   Competitive interest rates: Since home equity loans are secured by your home, they may offer better interest rates than unsecured personal loans.

•   Lengthy repayment terms: Depending on the lender, you might get to choose a repayment term as long as 30 years.

•   Fixed interest rate: Most home equity loans come with a fixed interest rate, so you don’t have to worry about your rate increasing over time. A fixed rate also makes it easy to estimate your long-term loan costs up front.

•   Predictable monthly payments: Your monthly payments will stay the same over the life of your loan, making it easier to work them into your budget.

•   Possible tax breaks: Through 2025, you can claim a tax deduction on your home equity loan interest if you use the loan to “buy, build, or substantially improve [your] residence.”

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Home Equity Loan Requirements

Specific requirements for a home equity loan will vary by lender, but to get a home equity loan you’ll have to go through a process similar to the mortgage preapproval process. Lenders generally consider the following:

•   Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio: LTV compares the amount you owe against your home with its current value. Lenders usually want to see an LTV no higher than 80%. (LTV = Loan Value ÷ Property Value.) On a $400,000 home, for example, that means that you should owe no more than $320,000.

•   Credit score and history: You’ll need a good or excellent credit score to qualify for the best rates. Lenders also review your credit report for any red flags, such as missed payments or loan delinquencies.

•   Income: You’ll need to show that you have sufficient income to pay back your home equity loan in addition to making your mortgage payment or other debt payments.

•   Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: Your DTI compares your monthly debt payments with your gross income. Lenders generally prefer a DTI lower than 50%.

Home Equity Loan Process

If you decide to take out a home equity loan, here are the steps you’ll need to take:

1.    Shop around: Get prequalified with multiple lenders so you can compare several offers from home equity loans. Taking the time to research your options and find the best deal could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

2.    Fill out the application: Once you’ve selected a lender, you can fill out a complete application with your personal and financial details. You’ll need to upload verifying documentation, too, such as pay stubs, W-2s, and bank statements.

3.    Prepare for an appraisal: You might need to get an in-person appraisal to assess your current home value. However, some lenders can complete this process online without requiring an in-person visit.

4.    Close on your loan: It may take two to six weeks for the lender to process your application and underwrite your loan. Your final steps in the process will be paying closing costs and signing your loan agreement.

5.    Receive your loan and start repayment: The lender will send your home equity loan funds as a lump sum. You’ll start paying back your loan on a monthly basis on your agreed-upon terms.

Home Equity Loan Example

Let’s say that you own a home worth $400,000 and have an outstanding mortgage balance of $200,000. In this case, you’d hold 50% equity in your home, which is sufficient to qualify for a home equity loan.

Now let’s say that you took out a $100,000 home equity loan at an 8% interest rate. Here’s what your monthly payments and long-term interest costs would be on different repayment terms, according to a mortgage calculator.

Tips on Home Equity Loans

Home equity loans can be a useful financing option, especially if you’re using them toward a renovation or other project that will boost the value of your home. They’re also useful if you have a fixed-cost project, such as a deck installation or roof replacement.

If you aren’t sure how much a big project will cost or you just want a more flexible form of financing, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) might be preferable. HELOCs also let you tap into your home equity, but you can borrow from them on an as-needed basis and only pay interest on the amount you take out.

Keep in mind, however, that both home equity loans and HELOCs use your home as collateral. If you can’t afford repayment, the lender can seize your home through foreclosure. You could also end up underwater if your home value decreases, which occurs when you owe more debt on your home than it’s worth.

Another option if you need cash for a big home project is a mortgage refinance, and specifically a cash-out refinance, which allows borrowers to refinance their loan while also taking out funds based on their home equity. As with any refinancing, you’ll end up with a new mortgage interest rate and a new loan term, which could be longer or shorter than your current term.

The Takeaway

Home equity loans can offer large loan amounts, competitive interest rates, and predictable monthly payments for qualifying homeowners. Plus, you might qualify for a tax break if you’re using your loan to improve your home.

At the same time, borrowing against your home is risky if you can’t afford the monthly loan payments. Before you borrow, use a home equity loan calculator to estimate how much you might be able to borrow.

SoFi now partners with Spring EQ to offer flexible HELOCs. Our HELOC options allow you to access up to 90% of your home’s value, or $500,000, at competitively lower rates. And the application process is quick and convenient.

Unlock your home’s value with a home equity line of credit brokered by SoFi.

FAQ

How do you calculate home equity loan payments?

You can calculate home equity loan payments based on your loan amount, interest rate, and repayment term.

How much would a $75,000 home equity loan cost per month?

The monthly cost of a $75,000 home equity loan would depend on your interest rate and repayment term. If you assume an 8% interest rate, your monthly payments would be $1,521 on a five-year term, $910 on a 10-year term, $627 on a 20-year term, and $550 on a 30-year term. Expect lower payments with a lower interest rate and higher payments with a higher rate.

What is a risk of taking out a home equity loan?

The main risk of taking out a home equity loan is losing your home to foreclosure if you can’t afford repayment. It’s also possible that you could end up owing more on your home than the property is worth if your home value goes down.

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 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.

SOHL-Q224-1922092-V1

What is an FHA Mortgage Loan Calculator?

When considering applying for an FHA loan, prospective homeowners may use an FHA mortgage loan calculator to estimate their monthly mortgage payments. FHA loans are popular because they have lenient down payment requirements and accommodating credit requirements in comparison to other types of home mortgage loans. The calculator accounts for a number of variables, including the loan amount, interest rate, term of the loan, and the mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that FHA borrowers must pay.

The calculator is a crucial tool for planning, budgeting, and understanding the long-term financial obligations associated with obtaining an FHA mortgage. Whether one is wanting to refinance or just starting a house hunt, a loan calculator offers useful information to support making wise financial decisions.

How to Use the FHA Mortgage Loan Calculator

It’s simple to use an FHA mortgage loan calculator. Prospective applicants need to gather some details regarding the home mortgage loan and property being considered before starting. First, the total amount one intends to borrow as the loan amount will be required. Next, the loan’s interest rate — homebuyers can put in various rates to see how different scenarios would affect their payments. The loan term, typically 15 or 30 years, must also be specified.

The calculator will produce an estimate of the monthly payment after all the required data has been entered, breaking down the principle, interest, and mortgage insurance premium components.

One can utilize the FHA mortgage loan calculator to explore numerous situations and find a mortgage plan that meets their budget and financial objectives by experimenting with different loan amounts, interest rates, and loan terms.

Recommended: The Most Affordable States in the U.S.

Why Calculate Mortgage Payments with an FHA Mortgage Loan Calculator

To get a comprehensive picture of one’s financial obligations, potential homebuyers can calculate their mortgage payments using an FHA mortgage loan calculator. With the consideration of important variables including loan amount, interest rate, and term, this tool helps homebuyers figure out what they can afford and how to budget their finances. Unlike a typical mortgage calculator, an FHA mortgage calculator also factors in the monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that is required on all FHA loans. (There is also an upfront MIP that new borrowers pay when the loan begins. Right now, upfront MIP is 1.75% of the base loan amount for all borrowers.)

By using an FHA loan calculator, one can analyze various loan possibilities, create a more effective budget, and decide on a home purchase or refinance plan. It helps ensure a more seamless and secure route toward homeownership.

Benefits of Using an FHA Mortgage Loan Calculator

For both current homeowners and potential first-time homebuyers, using an FHA mortgage loan calculator has many advantages. It offers an approximation of monthly mortgage installments, encompassing principal, interest, and the mortgage insurance premium (MIP), which is required for all FHA loans. The calculator also helps evaluate several loan scenarios by changing parameters like loan amount, interest rate, and loan length. Remember that you will still need to pay property taxes and home insurance — and maybe also homeowner’s association fees — in addition to the payments shown by the calculator, so you’ll need to factor these into your household budget.

What is an FHA Loan?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a government organization created to promote homeownership by offering reasonably priced mortgage options, insures certain types of mortgages, including FHA loans. First-time homebuyers and those with less-than-perfect credit are particularly fond of FHA loans because of their lower down payment requirements, which can be as low as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price.

FHA loans have more lenient credit score standards, opening up homeownership to a wider range of people. These loans have competitive interest rates and are offered by lenders who have been approved by the FHA. However, in order to safeguard the lender in the event of a default, borrowers must pay mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), which average .55% of the principal remaining on the loan each year, divided into monthly installments.

Pros and Cons of an FHA Loan

FHA loans provide a number of benefits and drawbacks that prospective borrowers should take into account. On the plus side, FHA loans are known for having smaller down payments — typically as little as 3.5% — which increases accessibility to homeownership, particularly for individuals who are first-time buyers or have limited resources.

They are a possibility for people with less-than-perfect credit because they also have more relaxed credit score restrictions. FHA loans frequently have competitive interest rates and permit bigger debt-to-income ratios, giving borrowers more financial planning freedom.

However, there are a few disadvantages to take into account. The obligation to pay mortgage insurance payments, both upfront and yearly, is a major drawback that can raise the total cost of the loan. If the down payment is less than 10%, the yearly MIP is charged annually for the duration of the loan, and the upfront MIP may represent a significant additional cost.

Also, the credit limits associated with FHA loans might not be enough to buy a home in a market where prices are higher. Lastly, the property must fulfill requirements set forth by the FHA, which may restrict the selection of houses accessible to purchasers utilizing this kind of financing.

Understanding these pros and cons is crucial for making an informed decision about whether an FHA loan is the right choice for one’s home financing needs.

FHA Loan Requirements

The FHA has set a number of requirements that borrowers must fulfill in order to be eligible for an FHA loan. To qualify for a 3.5% down payment, individuals must have a minimum credit score of 580; those with a score between 500 and 579 must make a 10% down payment. In order to prove they can repay the loan, borrowers must also provide documentation of their consistent employment history and income.

TThe principal residence of the borrower must be the property being financed, and it must also adhere to certain safety and habitability requirements established by the FHA. Mortgage insurance premiums must be paid by borrowers both upfront and yearly. Additionally, the loan amount must not exceed the FHA’s local limitations, which change depending on the cost of living in a given area. A borrower’s debt-to-income (DTI) ratio cannot be higher than 43%, though there may be some exclusions.

FHA Mortgage Loan Process

Prequalification is the first of several steps in the FHA mortgage application process, where borrowers submit basic financial data to discover their eligibility and possible loan amount. Subsequently, applicants apply for preapproval by completing a mortgage application and attaching supporting papers, including asset statements, credit reports, and proof of income. Borrowers who have been preapproved can begin looking for a home and submit offers, subject to FHA approval.

Following acceptance of the offer, a formal application is filed, and the loan proceeds to underwriting, where the lender examines all supporting documentation and has the property appraised by the FHA to make sure it satisfies the requirements. The borrower signs the relevant documents, pays the closing expenses, and gets access to their new house at closing, if the loan is granted. A seamless transaction during this procedure depends on timely submission of the necessary paperwork and open lines of communication with the lender.

How Does a Down Payment Work?

A down payment is the first, upfront payment a buyer makes to secure a property; it is calculated as a percentage of the overall cost of the home purchase. As noted above, for FHA loans, the minimum down payment is normally 10% for applicants with credit scores below 580 and 3.5% of the purchase price of the property for those with scores above 580. This payment decreases the buyer’s required loan amount, lessens the lender’s risk, and shows the buyer’s commitment to the deal, among other benefits.

Along with other closing fees, the down payment is paid at closing and may be funded by the buyer’s savings, family donations, or other authorized sources. A larger down payment can result in lower monthly mortgage payments, reduced interest costs over the life of the loan, and possibly more favorable loan terms. Consulting a home loan help center can help you answer all your questions about down payments and more.

How to Lower a Mortgage Down Payment

There are a number of ways to lower the down payment on a mortgage, particularly when using FHA financing. Using the 3.5% FHA down payment requirement — which applies to borrowers with credit scores of at least 580 — is one of the main strategies. Additionally, subsidies from down payment assistance programs provided by nonprofits or state and municipal governments, as well as cash gifts from family members, are available to borrowers.

Many workplaces provide programs for homebuyers that might aid with down payment expenses. Maintaining a solid job history and high credit score might also help a buyer qualify for options with smaller down payments. It’s a good idea to read up on tips to help qualify for a mortgage before starting the application process.

Recommended: Mortgage Calculator With Taxes and Insurance

Average Mortgage Down Payment in 2024

In the first quarter of 2024, the U.S. average down payment was 13.6%, per a recent Realtor.com^® survey. The median down payment amount was $26,000. Remember, though, that these figures take into account buyers with commercial mortgages as well as FHA borrowers, whose down payments are typically on the lower side.

Tips on Mortgage Down Payments

To maximize one’s financial plan, here are a few pointers. First, determine the target property price and the minimum down payment needed for the loan type to establish a clear savings goal. Investigate alternatives for loans, including FHA loans, which have less stringent down payment requirements.

Maintaining a high credit score might also help with getting better loan conditions and lower requirements for a down payment. To speed up savings and make sure one has enough money when they find the ideal house, cutting back on wasteful spending and establishing a strict budget ahead of time can help.

The Takeaway

An FHA mortgage loan calculator is an essential tool for understanding your potential mortgage payments and making informed financial decisions. By considering both the benefits and drawbacks of an FHA loan, you can better navigate the homebuying process and choose a mortgage that aligns with your financial goals and circumstances.

SoFi offers a wide range of FHA loan options that are easier to qualify for and may have a lower interest rate than a conventional mortgage. You can down as little as 3.5%. Plus, the Biden-Harris Administration has reduced monthly mortgage insurance premiums for new homebuyers to help offset higher interest rates.

FAQ

How much do I need to make to buy a $300K house with FHA loan?

An annual income of at least $75,000 would likely be required to purchase a $300,000 home with an FHA loan, depending on your down payment, and current interest rates. If you have significant other debts such as a car payment, a student loan payment, or both, you will likely need to earn more.

How much of an FHA loan do I qualify for?

The amount of FHA loan you qualify for depends on factors such as your income, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and the loan limits in your area.

What is the downside to an FHA loan?

One drawback associated with FHA loans is the obligation to pay mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), which can raise the loan’s total cost both upfront and on an annual basis.

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 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.

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.