SoFi Blog

Tips and news—
for your financial moves.

SoFi At Work First Time Homebuying


First-time homebuyer support for Black employees.

The homeownership rate for Black employees is
lower than any demographic. You can help Black employees navigate these systemic challenges by providing financial wellness resources and tools tailored to their needs.


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The numbers behind the problem.

13%
Black Americans in the U.S. workforce.1

40%
of employers address DEI in financial wellness strategy.2

45%
homeownership rate for Black employees.3

3%
of homebuyers in 2022 were Black.4

1Labor Force Characteristics by Race and Ethnicity, 2021. 1100, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Jan. 2023. https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/race-and-ethnicity/2021/home.htm.

2 Copeland, Craig and Employee Benefit Research Institute. 2021 Employer Financial Wellbeing Survey Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Financial Wellbeing. 9 Dec. 2021.

3Quarterly Residential Vacancies and Homeownership, Third Quarter 2022. CB22-170, United States Census Bureau, 3 Nov. 2022, www.census.gov/housing/hvs/files/currenthvspress.pdf.

42022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. National Association of Realtors, 30 Nov. 2022, cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2022-highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers-report-11-03-2022_0.pdf.

How employers can help:



  • Break down barriers to entry.

    Student loan debt is a huge barrier to homeownership. Black households—43%—are twice as likely as white households—21%— to have that debt.5 SoFi at Work offers exclusive benefits that can really help.



  • Provide better home buying options.

    Many renters mistakenly believe they need 20% or more for a down payment. SoFi at Work offers flexible and accessible mortgage terms with as little as 3% down for qualifying first-time buyers.



  • Simplify the process.

    Buying or refinancing a home can be a mess of paperwork, fees, and unexpected costs. SoFi at Work can help make it simple—for mortgages, cash-out refis, or home equity loans.^


Learn more →

5“Student Debt, Mortgage Access Limit Black Buyers.” www.nar.realtor, 17 Feb. 2021, www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-finds-black-home-buyers-more-than-twice-as-likely-to-have-student-loan-debt-be-rejected-for.

Empower your Black employees
with SoFi at Work.

We offer exclusive benefits and programs to help break down barriers and make home buying more accessible.

  • Student loan assistance

    Help employees pay off debt and build toward a down payment faster with our Student Loan Employer Contribution Program.

  • Emergency savings

    Leverage emergency savings accounts to help employees prepare for the costs of buying and owning a home—as well as expenses like medical, auto, and more.

  • Credit score monitoring

    Give employees the tools to track their credit and save on their mortgage through our workforce financial health assessment, financial planners, and budgeting tools.


See benefits

Learn how you can help Black employees
become homeowners.

Employers who show they care about their employees’ goals and financial well-being are more likely to attract and retain the best talent. This guide gives Black employees the guidance they need to finance their first home.


Download guide

Read up on the home-buying process.

In a housing market as competitive as the one we’re in, every step counts. Learn how you can help Black employees make all the right moves to land their dream home.







Let’s work together.

Want to learn more about SoFi at Work? Let’s talk!

Stand out with financial well-being benefits.

No two employees’—or companies’—needs are the same. That’s why our suite of benefits covers every major life stage and can be customized to match your employees’ needs. From saving for a child’s education to planning for retirement, or saving for the unexpected in between, where there’s a plan, we have a solution—and the team to put it in place for you.


Learn more


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SoFi Home Loans | Mortgages and Refinancing (BD 599)


Home Loans

Low rates. $1,495 $0 Processing Fee.

Turn your dream home into a reality with flexible mortgage terms and as little as 5% down. Plus, apply through this page to qualify for a $1,495 processing fee waiver* and a $500 bonus on your SoFi Home Loan.


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Get more from
your mortgage.

Competitive rates.

Get your dream home at a great rate.

Mortgage options to choose from.

Put as little as 5% down. For conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) greater than 80%, SoFi requires PMI.





SoFi now offers loans on investment properties.

$0 Processing Fee. $500 bonus.

Save $1,495 on your processing fee* and qualify for a $500 cash bonus‡ after your loan funds.

Exclusive Platinum Service

With your exclusive Platinum Service assess, you’ll have a dedicated mortgage loan officer ready to assist whenever you need it. Just call (844) 763-4466 or email [email protected].

Buying a home?

No need to stress. We have dedicated MLOs that can walk
you through each step so that you feel confident in the
home-buying process. Plus, get access to educational tools
and resources when you need them.


Find my rate


Learn more →





Looking to refinance?

SoFi’s mortgage refi application process is fast and easy. Choose between a traditional refi,
cash-out refi, or a student loan cash-out refi.


Find my rate


Learn more →

Choose the mortgage

that’s right for you:

30-year fixed1

Enjoy fixed payments that won´t change over time.

30-year term

20-year fixed2

Pay your loan off over 20 years while maintaining a constant rate and payment.

20-year term

15-year fixed3

Pay your loan off faster while maintaining a constant rate and payment.

15-year term

10-year fixed4

Pay your loan off over 10 years while maintaining a constant rate and payment.

10-year term


See your rate





SoFi Lending Corp.

SoFi loans are originated through SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC), and through SoFi Lending Corp. NMLS #1121636, a lender licensed by states. SoFi Lending Corp. or an affiliate is licensed to originate mortgages in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. For information on SoFi Lending Corp. licenses, see Licenses.

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SoFi loans are originated through SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC), and through SoFi Lending Corp. NMLS #1121636, a lender licensed by states. SoFi Lending Corp. or an affiliate is licensed to originate mortgages in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. For information on SoFi Lending Corp. licenses, see Licenses.


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View mortgage licenses and eligibility



Provided by Zillow, 5 stars

“Austin and his team were awesome and easy to work with! Great communication and follow up. Kept us in the loop every step of the way! I would go back to Austin without question.”

“Keith and his team did an outstanding job from day 1. They went above and beyond to facilitate on time closing and funding of our mortgage. The rates we received could not be matched by any other lender.”

“Mark and his team worked very closely with us to make sure that we were comfortable with the process, understood the expectations, timeline and overall schedule.”

300+ Reviews

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Skip the line with Platinum Service.

Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful. With Platinum Service, a dedicated team of mortgage loan officers will give you that extra attention so you can close your loan quickly and smoothly. Call (844) 763-4466 or email [email protected] to learn more.

Get the home loan
that works for you.


Find my rate


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Online Homeowners Insurance


Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance
made easy.

We’ve teamed up with Experian® to help you protect your home with affordable and easy-to-understand homeowners insurance.


Compare quotes now

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Get coverage that’s a perfect fit.

  • Personalized coverage

    Find the just-right home insurance policy for your life and your needs.

  • Top insurers

    Compare home insurance quotes from up to 30 trusted companies—all in one place.

  • Great rates

    Save an average of $1,342 per year* when you switch home and auto insurers.

  • Instant quotes

    Get personalized home insurance quotes to compare against your current policy in just five minutes.

How to get homeowners insurance:

How to get homeowners insurance:


  • Personalize it.

    Answer a few questions about your home and needs.

  • See your quotes.

    Get offers from up to 30 top home insurers to find the best rate.

  • Get covered.

    Purchase your favorite homeowners policy. That’s it!


Compare homeowners insurance quotes now

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Homeowners insurance FAQs


How much does homeowners insurance cost?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in the U.S. is typically between $1,000 and $3,000 per year, or $85 to $250 per month. Your exact premium will depend on many factors, like your home’s location, age, and construction type, as well as the amount of coverage you choose.

What does homeowners insurance cover?
Homeowners insurance covers damage to your house, your personal belongings, and your personal liability for accidents. It protects the physical structure of your home from events like fire or storms, covers your stuff inside, and shields your finances if someone is injured on your property.

How much is homeowners insurance on a $400,000 house?
Homeowners insurance on a $400,000 house might range from $1,800 to $3,000 per year, but this can vary widely. While your home’s value is a key factor, your rate is also heavily influenced by its location (think weather risks), the age of the roof, and your personal claims history.

What is homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance is a contract between you and your insurer to protect you, your family, and your property from a list of bad stuff that can cause damages or losses. It protects you from a range of things – from your actual home and property to stuff you may accidentally do to other people even when you’re not at your place​.

Is hazard insurance the same as homeowners insurance?
No, but hazard insurance is the key part of a homeowners policy that covers the physical structure of your home. Lenders often use the term “hazard insurance” because their main concern is protecting the building itself. A full homeowners policy also includes crucial coverage for your belongings and liability.

Is homeowners insurance required?
While no state law requires homeowners insurance, your mortgage lender will almost certainly require you to have it to protect their financial investment. If you own your home outright, it’s not mandatory, but it’s still essential for protecting yourself from a devastating financial loss.

Is homeowners insurance tax deductible?
Generally, homeowners insurance is not tax deductible for your personal residence. The main exception is if you run a business from your home or rent out a portion of it, in which case you may be able to deduct a percentage of your premium as a business expense.

How much homeowners insurance coverage do I need?
Short answer: Depends on your lifestyle needs and ability to pay up-front. You’ll have to adjust your coverages by taking into account ​the amount that it’d take to rebuild your home, how much personal stuff you have, and how much personal liability coverage you’ll want.

How do I get homeowners insurance?
You can get homeowners insurance by comparing personalized quotes online from various insurance companies. The process involves providing details about your property to see your options, and then selecting the policy that provides the right protection for your home and budget.

Who is Experian® Insurance Services, and why has SoFi teamed up with them as an insurance provider?
Experian® Insurance Services is our trusted resource for homeowners and renters insurance. Sharing our values of transparency and forward-thinking technology, Experian® offers a seamless insurance shopping experience so you can rest easy knowing you have the right insurance coverage at the right price. You can compare rates from up to 30 top insurance providers in just minutes and easily switch if you find a better deal.

What kind of documents and info do I need to apply for homeowners insurance?
You’ll need to answer a few questions, including the address of the property you’re insuring, and any mortgage docs and lending info you have for your property. You’ll get a quote in minutes!


See all FAQs



Get homeowners insurance today.


Compare quotes now

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