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Many Americans are finding tiny houses, or those that measure several hundred square feet in size, are a welcome way to live. They can be both economical and eco-friendly, and some people say they simplify life, which can bring many benefits.

If you’re curious about tiny houses or are currently contemplating one, it’s important to know that financing these dwellings may be different than securing a traditional mortgage. Here’s a guide to tiny houses and how to secure funds to buy or build one.

What Is a Tiny House?

A tiny house is often defined as a home that is between 100 and 400 square feet. In contrast, the median size of a single-family American home is currently 2,014 square feet. That’s five times bigger than the biggest tiny home. Here are some other facts to know about this kind of dwelling.

•   Owners live in their tiny homes themselves, rent them out, use them as a small vacation home or even build them as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on the same lot as their primary residence. Tiny homes may be on wheels, or they may sit on a fixed foundation.

•   Prefab homes can be delivered complete to the site, or there are modular homes that require some assembly on site. Those who would rather build their own house can hire an architect or draw up plans to their own specifications. There are small homes in all kinds of styles, from a classic Colonial or Victorian to a ranch style or A-frame or ultra-modern design.

•   Local zoning rules will determine whether or not a person can build or move into a tiny home. And building codes will determine things like ceiling height.

•   Tiny houses may not have good resale value since they are such a specific type of home and are often highly customized. Before buying a tiny house as an investment property, it might be wise to consult a real estate investment professional.

💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. One question can save you many dollars.

Tiny House Pricing

In 2023, the average sales price for a single-family home was about $430,300. Tiny homes cost quite a bit less, with an average of $45,000. That price can vary up and down depending on the size of the home, materials used, and amenities (yes, some tiny homes have luxe, spa-style bathrooms, for example). The price of the building is not the only thing to consider.

Buyers of tiny homes must factor in the price of buying or leasing land on which to place the home if they don’t already own it, as well as the cost of hooking it up to utilities.

If the tiny home is on a foundation, there may be state and local property taxes to pay. If the tiny house is on wheels, though, there likely won’t be property tax assessed.

Recommended: Is Buying a House a Good Investment?

Financing the Land

If property needs to be purchased to have a place to put a tiny home, an option for financing is a land loan. There are three types of land loans: raw land loans, unimproved land loans, and improved loans.

•   Raw land loans are for land that’s completely undeveloped with no electricity, roads, or sewer access.

•   Unimproved land loans are for properties that have more access to amenities like utilities, but lack utility meters.

•   Improved land loans are for land with access to roads, water, and electricity.

The size of the down payment and the interest rate of the loan will depend on what type of loan is needed. For example, lenders may consider raw land to be a riskier option than improved land and require a bigger down payment and higher interest rates.

Mortgages for Tiny Homes

Qualifying for a home loan for a tiny home may be tricky. Some lenders may not be willing to offer first or second mortgages for tiny home financing. However, if a tiny home has a foundation and complies with local building codes, it may qualify for certain mortgages.

Tiny homes may also qualify for what is known as a “chattel mortgage,” a mortgage for moveable personal property. The tiny home acts as security for the loan, and the lender effectively becomes the owner of the tiny home until the loan is paid off and ownership is transferred back to the borrower.

This differs from traditional mortgages that are secured by a lien on the property. Because the size of the loans are typically small, chattel mortgages may have relatively short terms, though interest rates may be relatively high.

Personal Loans

A personal loan can allow individuals access to money that they can use for any personal, family, or household purpose, from paying off credit cards to an effective tiny house loan. Depending on the lender, loan amounts can range from a few thousand dollars to $100,000. When the applicant is approved for a personal loan, they’ll receive the loan amount in a lump sum and pay it back in installments with interest.

Personal loans may be secured or unsecured. Unsecured loans are not backed with any collateral, and the interest rates currently range from about 6% to 36%, depending largely on the borrower’s credit score.

Secured loans are backed by collateral, such as personal savings, a car, or another home owned by the same borrower. They typically come with a lower interest rate than their unsecured counterparts. However, it’s important to note that if a personal loan is defaulted on, the borrower’s assets could be seized by the lender to repay the debt.

Home Equity Loans

The equity someone may have built up in a home they already own can be tapped to finance a tiny home for use as a vacation home, rental property, or ADU. A home equity loan is a fixed amount of money secured by a borrower’s home.

Usually, up to 85% of the equity accumulated in a home can be borrowed, though actual loan amounts will also depend on the applicant’s income and credit history. The home equity loan is repaid with monthly payments over a fixed term. And if the borrower fails to repay, the lender can foreclose on the house.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be another option to finance a tiny home. HELOCs differ from home equity loans in that the borrower doesn’t receive a single lump-sum payment from the lender.

Rather, a HELOC gives the borrower access to a line of credit that can be drawn down, paid back, and drawn down again, if need be, within a certain time period. The HELOC is secured by the borrower’s home, so as with a home equity loan if the debt is not paid, the lender can use the home as collateral.

Loans From Tiny House Builders

A tiny house builder or contractor may be able to help secure financing through unsecured loans based on an applicant’s credit score, or secured loans backed by the value of the tiny home. These tiny-house loans may have longer terms and lower starting interest rates than personal loans, but they may require a downpayment.

RV Loans

If the tiny house has wheels and is certified as an RV by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, an RV loan may be another option for financing. Online lenders, banks, and credit unions may all offer RV loans. In many cases, the tiny house will serve as collateral for the loan, the same way a car would serve as collateral in an automobile loan.

Recommended: Guide to Buying, Selling, and Updating Your Home

The Takeaway

If you’re in the market for a tiny house, you may need to think beyond traditional mortgages. Home equity, HELOC, and personal loans, among other options, may be available forms of financing that can set you on your way to owning the tiny house of your dreams.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

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.

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 .

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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.

SOPL1223025

Your home’s roof can take a beating, whether roasting in the sun during the summer, getting coated with ice in winter, and withstanding wind and rain year-round. In other words, it’s one of your house’s key MVPs. But eventually, roofs wear out and need to be replaced or fixed. You may notice a small (or big) leak. It could be 15, 20, or even 50 years, but at some point, your roof will likely need to be repaired or replaced. While costs can range widely, the average roof replacement currently costs $11,500.

In this guide, you’ll learn about roof replacement costs, as well as what your options are for paying for roofing expenses.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost?

The average roof lasts 25 to 50 years, though repairs (both minor and major) can pop up more often. Sometimes, damage to one part of a roof can nudge a homeowner to go ahead and replace the whole thing.

You likely got a general idea of the condition of your home’s roof during the home inspection, when you were buying your property. If now is the time to get the job done, though, you’ll want to understand the costs involved.

When looking at new roof installation costs, there are a number of factors that will impact the overall price:

•   Size of the roof being replaced

•   Material to be used on the roof

•   Style of the roof (those with multiple eaves, lots of detailing, or steeper pitches could take longer and cost more)

•   What part of the country you live in (cost of living can vary considerably)

•   What time of year you are having work done (doing so off-season could potentially save you extra money; roofers tend to be most in demand in late summer and early fall).

•   The size and style of the roof may contribute to the overall cost. The height and pitch of your roof are also important factors because there are additional safety and labor costs to consider.

The average cost to replace a roof is approximately $11,500 on average, but the price could range from $6,700 to $80,000.

When creating an estimate, roofers sometimes define costs per roofing square. One roofing square is equal to a 10-by-10-foot (100 square feet) area. So a 1,700-square-foot roof would be 17 squares. Currently, squares can range in price from $450 to $750, depending on materials and other costs.


💡 Quick Tip: A low-interest personal loan can consolidate your debts, lower your monthly payments, and help you get out of debt sooner.

Getting a New Roof

Some pointers on getting a new roof:

•   If you are replacing your roof as a part of general home maintenance, you may have a little more time to prepare for the costs associated with the repairs. It allows you to be more methodical about pricing the project out and selecting a roofer. And having a bit of a runway will allow you to start saving and develop a workable budget for the project.

•   Get an estimate from several reputable contractors. When doing so, be sure to pay close attention to the quality of the materials specified in the estimate. It’s even better if you can get a recommendation from someone you know. Regardless, definitely check reviews and references carefully.

•   Remember that, while a new roof can be a major expense, it can improve the value of your home for future sale, stave off ongoing repairs from leaks, and, of course, protect the residents.

Paying for Roof Repairs

If your roof is damaged, then you are faced with a different challenge than figuring the roof replacement cost.

•   In the case of a natural disaster caused by an earthquake or hurricanes, you may even be eligible for help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency“>Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Whatever the cause, it could be helpful to take photographs sooner rather than later to document the damage.

•   Your homeowners’ policy or home warranty may include coverage that could possibly help defray some of the costs, depending on the cause of the damage and the age of the roof.

•   If it’s determined that the damage is from normal wear and tear, then it will likely be considered regular maintenance and may not be covered. Many roofing jobs fall into that common home repair category.

•   Also, if your roof is older than 10 years, you may only be eligible for part of the cost determined to be a depreciated value of the roof. Whatever the circumstance, it could be worthwhile to call your insurance company and find out if you’re covered and to what extent.

•   And, before you start work, it bears repeating that it’s wise to get multiple estimates to help you make an informed decision and ensure that you’re getting the most value for your investment. You may want to consult with a few licensed roofing contractors and compare bids.

Recommended: How to Pay for Emergency Home Repairs

Ways to Help Pay for Home Repairs

Whether you are replacing your entire roof or just replacing a damaged portion, you may want to consider financing all or part of the work. One option worth considering: a personal loan.

•   A personal loan can be a good option for some homeowners. With a personal loan, you’ll usually get a lower interest rate than credit cards. Also, with an unsecured personal loan, there typically is no additional lien against your property. Often, these loans can be processed quickly and with minimal fees.

•   Another financing option homeowners turn to for home improvements is a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). The application for a HELOC is akin to that of a mortgage. How much you’re able to borrow depends on several factors, including the value of your home. You may also have to arrange and pay for a home appraisal.

As you consider your costs associated with a roofing or other home project, you may want to use a home improvement cost calculator to help you budget appropriately.

The Takeaway

Replacing your home’s roof is typically a big-budget home repair project; it often costs in the five-figure range. However, it’s an important investment in your home’s value and integrity. You can look into financing options such as HELOCs and personal loans to help you pay for the work.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

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.

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 .

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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.

SOPL1223014

Putting in a pool can turn your backyard into an oasis for parties, playtime for kids, and weekend relaxation. Unfortunately, installing an in-ground swimming pool costs over $55,000 on average, which can leave many homeowners wondering how to cover the cost of installing a swimming pool.

What are your options if you don’t have enough cash? Can you get swimming pool financing? Fortunately, yes. You actually have several options for financing a pool, including a cash-out refinance, a home equity loan or credit line, and a personal loan. Read on for a closer look at different types of pool financing and their pros and cons.

How to Finance a Swimming Pool

If you don’t have enough money saved to pay upfront for a pool — or even if you do — you might be wondering what types of loans or other options are appropriate for this type of backyard remodel.

There are several pool financing choices available to homeowners — including credit cards, pool company financing, cash-out refinancing, home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, and home improvement loans.

Before you take the plunge into financing a pool, it’s a good idea to consider the pros and cons of each type, including the overall costs of borrowing and whether you might qualify for a particular type of loan. What follows is a guide to four of the most popular pool financing options.

Using a Cash-Out Refinance to Pay for a Pool

If you have significant equity built up in your home, you may want to consider a cash-out refinance. Equity refers to the amount of your home’s value that you’ve actually paid off. Put another way, it’s the difference between your mortgage balance and your home’s current value.

With a cash-out refinance, you replace your existing mortgage with a new mortgage for a larger amount. You receive the overage as cash back, which you can then use to cover virtually any expense, including the installation of a swimming pool.

Pros of a Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance comes with a number of potential benefits:

•   Access to large loans You may be able to borrow up to 80% of your home’s equity, which could be enough to cover the cost of putting in a pool — and maybe even some extras, like a new barbecue or lounge chairs.

•   A lower rate Borrowers with good or improved credit, or those who bought their home when interest rates were higher, may be able to refinance to a lower interest rate.

•   Potential tax deductions A mortgage interest tax deduction may be available on a cash-out refinance if the money is used for capital improvements on your property. (Consult with a tax professional for more details on how this applies to your situation.)

Cons of a Cash-Out Refinance

There are also some downsides to going the cash refi route, including:

•   Involved application process Borrowers must go through the mortgage application process all over again to get a new loan, which usually means submitting updated information, getting an appraisal, and waiting for approval.

•   Closing costs You may have to pay closing costs, generally from 2% to 6% of the total loan amount. (That’s the old loan plus the lump sum that’s being added.)

•   Foreclosure risk Your mortgage is a secured loan, which means if you can’t make your payments, you could risk foreclosure.

Using a Home Equity Line of Credit to Finance a Pool

Another way you can use your home’s equity to finance a pool is to take out a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that uses your home as collateral. It works much like a credit card in that:

•   The lender gives you a credit limit to draw from, and you only repay what you borrow, plus interest.

•   As you pay back the money you owe, those funds become available to you again for a predetermined “draw” period (usually five to 10 years).

Pros of a HELOC

Here’s why a HELOC can be a popular way to pay for home improvements like adding a pool:

•   Flexibility Instead of borrowing money in one lump sum, a HELOC allows you to tap into the line only as needed. Plus, you only pay interest based on the amount you actually borrow, not the entire amount for which you were approved, as you would with a regular loan.

•   Low rates The interest rates are generally lower than credit cards and unsecured personal loans.

•   Potential tax deductions The interest on HELOC payments might be tax deductible if the funds were were to buy, build, or substantially improve your home, and you itemize your deductions.

Cons of a HELOC

HELOC also have a few potential drawbacks, which include:

•   Variable interest rates HELOCs generally come with a variable interest rate, which means when interest rates increase, the monthly payments could go up. Although there may be a cap on how much the rate can increase, some borrowers might find it difficult to plan around those fluctuating payments.

•   HELOCs are easy to use — and overuse Some of the same things that can make a HELOC appealing (easy access to cash, lower interest rates, and tax-deductible interest) could lead to overspending if borrowers aren’t disciplined.

•   Foreclosure risk A HELOC is secured by an asset (your house). If you stop making the payments on the HELOC, you could lose your home.

Recommended: The Different Types Of Home Equity Loans

Using a Home Equity Loan for Pool Financing

A home equity loan is yet another way to tap into the money you’ve already put into your home. But unlike a HELOC, borrowers receive a lump sum of money.

Pros of a Home Equity Loan

Home equity loans have several benefits that make them worth considering for financing a swimming pool:

•   Predictable payments Unlike HELOCs, which typically come with a variable interest rate, home equity loans usually have a fixed interest rate. The borrower can expect a reliable repayment schedule for the duration of the loan.

•   Low rates Because it’s a secured loan, lenders usually consider a home equity loan lower risk and, therefore, offer lower rates. Secured loans also tend to be easier to qualify for than unsecured loans.

•   Potential tax deductions And, once again, there is a potential tax break. If the loan is used for capital improvements to the home, and you itemize your deductions, the interest may be deductible.

Cons of a Home Equity Loan

There are also some downsides to a home equity loan:

•   Rates may be higher than HELOCs Because a home equity loan’s interest rate won’t fluctuate with the market, the rate for a home equity loan is typically higher.

•   Closing costs As with most loans involving real estate, you’ll likely have to pay closing costs. These costs can range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount.

•   Foreclosure risk You may put your home at risk for foreclosure if you can’t make your loan payments.

Using a Personal Loan

You don’t necessarily have to tap into your home’s equity to finance a swimming pool. Many banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer unsecured personal loans that can be used for home improvements, including the installation of a swimming pool.

If you haven’t owned your home for long, or if your home hasn’t gone up much in value while you’ve owned it, a personal loan may be worth considering.

Pros of a Personal Loan for Pool Financing

Here’s a look at some of the advantages of using a personal loan for a home renovation like a pool:

•   Simple application process Applying for an unsecured personal loan is typically quicker and simpler than applying for a secured loan. With a personal loan, you don’t have to wait for a home appraisal or wade through the other paperwork necessary for a loan that’s tied to your home’s equity.

•   Fast access to funds Personal loan application processing and funding speeds vary, but many lenders offer same- or next-day funding.

•   Lower risk Because your home isn’t being used as collateral, the lender can’t foreclose if you don’t make payments. (That doesn’t mean the lender won’t look for other ways to collect, however.)

Cons of a Personal Loan for Pool Financing

Personal loans also come with some disadvantages. Here are some to keep in mind:

•   Higher interest rates Personal loans are unsecured, which means they generally come with a higher interest rate than secured loans that use your property as collateral. (However, borrowers who have good credit and don’t appear to be a risk to lenders still may be able to obtain loan terms that work for their needs.)

•   Origination fees Many (though not all) personal loan lenders charge an origination fee of between 1% and 6%, adding costs you might not have anticipated.

•   Less borrowing power Personal loan amounts range from $1,000 to $100,000 but how much you can borrow will depend on the lender and your qualifications as a borrower. With a home equity loan or credit line, you may be able to access more — up to 80% of your home’s value, minus your outstanding mortgage.

Should You Finance a Pool?

Installing a pool is an expensive home improvement, so you may need to borrow some money to pay for all or part of the project. Even if you have enough cash saved to pay upfront for a pool, you may still want to consider financing some or most of the project if you want to keep cash accessible for emergencies and other needs.

Financing with a low-interest loan (provided you can afford the payments) can make paying for a pool manageable. But before you borrow a large sum, you may want to consider how long you plan to live in your current home, how much pool maintenance might cost each month, if you’ll actually use the pool enough to make it a worthwhile purchase, and if the value added to your home is worth the investment.

The Takeaway

Due to the high initial investment required for installing a new pool, many homeowners opt to borrow money for the project and pay it off over time. Fortunately, you have a few different options for pool financing.

If you have significant home equity and are looking for fixed monthly payments, you might consider using a home equity loan to finance your pool. If you have significant home equity but want flexibility in your payments, you might prefer a HELOC.

If, on the other hand, you have good credit but not a lot of equity in your home — or you’d prefer not to put your home on the line — it may be worth looking at a personal loan for pool financing.

Ready to dive into your pool project? Consider a SoFi Personal Loan. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

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.

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.

SOPL0723021

Creating a beautifully landscaped home can improve your day-to-day life and also increase the resale value of your home, making it well worth the investment. The question is, how much will it cost?

Landscaping costs range widely depending on the size, design, and scope of the project, and whether you plan to do it yourself or hire a professional. On average, however, a landscaping project can run between $1,268 and $6,003, according to Angi (formerly Angi’s List).

Whether you’re thinking about sprucing up your front yard, back yard, or both, here’s a look at what’s involved, how much it can cost, plus tips for how to budget for and finance a landscaping project.

What Are Some Benefits of Landscaping?

If you’re like many homeowners, you may prioritize interior upgrades over outdoor improvements. But improving your landscaping can actually be the gift that keeps on giving — it can beautify your space, increase your home value, and even decrease your heating and cooling expenses.

According to a recent report from the National Association of REALTORS®, an overall landscape upgrade (and even smaller projects like keeping up with yard maintenance), can pay for itself when you sell your home.

Investing in landscaping can also make your home more efficient. Planting leafy trees strategically around your property, for example, can keep your home cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter, reducing your energy bills.

Landscaping can also have environmental benefits beyond your property. The trees, bushes and flowers that make up your landscaping are natural air purifiers — they remove air pollutants from the atmosphere and store carbon dioxide, improving air quality, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Landscaping can also improve local water quality by absorbing and filtering rainwater.

💡 Quick Tip: Home improvement loans typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards. Consider a loan to fund your next renovation.

What Are Some Current Landscaping Trends?

Some of the top landscaping trends for 2023 and 2024 include:

•  Climate-conscious landscaping Many homeowners are seeking out sustainable landscaping revamps, such as replacing lawns with alternative species (like clover) or re-wilding their yards with native species that require far less maintenance, water, and fertilizer.

•  Colorful gardens After years of soft greens, pastels, and neutrals, landscape designers are favoring brighter, more joyful designs. Plants that provide color and as support local pollinators (like birds, butterflies, and bees) are particularly popular. Examples include native sunflowers, coneflowers, garden phylox, and asters.

•  Organic layouts Lanscape design is getting less fussy. Many homeowners are mixing and matching different kinds of plants, including wildflowers, and adding romantic touches like arbors and winding garden paths.

•  Incorporating metals From wrought iron gates to metal planter boxes and sculptures, many homeowners are adding metal accents to their outdoor spaces.

Recommended: The Top Home Improvements to Increase Your Home’s Value

How to Budget for Landscaping

A good first step for coming up with your landscaping budget is to actually ignore numbers and give yourself permission to dream — what does your ideal landscaping look like? What does it feel like?

Next, walk around your property and create a list of both needs and wants. In your “needs” column, list repairs that must be done for safety’s sake, ranging from drainage challenges, broken fences, toxic plants that need to be removed, tree removal, and so forth.

Also imagine what the property could look like with the stunning new landscaping you’re envisioning. Perhaps some of the ideas listed above have inspired you in an unexpected direction. Have fun and add these ideas to your “wants” column.

Now, prioritize your list and be clear about which items are optional (perhaps a special trellis for climbing roses) and which are not (trip hazards where you plan to add outdoor seating).

Next, determine how much you can realistically spend on landscaping, keeping in mind how quality landscaping can add significant value to your home. Then, it might make sense to talk to several professional landscapers to get estimates.

Professionals will also be able to let you know if your plans are realistic for your property. Even if you intend to do some of the work yourself, these professionals will likely share information you have not yet considered. (Hiring them in the off-season might save you money, too.)

Once you determine the scope and cost of your project, it’s a good idea to add a cushion of 10% to 20% for the unexpected. When you have a final number to work with, you’ll need to determine if you can fund the project out of savings, or if you’ll need to finance any part of your landscaping plan (more on that below).

Recommended: Four Ways to Upgrade Your Home

How Much Does Landscaping Cost?

The average landscaping project in the U.S. costs $3,494, but ranges between $1,268 and $6,003. Of course, you can spend a lot less than the average if you’re just sprucing up your front garden beds. You can also spend considerably more if your plan is to build a backyard oasis with a pool and outdoor kitchen.

How much your landscaping revamp will ultimately cost will depend on your yard size, the type of landscaping you want to do, and the landscaper’s labor costs.

Generally speaking, backyard landscaping projects cost more than front yard projects. The cost of the average front-yard spruce-up runs between $1,500 to $5,000, whereas a full backyard renovation can range between $15,000 to $50,000.

If you plan to use a designer for your project, it can run $50 to $150 per hour for a professional landscape designer to come up with an artistic direction for your space, choose the plants, and manage the project. The average cost to hire a landscape designer is $4,600. If you’re planning to do a major structural renovation, you may want to hire a landscape architect, which can run $70 to $150 per hour.

Recommended: Home Renovation Cost Calculator

What Is Landscaping Cost Per Square Foot?

Landscaping costs are influenced by a variety of factors, including geography, type of project, and the materials used. Figuring out the dimensions of the project area, however, can help you come up with ballpark cost estimates.

According to Angi, the cost of landscaping runs between $4.50 and $12 per square foot for basic services and intermediate projects, such as aerating, flower planting, and installing garden beds. However, if you’re planning a major tear-out and remodel, you can expect to spend as much as $40 per square foot.

How Much Does New Landscaping Installation Cost?

Starting from scratch can be challenging, but having a blank slate also opens up possibilities for curating your outdoor spaces.

To fully landscape a new home, you’ll want to budget around 10% of your property value. So if you purchased the home for $350,000, you can anticipate spending around $35,000 to both hardscape (add hard surfaces like brick, concrete, and stone) and softscape (add living things) across your front and backyards.

Recommended: 5 Driveway Improvement Ideas

What Will It Cost to Maintain Landscaping?

In addition to the initial outlay, you’ll also need to set aside an annual budget to help with upkeep. The amount of maintenance you’ll need will depend on landscape design, local climate, and how much of a DIY approach you’re comfortable with.

Lawn-mowing can run anywhere from $50 to $250 per service, while getting your trees trimmed averages $1,800 per job. For all-around yard maintenance, like weeding and mulching, you might find a landscaper who charges an hourly rate (often $50 to $100 per hour) or charges a flat rate per job.

Keep in mind that mowing, trimming back shrubs, weeding, and mulching are also jobs you can likely do yourself, which will cut down on your landscape maintenance costs.

What Are Some Options to Finance a Landscaping Project?

If you want to invest in your home through landscaping but the price point is above what you have in savings, you may want to look into financing. Here are two common types of loans for landscaping.

Financing a Landscaping Project With a Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan gives you access to cash by tapping into the equity you have in your home. Your home equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and what you owe on your mortgage. Depending on the lender and your credit profile, you may be able to borrow up to 75% to 85% of your home’s current equity.

You can use a home equity loan for various purposes, including home upgrades like new landscaping. Because your home serves as collateral for the loan, you may qualify for a lower interest rate than on some other financial products, like personal loans and credit cards. If you have trouble repaying the loan, however, your lender could foreclose on your home. You’ll also pay closing costs with a home equity loan.

Financing a Landscaping Project With a Personal Loan

You can also use a personal loan to fund any type of home improvement project, including upgrading the outside of your home.

Personal loans for home improvement generally have fixed interest rates and a fixed repayment timeline. You’ll receive all the funds upfront, generally soon after you’re approved, and your monthly payments will be fixed for the duration of your loan.

Personal loans are typically unsecured, making them less risky than home equity loans, and don’t come with closing costs. They also tend to be faster to fund than home equity loans, which means you can get your landscape project going sooner. However, because personal loans are unsecured (which poses more risk to the lender), rates are typically higher than rates for home equity loans.

💡 Quick Tip: Generally, the larger the personal loan, the bigger the risk for the lender — and the higher the interest rate. So one way to lower your interest rate is to try downsizing your loan amount.

The Takeaway

Landscaping projects can add curb appeal and value to your home, and can be well worth the time, effort, and money you invest.

The average cost of a landscaping project nationwide is $3,494. Of course you could spend a lot less if you are looking at a small project, like swapping out plants in your front garden. Or, you could spend significantly. Installing a swimming pool, for example, can run $40,000-plus.

If you don’t have enough cash in the bank to cover your landscaping project, you may want to consider getting a loan, such as a home equity loan or a personal loan.

Ready to get started on your landscaping project? Consider a SoFi Personal Loan. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

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

Third-Party 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.

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Are you sick of pouring money into summer rentals or booking vacation houses online, sight unseen? If you’re managing to make the mortgage payments on your primary residence without straining your budget, you could be ready to invest in a second home. Here are some ideas on how to get an additional mortgage loan to potentially purchase another home.

Consider All the Costs

If you already own a house, you understand that the costs of home ownership go beyond mortgage payments. Remember that you’ll now have a second set of costs, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and the cost of travel to the second location.

You may also face some expenses with a vacation property that you wouldn’t face with a primary residence. For example, a house on the beach might need flood insurance to protect it against hurricanes.

All of these costs factor in on top of a second mortgage payment. Before you dive into owning a second home, consider whether or not you can afford them.

💡 Quick Tip: You deserve a more zen mortgage. Look for a mortgage lender who’s dedicated to closing your loan on time.

Determine if You Want a Vacation Home or a Rental Property

Before beginning to shop for a mortgage, you’ll need to decide whether you want to potentially earn rental income on the property. The answer to this question will determine the type of mortgage you qualify for.

However, if you require rental income in order to qualify for the additional home purchase, you may need to document existing rental income derived from the property (if the seller will share that information) or the lender may require a rental appraisal from a local property manager or real estate agent specifying the likely rental income. Keep in mind that the lender may only use a certain percentage (likely 75%) of the lease amount as a credit toward your qualifying income.

To qualify for a loan on a rental property, you will likely need a higher down payment, typically at least 20% or more. Non-owner occupied loans allow you to use the home when it’s not rented. Investment property mortgage rates may be higher than those for a primary residence. Another factor to consider is that a rental property may affect your income tax deductions differently than a vacation home.

Factors to Qualify for a Mortgage

If you’re ready to buy a home, and you’ve decided whether you’re looking for a vacation home or a rental property, you’ll want to consider many of the same factors needed to secure a first mortgage. Utilizing a home affordability calculator can be important when understanding how much home you can afford.

Credit report and FICO® score: Your credit report is essentially a report card that shows lenders how responsible you are about managing your debt, including your existing mortgage. It shows whether you make payments on time and whether you’ve missed payments or defaulted on debt in the past.

Your FICO score is a number that reflects your consumer credit risk. Make sure that you keep your credit score healthy by making on-time payments. Also check your credit report to be sure everything has been reported correctly. Mistakes can drag your score down, so it’s important to alert the credit reporting bureaus immediately if you find incorrect information.

Debt-to-income ratio: Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is a measure of how much debt you carry each month compared to your monthly income. If you have $2,000 a month in debt payments and make $6,000 a month in income, your DTI is $2,000/$6,000, or 33%. If your DTI is too high, lenders are less likely to give you a mortgage, or you may not be able to secure a mortgage with favorable terms. The DTI required by your lender can vary based on factors such as your credit score, type of home, and the size of your down payment but most lenders like to see a DTI of no more than 43% for a second home purchase.

One way to get your DTI low is by paying off old debts and avoiding taking on new ones. “It’s important to cut spending as much as you can while you’re tackling your debts,” said Kendall Meade, a Certified Financial Planner at SoFi. You may also consider refinancing loans you already have, including the mortgage on your first house, if you can take advantage of potentially lower interest rates. A lower interest rate could mean paying less over the life of the loan, which could help you lower your DTI sooner than you thought.

If you are purchasing a rental property, and you can show an existing tenant’s fully executed lease agreement and other supporting documentation the lender may require, it is likely that the lender will calculate 75% of the monthly lease amount toward your qualifying income.

Down payment: Required down payments on second homes are typically higher than on primary residences. For a second home purchase, lenders may require a down payment of at least 10% or more. If you put less than 20% down, you may be required to have private mortgage insurance (PMI), which protects the lender if you stop making payments.

The more you can pay upfront with a down payment, the more favorable your mortgage terms are likely to be. Your interest rate and monthly payments may be lower, and if your DTI or credit score is less than ideal, a higher down payment could potentially help you compensate for these factors.

Though making a large down payment can be a financial boon, you may want to make sure that you don’t deplete your savings so much that you no longer have extra cash to cover other expenses like closing costs.

Income and assets: Your lender will typically want to see that you have two years worth of steady and ongoing income to qualify for a mortgage. They also may want to see recent statements from any monetary assets you have such as a checking account, savings account, CD, IRA, 401(k), etc. Lenders may also want to see reserve funds. The amount of required reserves will vary from lender to lender and loan program to loan program, but each month of reserves is equal to one month’s worth of payments on your first and additional mortgage. One month of mortgage payments is defined as principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and other miscellaneous costs (such as flood insurance or HOA dues).

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

Estimate How Much You Can Afford

This home affordability calculator helps estimate the cost of purchasing a home and what your monthly payment would be — including closing costs, insurance, and property tax.

The Takeaway

It’s usually a good idea to shop around. As you search for an additional mortgage, consider checking out multiple lenders to make sure you’re getting the best deal for you on interest rates, terms, and fees.

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 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.

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.

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 for more information.

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