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The main factors that can hurt a home appraisal include needed updates, comparable properties, market conditions, your home’s location, and whether you hired an inspector to flag issues or necessary repairs. By getting ahead of the factors within your control before an appraisal, you may get a more favorable answer to the all-important question of what your house is really worth.

The more you know and understand about the home appraisal process, the better. Here’s a crash course of sorts on the process and what negatively affects home appraisal.

Recommended: Should I Sell My House Now or Wait?

A Primer on Home Appraisals

A home appraisal reveals the fair market value of a home, which is important whether you’re buying, selling or refinancing a mortgage. An appraisal can also be used to determine property taxes. Lenders require appraisals because they ensure that the lender won’t offer you a loan that’s more than what the home is appraised value is worth.

So, what do appraisers look for when they do a home appraisal? A real estate appraiser, who is a third party licensed or certified by the state, will review a home inside and out, looking at a home’s age, size, foundation, appliances and neighborhood, among other things. They will then compare the house to similar homes in the area to assess its value.

An appraisal is usually required by a lender when a buyer is getting a mortgage or when someone is refinancing their mortgage. If an appraisal is for a home sale, neither the buyer nor the homeowner can be present. When someone is refinancing, on the other hand, the homeowner is permitted to attend. That no doubt is a plus as it’s an opportunity for the homeowner to ensure the appraiser takes note of any upgrades and new features that could increase their home’s worth.

Things That Can Hurt Your Home Appraisal

Much hinges on the home’s appraisal itself, so you’ll want it to go as smoothly as possible. Start by knowing what hurts a home appraisal so you can avoid any hiccups that could prevent you from getting the highest value for your home.

1. Much-Needed Updates That Never Happened

If you’ve been putting off any needed upgrades, this is when it could come back to bite you. Let’s say you’ve been meaning to renovate your kitchen and somehow just didn’t get around to it. A kitchen that looks pretty much like it did 30 years ago isn’t going to wow anybody, least of all an appraiser who will wonder what else is in decline.

While it can be helpful to take care of some common home upgrades that can net you a return on your investment, you don’t necessarily want to go crazy updating either. Not only could it be tougher to recoup all the money you put into home improvements, you may find that while you love the changes you’ve made, your taste may not have universal appeal. It’s a delicate balance to make upgrades that will get two thumbs up from the appraiser and the potential buyers.

2. Comparable Properties

When it comes to housing, you do kind of have to keep up with the Joneses. With appraisals, it’s all about sales of comparable homes over the last 12 months. What are homes similar to yours on your street or a few blocks over selling for? If they are getting top dollar that will push up the price of your home. On the flip side, if those homes are hanging around on the market for months and selling at prices below expected, that could put a drag on what you can get for yours.

Comparable sales help determine the market, which is why both your real estate and your appraiser will look at them. Ideally, the appraiser, as much as possible, is comparing apples to apples so you get a fair appraisal. The other properties should be similar in size, age and amenities, among other factors. It’s a losing proposition for you if the appraiser goes for the extreme, say a house that sold at a bargain because someone was in a hurry to bail for whatever reason.

3. Skipping a Home Inspection

When it comes to your house, ignorance is not bliss. While you may know when you need to make a repair to a leaky roof, for instance, there can be plenty wrong that’s not obvious to you. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a home inspection before you put your house on the market.

A home inspector can suss out all manner of malfunctions that could be plaguing your house, particularly things you may be clueless about. If you get bad news, think of it as good news since you’ll now have the opportunity to make necessary home repairs before you put your house on the market and an appraiser comes with a magnifying glass of sorts looking for signs of trouble.

4. An Undesirable Location

Few things matter more in real estate market than location. If you’re in a neighborhood that’s seen as flawed or your house is on a busy or noisy street, that could all come into play when it comes to the value of your property.

Location also counts within your home. If your layout is dated — say it’s old-fashioned and highly compartmentalized instead of today’s more in-demand open layout concepts — that could be less attractive to buyers. Or, they might only be interested in knocking down walls and reconfiguring the space, which likely means they’ll want to pay less for the house if they are going to have put money into it to bring it in line with what they’re looking for.

4 Ways to Prevent Low Home Appraisals

Just like there are some things you can get out ahead of before they hurt your home appraisal, there are also some moves you can make to prevent your home appraisal coming in lower than you’d like.

1.   Hire your own appraiser: Typically, the lender hires the appraiser. However, there’s no reason you can’t hire your own appraiser before the sale. Your realtor should have a handle on someone who is experienced and has a reputation for giving fair estimates. You then can ask the buyer or lender’s appraiser to review what your appraiser produced.

2.   Provide records: If you have records of repairs and upgrades that’s the kind of proof that works in your favor. It also doesn’t hurt to have documentation like photos — before and afters aren’t just for an Instagram post of your new haircut.

3.   Prepare for the appraiser’s visit: Don’t dismiss the importance of maintaining curb appeal. Your home should be clean inside and outside before the appraiser comes over. Strive to get as close to an interior design catalog as you can.

4.   Dig up property comparables on your own: You don’t have to leave it to the appraiser and real estate agents to do all the homework. Go the extra mile and consider calling real estate agents with homes in escrow to get the sales prices. Create a list that you can pass along to the appraiser.

Checking Your Home Value Without an Appraisal

You can get a sense of what your home is worth even if you don’t get an appraisal. There are several websites that can give you valuable insight into your home’s potential value, including Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, Realtor.com and Eppraisal, among others.

Another option is to use a house price index (HPI) calculator , which relies on data from mortgage transactions over time to estimate a home’s value. Projections are based on both the purchase price of the home and the changing value of other homes nearby. This tool can help you see how much a house has appreciated over time. You’ll also get a glimpse of estimated future changes in mortgage rates.

Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity?

The Takeaway

Because appraisal value of your home is likely your biggest asset, it’s worth putting the time and effort into the appraisal process. The payoff could be huge if you tend to the major factors that hurt an appraisal or get proactive about preventing a low appraisal.

If you’re worried about budgeting for any necessary updates or repairs, a tool like SoFi can help you track your spending in different categories.

Stay on top of your budget as you get your house appraisal ready.

Photo credit: iStock/ucpage

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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.

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

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A jumbo loan is a mortgage that is larger than the loan-servicing limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). If you know you need a large loan to cover a higher home mortgage loan, you might be wondering how to qualify for a jumbo loan.

Jumbo loan qualifications are more stringent than conforming conventional loans. Because a jumbo loan is a nonconforming loan, banks take on more risk as they are not able to sell the loan to government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Since the loans are not guaranteed by the government, lenders are more cautious about the type of borrowers they do business with.

What this means for your money: You need conditions to be pretty optimal to qualify for a jumbo loan. But it can be done. Learn more here, including:

•   How to qualify for a jumbo loan

•   What factors lenders consider for jumbo loans

•   The jumbo loan qualification process

•   How to decide if a jumbo loan is right for you

Jumbo Mortgage Requirements

The current limits for jumbo loans are defined as exceeding $726,200 for single-family homes, except in Alaska, Hawaii, and some federally designated markets that are considered high-cost. In those areas, the limit that’s exceeded is $1,089,300 since these locations tend to have pricier housing markets.

Jumbo mortgage requirements are similar to conventional conforming loan requirements, but there are some key differences that make them harder to qualify for.

A High Credit Score

Experts recommend a credit score of 700 or above for jumbo loan borrowers. A higher credit score when buying a house is indicative of a borrower’s behavior with credit and how likely they are to repay the loan. A higher credit score is needed for the higher loan amounts of a jumbo loan. That lofty score can help the lender feel more secure that you’ll pay back the amount you borrow.

Cash Reserves

A cash reserve is how much liquid money you have at your disposal. What counts as liquid money can vary from lender to lender. For example, some will allow a percentage of vested 401(k) funds to count toward the reserve requirement. Others do not.

Because jumbo loans are so large, lenders look for cash reserves in your account to guard against default. For the best jumbo loan terms, lenders can require as much as 12 months of reserves.

A Low Debt-to-Income Ratio

A debt-to-income ratio is the amount of income you make relative to the amount of debt obligations you have. If you have what is considered too much debt, the lender will not offer a loan to you. With jumbo loans, a healthy DTI ratio is essential to qualify for the mortgage. A DTI ratio below 43% is recommended or possibly a lower figure.

What Does the Jumbo Qualification Process Include?

When you’re looking at jumbo loan requirements and the qualification process, there are some things you should keep in mind. Here, what’s needed to get a mortgage:

Documents Required for Jumbo Loan

When you apply for a jumbo loan, the lender will look to verify the information you provided. Some documents you may be required to provide include:

•   Two years of tax returns

•   Profit & Loss (P&L) statement if you’re a business owner

•   Pay stubs

•   Bank statements

•   Documentation for other income

Loan-to-Value Ratio Evaluation

In addition to your application, the jumbo loan will require an appraisal of your property to ensure they’re not lending too much on the home (that is, more than it’s worth). This appraisal will ensure the home’s price is not too high and determine that the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is within its guidelines.

Evaluating How Jumbo Down Payments Will Impact You

How much you put down on the home of your dreams will impact what loan you qualify for. If you’re able to put down enough, you may be able to forgo the jumbo loan requirements and get into a conforming conventional loan.

Is a Jumbo Mortgage Right for You? Questions To Ask

When it comes to making a decision on a jumbo loan, it’s helpful to ask yourself some questions that can help determine if a jumbo loan will work for you.

Do I Have Good Credit?

Ask yourself if your credit is strong enough to qualify for a jumbo loan. These mortgages do come with higher loan amounts and higher payments, and a good credit score range (over 700 typically) can help you get the best terms possible to qualify for a jumbo loan.

Do I Have a Low DTI and High Cash Reserves?

It’s important to have a low debt-to-income ratio and ample reserves to qualify for a jumbo mortgage, as discussed above. While some lenders may go up to as high as a 43% DTI, others will want to see a lower number.

Can I Prove I’m in Good Financial Health?

Qualifying for a jumbo mortgage goes beyond the numbers. Can you demonstrate to the lender that you’re able to continue making payments? Do you have a consistent job history? Are all the other financial factors in your life lined up so you can afford the mortgage?

Is the Property Value High Enough for a Jumbo Loan?

The jumbo loan value minimum (and conforming loan limits) is $726,200 for most areas in the U.S. If your mortgage is below this amount, you’ll want to look at financing with a conforming conventional loan instead. In high-cost areas, the home would have to hold a value of more than $1,089,300.

Do I Have Enough Money Saved?

A down payment on a property that merits a jumbo loan will often be a significant amount of cash. And while some closing costs are a flat fee that won’t go up, many are labor-intensive or percentage-based (3% to 6% of the loan amount), so your jumbo loan closing costs are larger than for a conventional, conforming loan.

Recommended: 18 Mortgage Questions for Your Lender

The Takeaway

If you are in the market for a high-value home, a jumbo mortgage can help you make it your own. However, you will need to meet the loan requirements, which may be somewhat more demanding than those for a conforming loan. By focusing on optimizing your credentials and financial profile, you can work to secure the mortgage that makes your home-ownership dreams come true.

When you’re ready to take the next step, consider what SoFi home loans have to offer. Jumbo loans are offered with competitive interest rates, with no PMI, and down payments as low as 10%.

SoFi Mortgage Loans: We make the home loan process smart and simple.

FAQ

Is it harder to qualify for a jumbo loan?

Yes, jumbo loans are harder to qualify for. You will need a larger down payment than you would with a conforming loan, a higher credit score, a low debt-to-income ratio, more cash reserves, and a tighter loan-to-value ratio.

What credit score do you need for a jumbo loan?

For a jumbo loan, you may want to aim for a credit score above 700.

Do jumbo loans require a 20% down payment?

It is possible to obtain a jumbo loan with a down payment as low as 10% or possibly even lower.

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Photo credit: iStock/lovenimo

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Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

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.

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.

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 .

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When you’re considering applying for a mortgage, one of your top questions is probably “What is the monthly payment going to be?”

For a 100K mortgage, the payment on a 30-year loan at 7% interest would be $665.30. For a 15-year mortgage loan term, the payment increases to $898.83, which helps you pay off the loan sooner and pay less in interest costs over the entire loan.

Your own loan will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to fluctuating interest rates. Here’s what goes into a 100K mortgage, what income is required to get one, and what your payments would look like over the life of the loan.

Total Cost of a 100K Mortgage

The total cost of a 100K mortgage goes beyond the monthly payment. There are upfront costs and ongoing, long-term costs to consider, all of which affect how much house can you afford.

Upfront Costs

Upfront home loan costs can include:

•   Closing Costs: There are costs you need to pay to get a mortgage, but they are not a part of the original loan. These are known as closing costs and include things like the mortgage origination fee, the cost of an appraisal, attorney fees, title fees, taxes, prepaids, and other expenses. With the average closing cost on a new home adding between 3% and 6%, that works out to $3,000 to $6,000 on a 100K mortgage.

•   Down Payment: Unless you are able to obtain a 0% down payment loan, you’ll need some money to afford the down payment on a 100K mortgage loan.

The average down payment on a home is 13%, as per the National Association of Realtors®. This works out to $13,000 on a $100,000 home.

If you don’t quite have this amount, there are other types of mortgage loans that offer low down payment options. 3% and 3.5% are common, which would come out to $3,000 and $3,500 for the down payment on a 100K home.

Long Term Costs

Here are the ongoing costs of a mortgage loan:

•   Interest. The biggest expense you’ll have over the life of the loan is interest. Interest costs are huge, especially in an economy with higher annual percentage rates (APRs). You’ll pay more in interest than you do in principal if you keep the mortgage loan for the whole 30-year loan term.

For a $100K mortgage with a 30-year term and 7% APR, the interest costs total $139,508.90.That’s on top of the $100,000 original loan amount. Adding the two together, you’re looking at paying $239,508.90 for the original 100K mortgage. Take a look at our mortgage payment calculator or the amortization table further down if you’re more curious about this amount.

•   Escrow. You may pay for taxes and insurance through your escrow account every month. This expense doesn’t go away, even when you pay off your mortgage. The amount of tax and insurance varies by state and policy.

Estimated Monthly Payments of a 100K Mortgage

Payments on a 100K home will ultimately be determined by your loan term and interest rate. And the interest rate is determined by a number of factors. Of course, the Fed’s rate matters, but so too do such aspects as:

•   Credit score. A good credit score can afford you a lower interest rate on your mortgage.

•   Down payment. Generally, putting down a larger down payment affords you a lower interest rate.

•   Home location. There are certain areas where you may be offered a lower interest rate just because of where you live.

•   Loan amount. If you need a larger loan, such as a jumbo loan, you’ll usually see a higher interest rate. The same can be true of much smaller homes, such as tiny homes.

•   Interest rate type. If you choose a loan with an adjustable APR, you may initially have a lower interest rate.

•   Loan type. You’ll see different interest rates based on what loan type you’re using. Examples include VA loans, FHA loans, and a USDA loan which may offer a lower (or no) down payment as well as lower interest rates.

•   Loan term. Choosing a mortgage term that’s shorter can help you score a lower interest rate.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Guide

Monthly Payment Breakdown by APR and Term

It’s helpful to see what potential mortgage loan payments on a 100K mortgage may be, adjusting for term length and APR variance. Keep in mind these costs do not include escrow items, such as taxes or insurance.

APR	Monthly Payment on a 30-Year Loan	Monthly Payment on a 15-Year Loan
3.5%	$449.04	$714.88
4%	$477.42	$739.69
4.5%	$506.69	$764.99
5%	$536.82	$790.79
5.5%	$567.79	$817.08
6%	$599.55	$843.86
6.5%	$632.07	$871.11
7%	$665.30	$898.83
7.5%	$699.21	$927.01
8%	$733.76	$955.65
8.5%	$768.91	$984.74
9%	$804.62	$1,014.27
9.5%	$840.85	$1,044.22
10%	$877.55	$1,074.61

How Much Interest Is Accrued on a 100K Mortgage?

Each month, your payment is split into principal and interest payments. Those interest payments go to the bank as payment for lending you money. Principal payments go toward the original loan amount and pay down the loan.

The longer the loan term, the more you’ll pay in overall interest. For a 100K mortgage on a 30-year term with a 7% APR, the interest costs total $139,508.90 on top of the original loan.

On a 15-year term with the same parameters, the interest costs are a more modest $61,789.09. Yes, your monthly payments are higher, but the difference between a 15 vs. 30 year mortgage with 7% APR is significant.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

100K Mortgage Amortization Breakdown

The amortization of a 100K mortgage shows how much of your monthly payment pays off the loan each month.

You can see in the early years of your mortgage, more of your monthly payment goes toward interest, and very little of your loan is paid off. In later years, more of the payment will go toward the principal.

Year	Monthly Payment	Beginning Balance	Total Amount Paid	Interest	Principal	Ending Balance
1	$665.30	$100,000.00	$7,983.60	$6,967.81	$1,015.79	$98,984.19
2	$665.30	$98,984.19	$7,983.60	$6,894.39	$1,089.21	$97,894.95
3	$665.30	$97,894.95	$7,983.60	$6,815.64	$1,167.96	$96,726.96
4	$665.30	$96,726.96	$7,983.60	$6,731.21	$1,252.39	$95,474.55
5	$665.30	$95,474.55	$7,983.60	$6,640.66	$1,342.94	$94,131.59
6	$665.30	$94,131.59	$7,983.60	$6,543.59	$1,440.01	$92,691.55
7	$665.30	$92,691.55	$7,983.60	$6,439.49	$1,544.11	$91,147.41
8	$665.30	$91,147.41	$7,983.60	$6,327.86	$1,655.74	$89,491.65
9	$665.30	$89,491.65	$7,983.60	$6,208.17	$1,775.43	$87,716.19
10	$665.30	$87,716.19	$7,983.60	$6,079.81	$1,903.79	$85,812.38
11	$665.30	$85,812.38	$7,983.60	$5,942.19	$2,041.41	$83,770.95
12	$665.30	$83,770.95	$7,983.60	$5,794.61	$2,188.99	$81,581.94
13	$665.30	$81,581.94	$7,983.60	$5,636.38	$2,347.22	$79,234.69
14	$665.30	$79,234.69	$7,983.60	$5,466.70	$2,516.90	$76,717.75
15	$665.30	$76,717.75	$7,983.60	$5,284.75	$2,698.85	$74,018.87
16	$665.30	$74,018.87	$7,983.60	$5,089.64	$2,893.96	$71,124.88
17	$665.30	$71,124.88	$7,983.60	$4,880.45	$3,103.15	$68,021.68
18	$665.30	$68,021.68	$7,983.60	$4,656.10	$3,327.50	$64,694.16
19	$665.30	$64,694.16	$7,983.60	$4,415.56	$3,568.04	$61,126.09
20	$665.30	$61,126.09	$7,983.60	$4,157.62	$3,825.98	$57,300.08
21	$665.30	$57,300.08	$7,983.60	$3,881.03	$4,102.57	$53,197.49
22	$665.30	$53,197.49	$7,983.60	$3,584.46	$4,399.14	$48,798.32
23	$665.30	$48,798.32	$7,983.60	$3,266.46	$4,717.14	$44,081.14
24	$665.30	$44,081.14	$7,983.60	$2,925.44	$5,058.16	$39,022.95
25	$665.30	$39,022.95	$7,983.60	$2,559.78	$5,423.82	$33,599.10
26	$665.30	$33,599.10	$7,983.60	$2,167.69	$5,815.91	$27,783.17
27	$665.30	$27,783.17	$7,983.60	$1,747.26	$6,236.34	$21,546.80
28	$665.30	$21,546.80	$7,983.60	$1,296.45	$6,687.15	$14,859.60
29	$665.30	$14,859.60	$7,983.60	$813.02	$7,170.58	$7,688.98
30	$665.30	$7,688.98	$7,983.60	$294.64	$7,688.96	$0.00

What Is Required to Get a 100K Mortgage?

When you’re applying to qualify for a mortgage, lenders look for a few key things to approve your application.

•   How much debt you will be carrying. Lenders look for your monthly payment to be lower than 28% of your gross monthly income. A 100K mortgage payment at 7% interest on a 30-year term is $665.30. For this payment to be less than 28% of your monthly income, your monthly income needs to be over $2,376, assuming you have no debt. This turns into a $28,512 yearly salary requirement to afford a 100K mortgage payment.

If you have debt, the calculation changes a little bit. Your lender will add your monthly debts to your projected monthly mortgage payment. These two numbers added together need to be less than 36% of your monthly income. This calculation a lender does is known as the debt-to-income ratio, or back-end ratio.

“If you have multiple debts, you want to make your minimum payments so you don’t hurt your credit score,” Kendall Meade, a Certified Financial Planner at SoFi said. “If you have cash left over after that, you should develop a strategy for which debts to pay off first,” she suggested.

•   Credit score. It’s advisable to have a credit score of 620 or higher when applying for a mortgage loan.

•   Consistent work history. If you are unemployed, self-employed, or have recently changed jobs, lenders may be less likely to approve your loan. They may worry about your having a steady enough income to make your payments.

How Much House Can You Afford Quiz

The Takeaway

A 100K mortgage will have a monthly cost that varies depending on such factors as the loan’s interest rate, the term of the loan, and whether it’s a fixed- or variable-rate loan. By understanding more about how the cost of a mortgage is calculated, plus the related costs, you can be better prepared for the milestone of being a homeowner.

When you’re ready to apply for a mortgage, SoFi will be there for you. Our rates are competitive, and we offer flexible loan terms and down payment options (as little as 3% for first-time homebuyers) to suit your needs. The online application simplifies the process, and our dedicated Mortgage Loan Officers can help you every step of the way.

See how smart and simple a SoFi Mortgage Loan can be.

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Photo credit: iStock/AndreyPopov

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.

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

SoFi 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 .

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As far as the simple math goes, a $200,000 home loan at a 7% interest rate on a 30-year term will give you a $1,330.60 monthly payment.

That $200K monthly mortgage payment includes the principal and interest. But here’s where options become evident: How much your interest will cost you each month is determined by your mortgage term and interest rate. You might pay a lower or higher annual percentage rate (or APR), and you might opt for a variable rate loan or a different term (say, 15 years).

Understanding what your total mortgage will cost vs. just the payments on a $200K mortgage can be a smart way to look at your finances when you’re buying a home. If you want to know the full cost of a $200K mortgage, read on for the breakdown so you can make the best decision for your home purchase.

Total Cost of a 200K Mortgage

The total cost of a $200,000 mortgage may surprise you. Beyond the principal, there are upfront costs to acquire the mortgage as well as long-term costs that come from paying years of interest. Here’s a closer look.

Upfront Costs

These expenses can include the following:

•   Closing costs: What you pay to secure a mortgage for the property you want. They include fees for appraisals, title insurance, government taxes, prepaid expenses, and mortgage origination fees.

The average closing cost on a new home is between 3% and 6% of the loan amount. This works out to be between $6,000 and $12,000 for a 200K mortgage.

•   Downpayment: While the average down payment on a home is around 13%, you can often elect to put down an amount that works for your financial situation. This is cash you put down vs. the amount you borrow for your mortgage. Some of the most common amounts for a down payment on a $200,000 house can be:

◦   20% down payment: $40,000

◦   10% down payment: $20,000

◦   5% down payment: $10,000

◦   3.5% down payment: $7,000

◦   3% down payment: $6,000

Long-Term Costs

The total cost for a 200K mortgage at today’s interest rates is almost half a million dollars. Over the course of the 30-year loan on a $200K mortgage at 7% APR, you will pay $279,017.80 in interest for a total cost of $479,017.80.

It’s a bit of a surprise to most borrowers that the amount they will pay in interest exceeds the price of the home. After all, $279,000 in interest costs for a $200,000 home doesn’t seem like it would come from a 7% APR, but that’s how mortgage APR works.

By choosing a mortgage term that’s 15 years, you substantially decrease the total 200K mortgage cost. The monthly payment on a 15-year loan at 7% APR increases to $1,797.66 from $1,330.60 for a 30-year mortgage. But 15 years of interest will cost $123,578.18 with a 7% APR, bringing the total cost of the principal plus interest to $323,578.18.

To compare the 15-year vs. 30-year mortgage that costs $479,017.80, that’s a savings of $155,439.62. In short, if you’re able to pay another $450 on your mortgage every month, you’ll save over $100,000 during the course of your loan.

“Really look at your budget and work your way backwards,” explains Brian Walsh, CFP® at SoFi, on planning for a home mortgage.

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Estimated Monthly Payments of a 200K Mortgage

Since interest costs can vary so much, here’s a handy table to help you estimate what your monthly home mortgage loan costs would be for a $200,000 mortgage. The APR can vary considerably, depending on the lender, whether you choose variable or fixed rate, and other loan specifics.

APR	15-year loan payments	30-year loan payments
3.5%	$1,429.77	$898.09
4%	$1,479.38	$954.83
4.5%	$1,529.99	$1,013.37
5%	$1,581.59	$1,073.64
5.5%	$1,634.17	$1,135.58
6%	$1,687.71	$1,199.10
6.5%	$1,742.21	$1,264.14
7%	$1,797.66	$1,330.60
7.5%	$1,854.02	$1,398.43
8%	$1,911.30	$1,467.53
8.5%	$1,969.48	$1,537.83
9%	$2,028.53	$1,609.25
9.5%	$2,088.45	$1,681.71
10%	$2,149.21	$1,755.14

Recommended: First-Time Home Buyer Guide

Monthly Payment Breakdown by APR and Term

The APR makes a huge difference in your monthly payment. When your monthly payment is increased because of a higher interest rate, you’ll pay hundreds of dollars more each month as well as tens, if not hundreds, of thousands more over the course of the loan.

Here’s what your monthly $200K mortgage payment and total loan cost will look like in 15-year and 30-year loan terms with different APRs.

APR	15-year loan payments	Total loan cost (200K + interest)	30-year loan payments	Total loan cost (200K + interest)
3.5%	$1,429.77	$257,357.71	$898.09	$323,312.18
4%	$1,479.38	$266,287.65	$954.83	$343,739.01
4.5%	$1,529.99	$275,397.58	$1,013.37	$364,813.42
5%	$1,581.59	$284,685.71	$1,073.64	$386,511.57
5.5%	$1,634.17	$294,150.04	$1,135.58	$408,808.08
6%	$1,687.71	$303,788.46	$1,199.10	$431,676.38
6.5%	$1,742.21	$313,598.65	$1,264.14	$455,088.98
7%	$1,797.66	$323,578.18	$1,330.60	$479,017.80
7.5%	$1,854.02	$333,724.45	$1,398.43	$503,434.45
8%	$1,911.30	$344,034.75	$1,467.53	$528,310.49
8.5%	$1,969.48	$354,506.24	$1,537.83	$553,617.71
9%	$2,028.53	$365,135.97	$1,609.25	$579,328.28
9.5%	$2,088.45	$375,920.89	$1,681.71	$605,415.03
10%	$2,149.21	$386,857.84	$1,755.14	$631,851.53

Again, it’s pretty shocking to see that a $200K mortgage could possibly cost over $600,000 with a 10% interest rate on a 30-year loan. If you want to play around with different numbers, this mortgage payment calculator can help.

200K Mortgage Amortization Breakdown

Amortization shows you how much of your monthly payment is applied to the original loan amount, or principal.

Loans are amortized so that most of your monthly payment goes toward interest each month when you’re just starting to repay your loan. When you’re toward the end of your loan term, most of the money goes toward the principal.

In the example below, of $200K mortgage payments and balances, you’ll see that over the course of the first year, the borrower made $15,967.20 in payments ($1,330.60 per month for 12 months). Of this, $13,935.65 is applied to interest and only $2,031.55 to the principal.

Year	Mortgage Payment	Beginning Balance	Total Amount Paid for the Year	Interest Paid During the Year	Principal Paid During the Year	Ending Balance
1	$1,330.60	$200,000.00	$15,967.20	$13,935.65	$2,031.55	$197,968.38
2	$1,330.60	$197,968.38	$15,967.20	$13,788.78	$2,178.42	$195,789.89
3	$1,330.60	$195,789.89	$15,967.20	$13,631.29	$2,335.91	$193,453.93
4	$1,330.60	$193,453.93	$15,967.20	$13,462.42	$2,504.78	$190,949.09
5	$1,330.60	$190,949.09	$15,967.20	$13,281.34	$2,685.86	$188,263.18
6	$1,330.60	$188,263.18	$15,967.20	$13,087.17	$2,880.03	$185,383.10
7	$1,330.60	$185,383.10	$15,967.20	$12,879.00	$3,088.20	$182,294.83
8	$1,330.60	$182,294.83	$15,967.20	$12,655.74	$3,311.46	$178,983.30
9	$1,330.60	$178,983.30	$15,967.20	$12,416.34	$3,550.86	$175,432.38
10	$1,330.60	$175,432.38	$15,967.20	$12,159.64	$3,807.56	$171,624.77
11	$1,330.60	$171,624.77	$15,967.20	$11,884.38	$4,082.82	$167,541.90
12	$1,330.60	$167,541.90	$15,967.20	$11,589.24	$4,377.96	$163,163.88
13	$1,330.60	$163,163.88	$15,967.20	$11,272.76	$4,694.44	$158,469.38
14	$1,330.60	$158,469.38	$15,967.20	$10,933.39	$5,033.81	$153,435.50
15	$1,330.60	$153,435.50	$15,967.20	$10,569.48	$5,397.72	$148,037.73
16	$1,330.60	$148,037.73	$15,967.20	$10,179.28	$5,787.92	$142,249.76
17	$1,330.60	$142,249.76	$15,967.20	$9,760.87	$6,206.33	$136,043.37
18	$1,330.60	$136,043.37	$15,967.20	$9,312.20	$6,655.00	$129,388.32
19	$1,330.60	$129,388.32	$15,967.20	$8,831.13	$7,136.07	$122,252.17
20	$1,330.60	$122,252.17	$15,967.20	$8,315.25	$7,651.95	$114,600.16
21	$1,330.60	$114,600.16	$15,967.20	$7,762.08	$8,205.12	$106,394.98
22	$1,330.60	$106,394.98	$15,967.20	$7,168.93	$8,798.27	$97,596.64
23	$1,330.60	$97,596.64	$15,967.20	$6,532.88	$9,434.32	$88,162.27
24	$1,330.60	$88,162.27	$15,967.20	$5,850.89	$10,116.31	$78,045.90
25	$1,330.60	$78,045.90	$15,967.20	$5,119.56	$10,847.64	$67,198.20
26	$1,330.60	$67,198.20	$15,967.20	$4,335.40	$11,631.80	$55,566.33
27	$1,330.60	$55,566.33	$15,967.20	$3,494.53	$12,472.67	$43,093.59
28	$1,330.60	$43,093.59	$15,967.20	$2,592.86	$13,374.34	$29,719.19
29	$1,330.60	$29,719.19	$15,967.20	$1,626.01	$14,341.19	$15,377.96
30	$1,330.60	$15,377.96	$15,967.20	$589.31	$15,377.89	$0.00

Recommended: Understanding the Different Types of Mortgage Loans

What Is Required to Get a 200K Mortgage?

To qualify for any mortgage, you will need to show that you can afford a down payment, have a solid credit score, and have a consistent work history, among other factors.

One key qualification is your ability to afford the loan you are applying for. An example: For a $200,000 mortgage with a $1,330.60 payment, lenders look for your housing expenses to be between 25% and 28% of your gross income. That means your monthly income should be at least $4,752.14 for the $1,330.60 payment to meet that guideline. That’s just over $57,000 per year if you have no other debts.

Another way lenders look at how much house you can afford is your debt-to-income ratio (aka your DTI). Lenders look for your total debt expenses (including the new housing payment) to be no more than 36% of your gross monthly income. For a borrower making $10,000 per month, for example, debts should not exceed $3,600 per month, including the new housing payment.

To find your debt-to-income ratio, multiply your monthly income by .36. Set that number aside. Next, add up all of your debt obligations, including car payments, credit cards, hospital bills, etc. Then, add in your new mortgage payment to your existing debt payments.

As a formula, it looks like this:

•   Monthly income X .36 = Max debt-to-income ratio.

•   Mortgage payment + debts = Total debts

•   Max debt-to-income ratio > total debts

Compare the two numbers to see where you stand with the maximum DTI versus your total debts. If you’re not in the desired range, know that some lenders will allow a higher percentage; you might shop around if your DTI is above the 36% mark. However, the terms might not be as desirable. It can be wise to explore your options with a mortgage professional or look online at a home loan help center.

This is an example of why you always hear the advice to pay down debt to qualify for a better, bigger mortgage. The amount of debt you have directly affects how much mortgage you’re able to qualify for.

How Much House Can You Afford Quiz

The Takeaway

Understanding the monthly and total cost of a $200K mortgage can help you understand the options available for financing a home purchase, as well as understand the implications on your long-term financial situation. You can then assess what’s possible and make decisions about the best way to finance a $200K mortgage.

With any mortgage, you’ll want a lender on your side. SoFi Mortgage Loans have dedicated loan officers waiting to help. Competitive interest rates, low down payment options, and a wide range of loan terms can help you make a mortgage for your home possible.

See how smart, flexible, and simple a SoFi Mortgage Loan can be.

FAQ

How much is a down payment on a 200K house?

A 20% down payment on a 200K house is $40,000. A 5% down payment is $10,000, and a 3.5% is $7,000. Talk with various lenders to see what you might qualify for.

How can I pay a 200K mortgage in 5 years?

Making extra payments or larger lump-sum payments can help you pay off your mortgage faster. For a $200K mortgage amortized over 5 years, you’ll need to pay the original loan amount of $200K, plus five years of interest payments. If you look at the full 30-year amortization chart (above), that’s $68,099.48 in interest and a total of $268,099.48 you’ll need to pay back to the lender.

Over five years and 60 equal payments, this works out to $4,468.32 each month to pay off your mortgage in five years. (Quick side note: the amount of interest you’ll pay in an accelerated five-year repayment plan won’t nearly be this much because your extra payments to the principal will decrease the amount of interest you pay every year.)

How much mortgage can I qualify for on a 200K salary?

How much mortgage you qualify for depends on your income, debt levels, down payment, loan program, and credit score, among other factors. As a rule of thumb, you may be able to qualify for homes between 2 and 3 times your gross annual salary. For a $200K salary, you may be looking for homes in the $400K to $600K range.

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Photo credit: iStock/AnnaStills

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

SoFi 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.

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.

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 .

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While it is possible to buy a second home without a down payment, the scenarios where you can do so are quite rare.

Traditional zero-down payment programs may not be available to you because you’re no longer a first-time homebuyer. Lenders are also hesitant to offer second home mortgages with low down payments. The down payment requirements for a second home are usually 10% or more.

But you may be in luck: Sometimes you can figure out how to buy a second home with no down payment. Read on to learn:

•   What does buying a second home involve?

•   What are the usual down payment requirements for a second home?

•   How can you buy a second home with no down payment?

Note: SoFi mortgage loans requires a down payment.

What to Know About Buying a Second Home

Buying a second home comes with a different set of guidelines and rules than purchasing your first home. You’re no longer considered a first-time homebuyer, which disqualifies you from many down payment assistance programs. However, your situation will be treated differently depending on how you want to use the property. Consider the following possibilities:

Moving into the Second Home

If your plan is to keep your first home as a rental property and move into the second home, you may have some options. A low interest mortgage loan may be available in one of two ways.

Note: SoFi does not offer USDA loans at this time. However, SoFi does offer FHA, VA, and conventional loan options.

•   USDA loans in approved areas have zero down payment options. You’re allowed to get a second home with a zero-down USDA loan if you meet certain requirements involving citizenship, income, and other factors. You must live in the property as your principal residence, and you cannot have a USDA loan on your first property. In addition, you must financially qualify for both homes. To count rental income for the first home, USDA requires 24 months of rental income history.

Other qualifiers for this kind of loan include:

•   The current home no longer meets your needs for certain reasons (for example, if your family is growing and you live in a two-bedroom home, you’re relocating for a new job, or you’re getting divorced).

•   You don’t have another way to obtain the property without the USDA loan.

•   You can only keep one other house besides the new second home.

If, say, you’re moving from to a new region for a job opportunity and USDA loans are available in the area you’re moving to, it’s possible to keep your first home and buy a second if you meet the above conditions.

Worth noting: An obstacle for borrowers can be that lenders need a way to verify rental income. A signed lease and bank statements may not be enough. Your lender may want to see the rental income reported on your taxes for two years to count.

•   VA Loans may also offer zero down payment options. Available to veterans, service members, and surviving spouses, these government-backed loans can only be used to purchase property that will be a primary residence. So, if you’re moving from one place to another and qualify, you can use a VA loan to purchase the next property with no money down.

Buying the Second Home as a Vacation Home or Rental

Is there a way to buy a second home with no down payment if you plan to use it as a vacation home or rental? Options are few and far between if you’re not planning to use the property as your principal residence. When you’re looking at non-owner-occupied financing, lenders usually want a bigger down payment, not a smaller one.

That said, here are a couple of options that could answer the question of how to buy a second home with no down payment:

•   Private loans: If you finance through a relative or other private source, it’s possible to obtain a no-money-down mortgage. Terms are agreed upon by both parties.

•   Seller financing: Much like a private loan, the conditions of seller financing (aka owner financing) a loan are whatever the two parties agree on. If the seller is willing to let you buy the property with no money down, you might be able to make this work. However, seller financing usually comes with a bigger down payment, not a smaller one.

Do You Need a Down Payment on a Second Home?

Down payment requirements for a second home are usually higher. Lenders also look for a higher credit score. The loftier down payment requirement and credit score reflect the fact that the lender is taking on elevated risk since borrowers are more likely to default on a second home than a first home. A lender may expect your down payment to be right around the average down payment on a house, which is currently 13%.

Yet, your mortgage lender is also looking for a loan that accommodates your unique situation to help you to buy a second home. Though no down payment options are rare, your lender may have access to financial products that allow for a smaller down payment.

Can You Buy Another Home When You Have a Current Mortgage?

If you financially qualify, buying another house when you have a mortgage is possible. Generally speaking, lenders look for a strong credit history and enough income to cover your debts (including the cost of the new mortgage) to determine if you qualify for an additional mortgage.

Recommended: What Is a Second Mortgage?

Using Home Equity as a Down Payment Source

If you don’t have enough cash for a down payment on a second home, you may be able to tap your home equity. A home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can help you access money to use for a down payment on a second home.

Though not all lenders will permit this, using home equity may be possible if you want to keep your first home and have no other way of obtaining enough money for a down payment on your second.

It may be advisable to get a home equity loan or HELOC while you are still living in your first house. This allows you to qualify for owner-occupant rates, which are typically much lower than non-owner-occupied rates.

Recommended: HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: How They Compare

The Takeaway

While there aren’t many options for financing a second home with no down payment, you may be in luck. There are some no down payment loans available to qualified buyers, and these loans can help you preserve cash for renovations, improvements, and other expenses. Even if you can’t find a no down payment mortgage for a second home, you will likely have a number of financing options you can tap into that may allow you to snag another property.

When you’re thinking about home financing options, whether for a mortgage or a HELOC, you’ll want a flexible, helpful partner to help you through the process. SoFi can do just that. In addition to mortgage loans, we offer a home equity line of credit that can help you tap into your home’s value and use the funds for a variety of purposes. You can access up to 95% of your home’s equity up to $500,000, enjoy low interest rates, and have a dedicated SoFi Mortgage Loan Officer to guide you.

Unlock your home’s value with a home equity loan brokered by SoFi today.

FAQ

What is the minimum down payment for a second home?

For a second that is not going to be your primary residence, most lenders look for at least a 10% down payment.

How do I buy a second home without 20% down?

With a higher credit score and other financial qualifications, you may be able to find a lender or a program with a required down payment less than 20%.

Can I buy another house if I already have a mortgage?

If you’re a qualified buyer with good debt and income levels with a strong credit history, a lender may be able to approve you for a second mortgage.

Can I use my equity to buy another house?

It may be possible to use home equity to buy another home. Contact a lender to go over your unique situation.

Photo credit: iStock/Nuttawan Jayawan

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

SoFi 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.

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

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