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For both buyers and sellers, real estate inventory is a key factor to note. When inventory is abundant, buyers may have the upper hand. If the list of available properties is short, sellers may be able to command higher prices. This means that whether housing inventory is high or low can impact your strategy if you are hunting for a home or trying to get yours sold.

It pays to keep your eye on the market, as inventory can sometimes change swiftly. In recent memory, we’ve seen a pandemic-fueled buying frenzy that fueled bidding wars. As mortgage rates rose, some markets evolved into low-demand, high-availability scenarios.

Here’s a closer look at how to gauge the local real estate market and navigate high and low housing inventory through the perspective of buyers vs. sellers.

What Is Housing Inventory?

An area’s real estate inventory can be thought of as the current supply of properties for sale. The housing inventory will increase or decrease according to the difference between the rate of new listings on the market and the number of closed sales or houses taken off the market for other reasons.

Although this calculation can be done at any time, it’s common practice to assess the balance at the end of the month. Comparing monthly figures can show if housing inventory is trending up, down, or staying relatively stable.

If there appears to be a rapid trend in either direction, it may signal the need to take quick action on a purchase or sale (seeking preapproval for a home loan, for example), or take a wait-and-see position and hold off for a while.

Even within a town or city, real estate inventory can vary significantly. To better understand your local housing market trends, you can dig deeper into important indicators like average time on the market and average price of nearby homes or in your desired neighborhood. Next, we’ll delve into this in more depth.

High Housing Inventory

An area with a high housing inventory has more properties on the market than there are people looking to buy. This can also be referred to as a buyer’s market, since the larger selection of homes usually favors prospective buyers more than sellers.

These conditions may cause the price of homes to stagnate or, in more extreme cases, fall. Typically, the average property will also take longer to sell in this environment.

Still, there’s a huge variety of financial situations and unique property characteristics out there. Each case will be different, but here are some considerations if you’re buying or selling during a moment of high housing inventory.

If You’re a Buyer Amid High Housing Inventory

In many cases, shopping for a new home during high housing inventory can be a blessing.

•   Take it slow (or at least slower). You may be able to see multiple properties before making an offer and size up which home best suits you. High housing inventory means there are fewer buyers to compete with, so there’s less of a risk that homes will quickly get scooped up.

•   Shop around. Knowledge is power when it comes to making an offer. Having viewed comparable houses in the area firsthand could help when it’s your turn at the negotiating table.

•   Do your research. Other property details, such as price reductions and total days on the market, are potential indicators that sellers might be ready to accept an offer below asking price.

Although buyers can have a comparative edge when housing inventory is high, there is, of course, still a chance of multiple offers and bidding wars for well-priced homes. There are likely to be others who want to take advantage of what may be called a soft market in real estate terms.

Recommended: A Guide to Real Estate Counter Offers

If You’re a Seller Amid High Housing Inventory

Putting a property on the market in a location with high housing inventory may require investing more time to find the right buyer. After all, you’re not the only game in town. However, there are several strategies at a seller’s disposal to unload a house without financial loss.

•   Fix it up. To stand out in a crowded field, it can help to address any persisting issues and accentuate your home’s best assets. Parts of the property in need of common home repairs — the foundation, electrical system, HVAC system, and so on — could discourage potential buyers. Instead of accepting lower offers or other concessions, sellers may save more money by handling the repairs before putting the house on the market.

•   Improve it. Making improvements can be helpful, too. A kitchen reno may be out of reach in terms of time and money, but doing a thorough cleaning and tidying up landscaping are easy fixes that could make a better impression on prospective buyers.

•   Declutter. It’s another way to enhance a house for showings and listing photos. It could also indicate a shorter turnaround for buyers eager to move quickly.

•   Price it right. When all is said and done, setting an asking price that’s not too far above similar properties may be necessary to keep your property on buyers’ radar.

Low Housing Inventory

Also known as a seller’s market or a hot housing market, an area with low housing inventory has a surplus of interested homebuyers and a shortage of available listings.

Usually, sellers in an area with low housing inventory can get a higher price for their property. Thanks to the abundance of buyers, It’s not uncommon to see multiple offers and bidding wars for any type of housing stock.

Let’s take a closer look at how to make the most of low housing inventory for either side of the deal.

If You’re a Buyer Amid Low Housing Inventory

Although the odds may not favor buyers in a low housing inventory environment, they still have some options to increase their chances of finding a dream home.

•   Think beyond price. In a multiple-offer situation, the highest price may not be the most advantageous deal for the seller. Being flexible on the closing date and limiting contingencies can affect an offer’s competitiveness.

•   Get prequalified or preapproved. Doing the legwork, researching the different kinds of mortgages in advance, and getting prequalified can show that buyers are ready to go and financially eligible. Typically, lenders provide potential borrowers with a letter stating how much they can borrow, given some conditions.

◦   Preapproval, which involves analysis of at least two years of tax returns, months’ worth of income history and bank statements, and documents showing any additional sources of income, can carry more weight and speed up the mortgage application process.

•   Consider cash. If you can swing it, a cash offer is often seen as advantageous because there’s no risk of the deal falling through from a denied mortgage loan.

•   Opt for an escalation clause, a method for beating out competing bids. The clause means a buyer automatically will increase their initial bid up to a specified dollar amount. For example, a buyer with an escalation clause could offer $250,000 with an option to bump up to $255,000 if another offer exceeded theirs.

•   Know what a place is worth. Even in a seller’s market, house hunters would do best to keep appraised values in mind. If buyers pay thousands more than the appraised value of a house, their home equity could take a hit.

If You’re a Seller Amid Low Housing Inventory

When the forces of supply and demand favor sellers, they have a better chance of fielding multiple offers on a property. Still, getting a great deal is not a sure thing as many factors affect property value. Here, some advice to help you take advantage of this scenario.

•   Spruce it up. The same conventional wisdom applies for cleaning and touching up a house to get more foot traffic at showings or open houses.

•   Set a reasonable asking price just below the market value — a figure based in part on comps, or comparables, which reveal what similar homes in the same area have sold for recently. This can be a good way to capture buyer interest. In a multiple-offer situation, this gives buyers room to outbid each other, potentially increasing the purchase price above asking.

•   Look past price alone. If faced with more than one offer, it may be tempting to go for the highest bidder. It can be beneficial to review each buyer’s finances and contingencies to lower the risk of a deal falling through.

•   Recognize that cash is king. Cash offers are generally the most secure. These have risen significantly in the current hot market, according to a National Association of Realtors® report. They made up 32% of sales in February of 2024, the highest rate in a decade.

•   Check contingencies. If there are offers with contingencies like the house passing an inspection, they could allow a buyer to back out of a deal; an offer that waives such contingencies is likely preferable.

Recommended: What Is a Mortgage Contingency? How It Works Explained

Other Considerations When Buying a Home

Housing inventory can be an important factor when looking for a new home and may impact your experience in a positive or negative way. Knowing how to negotiate both scenarios, whether as a buyer or seller, can help you get the best deal with the least amount of stress.

You’ll also have other considerations to keep in mind as you shop for your home. These may include:

•   How much you can put down

•   What type of mortgage works best for you

•   How much your mortgage will cost

•   What your closing costs will be

•   How much you’ll need for any necessary renovations

•   What the property taxes are

The Takeaway

For both buyers and sellers, the amount of available housing inventory can have an impact on the home purchase process. Keeping tabs on the market you’re shopping or selling in and looking carefully at competing properties (buyers) or competing offers (sellers) can help you get the most from your real estate deal.

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

FAQ

What does inventory mean in real estate?

Inventory is the number of properties available for sale in a particular real estate market. It is often recorded once a month, so that trends can be observed.

Why is housing inventory so low?

Several factors have contributed to low housing inventory: During the Great Recession that began in late 2007, construction of new homes declined and took many years to recover. More recently, mortgage rates trended upward, causing many people who might have sold a starter home to stay put rather than put their home on the market. Finally, investors have been buying up available properties and renting them out, taking them out of the sale market.

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

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

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

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

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.

SOHL-Q324-046

Perhaps the idea of home ownership sounds appealing, but the thought of all the maintenance involved — inside and out — doesn’t sound so great. Dealing with snow removal or tending to your lawn might be the last thing you want to add to your already full plate.

If that resonates, buying a home that has a homeowners association, or HOA, might be the right move. Whether you’re shopping for a condo or a 3-bedroom house in a new development, an HOA could be a valuable thing. These organizations, funded by dues, take care of many of those maintenance responsibilities, run shared facilities (like a pool), and create guidelines (and enforce them) for the community of homeowners.

That said, interacting with an HOA and following its guidelines may not be for everyone. Read on to learn:

•   What is an HOA, or homeowners association

•   How do HOAs work

•   How much are HOA dues

•   What are the pros and cons of HOAs

•   How will HOA fees impact your costs as a homeowner

What Is an HOA (Homeowners Association)?

An HOA is typically a non-profit volunteer group that manages aspects of homeownership in certain planned unit developments (PUDs), condos, and other housing communities. The HOA collects fees from each member of the community and uses them to handle maintenance duties and amenities. These may include:

•   Landscaping and maintenance of walkways and the like

•   Pest control

•   Maintenance and utilities of shared spaces, such as lounges and pool areas

•   Garbage pickup

•   Parking

•   Security

Another answer to “What is an HOA?” should mention that these associations typically make enforceable rules about the look and feel of the community. There may be guidelines about, say, the size of pets one may own, or the color schemes permissible for a townhome’s exterior. The existence of an HOA will be an important consideration when you are shopping for a place to live and HOA fees need to be built into a homebuyer’s financial plan, just like home loan payments.

Recommended: Condo vs. Townhouse: 9 Major Differences

How Does an HOA Work?

HOAs can be staffed in different ways. They can be run by people owning property within its boundaries, run by a board of directors, or through a similar arrangement, with board designees elected to oversee and enforce HOA rules.

Many HOAs are incorporated, which makes them subject to the laws of the state and may require them to file annual reports with the corporation commission, in order to remain in good standing.

People who purchase properties within an HOA jurisdiction become members of that organization, and they must abide by the rules contained within that organization’s bylaws and Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).

HOA rules, fees and restrictions vary. Some bylaws and CC&Rs are strict, while others are looser, typically focusing on how residents must keep properties maintained according to stated specifications. In a planned unit subdivision of single-family homes, for example, rules may include what types of landscaping are permitted, or exterior colors of paint, what kinds of fencing is allowed, and more.

They can include usage rules for common property, such as a pool, and typically outline penalties for rule violations, ranging from forcing a homeowner to comply to fees and, sometimes, litigation.

How Common Are HOAs?

Here are some recent statistics that will help you get an idea of how common HOAs currently are in the U.S.:

•   Approximately 75.5 million Americans live in HOAs, cooperatives, or condominium units.

•   30% of all U.S. homeowners live in HOA communities.

•   28.2 million housing units in America are part of HOA communities.

As you see, HOAs are quite popular.

What Is an HOA Fee?

Now that you know a bit about what is a homeowners association, let’s look at those fees they charge. People who buy property in an HOA-governed condo or community usually must pay dues — also known as HOA fees — typically due monthly. These fees help to maintain common areas of buildings, such as lobbies and patios, and perhaps community clubhouses. These fees can cover maintenance on elevators or swimming pools, if applicable, or could be used for landscaping expenses, and so forth. Additional special assessments may be charged for major repairs, such as roof repairs.

Some studies suggest that average HOA fees range from $200 to $400 per month, although they can be as low as $50 and as high as $2,500 or more. It depends on the HOA complex, where it is, what amenities the project maintains, and sometimes on how the individual HOA is managed.

What’s most important when shopping for a new home is that you are clear about what fees would be assessed on your individual unit and whether that fits your budget.

When Considering an HOA Property

When considering whether or not to buy a property within a homeowners association, it makes sense to understand what you’d be committing to if you bought this property.

To get an understanding of how the organization operates, you can ask the board of directors if you could read minutes from meetings — if you have a real estate agent, they should be able to help you access records. This may give you a good overview of any challenges the organization is facing, and insights into how solutions are brainstormed and implemented.

Questions to investigate can include:

•   What are the HOA fees each month? What do they cover?

•   If the fees seem low, does it appear as though enough funds are collected to maintain general areas? What about meeting rooms, the gym, pool area, and so forth?

•   If the HOA fees are higher than expected, do they seem excessive for what you’d get in return?

•   Are homeowners also being charged special assessments to cover other costs? If so, how often and what are they?

•   How many units are not paying their HOA fees? What are the consequences for that? Are penalties being imposed?

•   If certain units don’t pay their HOA fees, can these unpaid costs be imposed upon other owners to make up the difference?

•   If desired, will you be allowed to sublet your unit? Over what term and with what restrictions?

•   Are you allowed to have a pet? If so, what restrictions exist? Ask to read a copy of the CC&Rs which is recorded public information.

•   Does pending litigation exist against the HOA? If so, of what type? Does it involve, say, damage to one unit, or does it affect the entire organization?

If you have friends or family members who are part of this HOA, consider asking them what they like about living there, and what they don’t. If you have a friend or family member who owns housing under a different HOA, chat with them as well. Their insights can be valuable in regards to what questions to ask and issues to explore before buying.

You can also review the bylaws, which usually share voting rights of members, budget and assessment rules, meeting requirements, and so forth. Check to see what actions can be taken without a member vote — if they include raising assessments or creating rules, this could have an impact on your buying decision.

Recommended: Mortgage Servicing: Everything You Need to Know

Pros vs Cons of HOAs

There are several benefits of buying a property that’s part of an HOA. Consider these upsides:

•   Guidelines to help maintain the look of the community, settle issues, and create harmony among residents.

•   Enhanced quality of life and property values.

•   Maintenance services so homeowners don’t need to do the work themselves or hire freelance help.

That said, there are also possible drawbacks to being part of an HOA. These can include:

•   The cost of the HOAs fees can be prohibitively expensive, and the possibility of assessments can be financially challenging.

•   Potentially restrictive guidelines that inhibit your freedom over your property (that is, you may not be allowed to have a certain kind of pet or put in solar panels).

•   Those who run the HOA may be volunteers vs. skilled real estate professionals, which could lead to inefficiencies.

Can You Afford to Buy into an HOA?

When shopping for a new home or condo, one key consideration is how much you can afford for a house — with the true cost being more than just principal, interest, and homeowners insurance. If you are considering properties that have HOA charges, it’s vital to factor those in to make sure your budget is manageable.

You’ll need a down payment on the home. There are also property taxes, insurance, closing costs (which can run from 3% to 5% of the home’s cost, paid by the buyer and/or seller according to the contract). And there are expenses other than closing costs such as moving expenses, furniture costs, and more that should be considered as you grapple with how much you can afford.

Plus, you might want to have an emergency fund established for unexpected expenses, whether unanticipated housing repairs, or medical expenses, or something else entirely.

To help you figure out that affordable house payment number, you could check out our mortgage calculator.

Recommended: What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a House?

What to Know About Mortgages and HOAs

There’s one more wrinkle to the topic of what is a homeowners association and should you buy into one: the impact it may have on securing your mortgage.

When you buy a property that is part of an HOA, you may need additional documentation for your lender. If your bid is accepted, the lender will likely request a homeowners association certification, called an HOA cert for short. This document provides your lender with a snapshot of how the HOA is being run, and may provide information such as:

•   How old the project is

•   Whether a condominium development was converted from an apartment building or specifically built as condo units

•   How many units exist in the project

•   How many units are occupied

•   How many occupied units are owner occupied and how many are rented to someone else

•   How much HOA fees are

•   The amount of insurance on the project

If this information is requested, it will likely be reviewed to confirm that this property meets the lender’s loan eligibility guidelines. Because guidelines can vary from lender to lender and loan program to loan program, it makes sense to check with your lender of choice as soon as possible to determine if this financial institution considers your condo to be eligible for financing.

The HOA cert may also be obtained by the escrow/title company and provided to your lender, along with the relevant CC&Rs. This provides insight into any property restrictions and other aspects that may affect a home’s lendability and marketability.

Recommended: Home Loan vs. Mortgage: What You Should Know

The Takeaway

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

FAQ

Why do HOAs exist?

Homeowners associations exist to manage and maintain common areas, to enforce community rules, and to collect and manage the finances used for community upkeep. Many people who participate in HOAs expect the association to help enhance their property values.

How much are HOA fees?

HOA fees vary widely based on the amenities offered by the development but most people can expect to pay at least $200 to $300 per month.

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

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

SOHL-Q324-051

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dominates the American landscape, but the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) gains some steam when homebuyers are feeling the pinch of high mortgage rates or house prices.

Because the initial ARM rate is usually lower than that of a fixed-rate loan, buyers who expect to sell within a few years are sometimes attracted to the low rates and payments.

Taking a closer look at each type of mortgage will help you decide whether a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage works better for your particular situation.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Loans

In a nutshell: lower initial rate, more risk.

In most cases, an ARM rate will be fixed for three, five, seven, or 10 years and then periodically adjust.

ARMs are labeled with numbers that delineate a) the length of the introductory fixed phase and b) the frequency of rate adjustments afterward. The 5/1 ARM, for example, has a low five-year introductory rate that can then change every year for the remainder of the loan.

If you see a 7/6 or 10/6 ARM, that means the rate on the home loan can adjust every six months after the introductory period.

Pros of Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Loans

A five- or seven-year ARM tends to have an introductory rate that’s lower than that of a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan. A three-year ARM rate may be much lower.

So during periods of elevated mortgage rates, ARMs offer a great option for borrowers to save money before the initial rate adjustment.

That includes first-time homebuyers who are looking for lower initial rates and monthly payments and who understand that their rate will likely rise if they keep the loan.

ARMs have caps on how much the rate can increase or decrease. There is usually an initial cap, a periodic adjustment cap, and a lifetime cap. More and more of the loans have rates tied to a new index, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). For those, the rate may go up or down a maximum of one percentage point every six months (which is why you see a 7/6 and so on) after an initial adjustment, which could be two or five percentage points, with a 5% lifetime cap.

Cons of Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Loans

ARMs provide less stability than fixed-rate mortgages. After the initial fixed-rate period, there’s no certainty about how much monthly payment amounts will go up or down.

Most ARMs are fully amortizing, but if you choose an interest-only loan, you won’t be paying down any principal for years.

Fans of ARMs point out that buyers can refinance the loan before the initial rate adjustment — to a fixed-rate loan or to another adjustable-rate mortgage — betting that rates will be lower then. But that’s a risk.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage Loans

In a nutshell: long-term predictability.

A fixed-rate mortgage has an interest rate that stays the same for the life of the loan, regardless of changes in the broader economy.

Pros of Fixed-Rate Mortgage Loans

Fixed-rate mortgages offer greater stability and predictability over the long term compared with adjustable-rate loans.

The National Association of Realtors® puts the average homeowner tenure at 10 years, while Redfin found that the typical homeowner had spent almost 12 years in their home. Older homeowners may stay longer. So if you’re not going to get a move on within a few years, it may be comforting to lock in your rate. You can refinance later if rates decrease.

Cons of Fixed-Rate Mortgage Loans

The 30-year fixed-rate home loan has a higher average interest rate than most ARM introductory rates.

Small differences in interest rates can add up. Use a mortgage calculator to see for yourself.

Then again, lifetime rate caps on most ARMs are five percentage points above the introductory rate.

Lay the Groundwork for a Mortgage

Do you know how much house can you can afford?

You can get an idea by pre-qualifying with lenders and using a home affordability calculator.

Then there’s preapproval for a mortgage, which requires a credit check and provides a specific amount that you can tentatively borrow.

Which lender will offer you the best loan options and the most competitive rates?

Think About How Long You May Keep the House

How long might you live in the home? If you envision a short term, an ARM might make sense.

If the rates you see are close to those of a fixed-rate mortgage, you might go with predictability.

Consider How Quickly You May Want to Pay Off Your Mortgage

If you go the traditional route, should you choose a 15-year or 30-year mortgage?

Generally the shorter the mortgage term, the lower the rate. Some people who can afford to make a high monthly payment take out 10-year loans.

Even if you initially take out a mortgage for a certain number of years, you have the option to pay off the mortgage early.

Understand How Your Adjustable Rate Would Work

If you’re seriously considering an adjustable-rate mortgage, you’ll want to understand the rate caps and adjustments.

If your rate reached the maximum, would you still be able to afford the payments?

It doesn’t hurt to get loan estimates for both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages when shopping for a mortgage. After learning the loan details, you may decide that an ARM is right for you. If you aren’t comfortable with the terms, you might opt for a fixed rate.

The Takeaway

If you’re looking for a mortgage, you’ll want to think about how long you might stay in the home and whether you’ll want to refinance in the coming years. Weigh the pros and cons of an adjustable-rate loan and a fixed-rate loan to decide what might be best for your situation.

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

FAQ

Can an adjustable-rate mortgage go down?

Yes, when interest rates fall at the time of the scheduled rate adjustment, it is possible for an adjustable-rate mortgage to adjust down. However, there is usually a floor below which the rate will not fall.

Why would someone choose a fixed-rate mortgage over an adjustable-rate one?

Borrowers are often attracted by the predictability of a fixed-rate mortgage, even though the initial interest rate for an adjustable loan might be lower. The ARM may feel more risky, as rates can rise after the initial rate period.

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

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

*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

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

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

SOHL-Q324-049

If you’ve been shopping for a home, you’ve likely had to learn some new lingo. For instance, a 4/2 refers to a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house; the amount of time that a house has waited for buyers may be abbreviated DOM (days on market).

Shopping for a mortgage has its own linguistics — and the 7/6 ARM meaning can be inscrutable at first. The quickest definition: A 7/6 ARM is an adjustable-rate mortgage with an interest rate that remains fixed for seven years, before changing once every six months for the remainder of the loan term.

But who benefits from a 7/6 ARM, and what are its downsides? Good thing you asked — we’ve got answers below.

Explaining the 7/6 ARM

ARMs (adjustable-rate mortgages) are different from more common fixed-rate home loans because — you guessed it — their interest rate adjusts over time based on market conditions. However, the lender can’t just bounce the interest rate around willy-nilly. There are guidelines and, thankfully, caps in place. Here’s how it works:

Initial Fixed-Rate Period

As mentioned above, a 7/6 ARM has an initial fixed-rate period of seven full years. That’s what the “7” refers to — and what the number in place of the 7 refers to in other advertised ARMs. (For example, a 5/1 ARM has a five-year initial fixed interest rate; for the remainder of the loan, rates can be adjusted once per year.)

Because the interest rate will begin to adjust once the initial period is up, borrowers can often qualify for a lower interest rate during this initial fixed period than they otherwise would with a traditional fixed-rate mortgage (whose interest rate and monthly payments will be identical for the life of the loan).

Adjustment Period

The adjustment period is what begins once that initial fixed-rate period is over — so for a 30-year 7/6 ARM, the adjustment period lasts 23 years. (Most ARMs have 30-year terms; in fact, 30-year terms are the average mortgage term length among U.S. borrowers.)

During the adjustment period, the interest rate can be adjusted. For a 7/6 ARM specifically, adjustments can happen up to once every six months. That’s what the “6” refers to.

Interest-Rate Caps

Some good news for those who take out ARMs: Although rates can be adjusted (and, yes, go up if market conditions swing that way), there are built-in limits. For instance, you might see an adjusted-rate mortgage advertised the following way: 7/6 ARM 5/1/5. Don’t let the additional numbers scare you! They simply refer to the interest rate caps and floors.

In this example, the first “5” means 5.00% is the most your rate could rise or fall during the first adjustment, while the “1” caps how many percentage points it can rise and fall during each subsequent adjustment after that. Finally, the last “5” indicates that your loan’s rate won’t rise or fall more than 5.00% at any point over the lifetime of the loan. So, for instance, if your initial fixed rate was 6.00%, this cap means the rate will never be lower than 1.00% or higher than 11.00%.

Recommended: Mortgage Calculator

Pros and Cons of a 7/6 ARM

Now that you understand how a 7/6 ARM works, let’s talk about who it best works for — and when.

Advantages of a 7/6 ARM

The main benefit of an ARM is its lower initial interest rate — and 7/6 ARMs have one of the longest initial fixed-rate periods. While the rate may later shoot up by as much as 5.00% (or whatever your loan’s interest rate cap is), many people take out ARMs with the intention of using the lower interest rate to pay off the loan as quickly as possible — ideally before the adjustment period kicks in at all.

Disadvantages of a 7/6 ARM

The disadvantages of a 7/6 ARM are related to its benefits. While 7/6 arm rates initially may be low, rates may get much higher in the adjustment period. If you don’t successfully pay back the loan before it begins, you may find yourself with much higher monthly payments — and since it’s hard to predict what your financial circumstances will be seven years down the road, this can be a risky bet to make.

Qualifying for a 7/6 ARM

So, what does it take to successfully qualify for a 7/6 ARM? While each home loan lender has its own requirements as part of the mortgage process, there are some basic rules of thumb to be aware of.

Credit Score Requirements

For starters, most lenders have a credit score floor of 620 for ARMs. (If you can qualify for a government-backed type of mortgage, such as an FHA loan or VA loan, that credit score floor may be lower.)

However, your credit score isn’t the only factor lenders assess when qualifying you for a loan. They’ll also look into your income and verify your employment, as well as considering your debt-to-income ratio or DTI — the measure of how much of your gross income each month is already tied up in making loan payments. In most instances, you’ll need a DTI ratio of 50% or less to qualify for an ARM.

When to Consider a 7/6 ARM

Given the specific risks and benefits of a 7/6 ARM, in what circumstances do they work best?

Those who are confident they’ll be able to pay off the loan before the initial fixed-rate period elapses could be well served by the upfront interest savings of this type of loan. Additionally, those who plan to sell their home within that initial seven-year period may also get the benefits of lower interest rates without following through on the adjustable-rate period.

Finally, people who are betting on a rise in income over the initial seven-year period may also be confident enough to take out a 7/6 ARM — but given how much higher your monthly payments could go at that time, this is a gamble best made with a lot of forethought.

Alternatives to a 7/6 ARM

Those who are interested in a 7/6 ARM might also consider ARMs with other terms, such as a 5/1 ARM or a 10/6 ARM.

Fixed-rate mortgages are also an option — one that offers predictability in both interest rate and overall payment amount. Of course, that interest rate may not be as low as the initial fixed rate period of an ARM.

Recommended: Choosing a Mortgage Term

The Takeaway

A 7/6 ARM is an adjustable-rate mortgage with a seven-year-long fixed-interest-rate period, followed by an adjustment period where the rate can change every six months. ARMs can be risky for those who plan to keep the mortgage for its entire term, but for those who plan to sell their home or pay off the mortgage before the initial fixed-rate period elapses, they can be money-savers.

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

FAQ

How is the interest rate on a 7/6 ARM calculated?

The interest rate on a 7/6 ARM — like any mortgage loan — is calculated using a wide variety of factors, including market conditions, the federal interest rate, the creditworthiness of the borrower and more. However, with an adjustable-rate mortgage specifically, that rate can change over time (sometimes tracking specific market indices). For the best information on how your loan is calculated, talk directly with your mortgage lender.

What happens when the initial fixed-rate period ends?

When the initial fixed-rate period of an adjustable-rate mortgage ends, the rate begins to be, well, adjustable — which means it can be changed (within the confines of the rate caps, floors, and adjustment intervals listed in the loan agreement). For example, with a 7/6 ARM, after the initial seven-year fixed interest period, the rate can be adjusted once every six months for the remainder of the loan’s term.

Can I refinance a 7/6 ARM before the adjustment period?

Yes, you can refinance a 7/6 ARM — or most any ARM — before the initial fixed-rate period is over and the adjustment period begins. However, it’s important to consider that refinancing comes with its own costs (which, like initial closing costs, can easily rack up to 3% or more of the total home value), so factor in those expenses when deciding what makes the most financial sense for you.

Photo credit: iStock/Perawit Boonchu

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*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.

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

^¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
^†Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.

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Seeing your credit score fall by 70 points without warning can be alarming. But there are a number of reasons for a dip, including late or missed payments or changes in your credit mix.

Keep reading to learn about what causes a credit score to drop and what you can do to help boost your numbers.

Why Did Your Credit Score Drop 70 Points?

Some changes in your credit score over time are to be expected. The three-digit number reflects the most recent available credit information reported by lenders and collections agencies.

However, if your score has dropped by 70 points, there’s likely a good reason why. And it’s a smart idea to investigate what prompted the dip.

Reasons Your Credit Score Went Down

It’s not always easy to uncover why your credit score fell by 70 points, but there are some common scenarios that could be to blame.

•   Your credit utilization has increased. Your credit utilization ratio is the percentage of credit you’ve used, based on your total available credit. It makes up 30% of your FICO® Score, which most lenders rely on. If you’ve maxed out the credit limit on one or more credit cards, your credit utilization ratio will likely increase. And your credit score may take a hit as a result.

•   You’re late with a payment. How well you stay on top of payments accounts for 35% of your FICO Score, and a payment that’s more than 30 days late can put a noticeable dent in your score. If you have trouble keeping up with due dates, consider enlisting the help of a money tracker app.

•   Your account has been sent to collections. Typically, accounts that are more than 180 days past due are sent to collections. This will impact your credit score, but just how much depends on your history. For instance, if you have an otherwise clean credit record, you might see a steeper drop than someone who already has a poor credit score and a spotty payment history.

•   You’ve closed a credit card. There are a couple of reasons why canceling a credit card can hurt your credit score. First, you no longer have access to the card’s credit line amount, which could increase your credit utilization rate. And second, if you close a card you’ve had for a long time, the length of your credit history goes down. The good news is, there are ways to cancel a credit card without negatively impacting your credit score.

•   There’s an error on your credit report. Mistakes happen — and if one ends up on your credit report, it could negatively impact your score.

•   You’re a victim of identity theft. Whether someone opened up a line of credit in your name or racked up charges on your credit card, identity theft can wreak havoc on your credit score.

Examples of Credit Score Dropping

Sometimes, a simple action can cause your credit score to drop without you even realizing it.

Let’s say you have a new credit card that offers a temporary 0% APR for 12 months and a credit limit of $4,000. You’re moving into your first apartment on your own and need to buy new furniture and essential home goods. You spend $3,000 on the card, and plan on repaying the debt in installments over the promotional APR period.

Financially, this might be a smart strategy. After all, you might’ve put your other savings toward the first-month’s rent and security deposit. And paying $250 each month for the next year might be more manageable than repaying $3,000 at once.

However, the move also puts your credit utilization rate at 75%, which is substantially higher than the recommended 30% or below. It can also take some time before you’re able to pay down enough of the balance so the rate drops.

Another example is if you pay off a personal loan. Once you make your final payment, the account is considered closed on your credit report. As a result, your credit mix, which accounts for 10% of your credit score, may also change.

What Can You Do If Your Credit Score Dropped by 70 Points?

Your credit score isn’t a fixed figure. If yours has fallen, there are ways to help it bounce back.

A good first step is to regularly review your credit report and look for errors. You can check your credit report for free each week from the three main credit bureaus: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to get started.

Paying your bills on time is another smart strategy. If you need help managing bill paying, consider setting up automatic payments so the money is automatically deducted from your bank account on time each month. Creating a budget, either on your own or with the help of a spending app, can also help ensure you have enough each month to cover your bills.

Recommended: How Long Does It Take to Build Credit?

Should You Be Worried About Your Credit Score Dropping?

While a 70-point drop in your credit score can sting, its impact depends largely on where your score stood before the fall. For example, if your FICO Score was 669, dropping 70 points would still keep you under a “fair” credit rating. However, if you have good to exceptional credit, a 70-point dip could cause your score rating to slip down a rung.

What Factors Impact Credit Scores?

If you want to course-correct a 70-point drop and build your credit, it helps to pay attention to all of the factors that make up your score:

•   Payment activity. Accounting for 35% of your score, this factor looks at your repayment habits across all debt types, such as credit cards, home loans, installment loans, and retail cards. Derogatory marks like bankruptcies and collections are also factored in here.

•   Debt owed. Thirty percent of your score looks at the balances you owe on your accounts, how many accounts have a balance, and your credit utilization.

•   Account age. How long you’ve had your oldest and newest accounts and the average combined age of all your accounts are considered in your score.

•   Credit diversity. A healthy credit mix shows you can be responsible for managing different types of credit. This factor accounts for 10% of your score.

•   New accounts. The details of new accounts under your credit file make up the last 10% of your credit score calculation. Here, credit scoring models evaluate hard credit inquiries and when you last opened a new account.

Recommended: What Affects Your Credit Score?

How to Build Credit

While you can’t build credit overnight, there are steps you can take to help boost your credit score. Here are a few to consider:

•   Pay your bills on time. As we mentioned, payment history can have a major impact on your credit score. Even if it’s just the minimum amount, be sure to send in your payments on time each month.

•   Ask to become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account. This allows you to benefit from the primary cardholder’s good credit and, if the account was managed responsibly, could bolster your credit score.

•   Request a credit limit increase. You may lower your credit card utilization by increasing your available credit — and keeping your balance in check. Contact your creditor about an increase, and ask if it’s possible to avoid a hard inquiry. That could ding your credit score.

•   See if you can add rent and utility bills to your credit report. Rent-reporting services will report on-time rent payments to the credit bureaus. Similarly, Experian Boost will add on-time payments from other accounts to its credit reports.

Allow Some Time Before Checking Your Score

It can be tempting to see how a small tweak in your repayment and borrowing habits might have changed your credit score. However, checking in too soon might not provide enough time for the impact of the change to take effect.

Instead, let the changes you make take root over a few months before checking your score. And consider checking your credit before a major purchase or if you think you’ve been exposed to a high fraud risk, such as using your credit card or ATM card abroad.

At a minimum, check your score annually to see how much it’s changed.

How to Monitor Your Credit Score

You can pay to access your latest credit score directly from the credit scoring model that you’re interested in. However, many banks, card issuers, and lenders provide complimentary access to your credit score.

For example, Chase lets you see your VantageScore for free,, while Wells Fargo customers can access their FICO score at no additional cost. Log in to your account online to see if your lender or card issuer provides credit score monitoring through its portal, or contact them directly.

Credit score monitoring tools also keep you informed about changes to your score.

The Takeaway

Seeing your credit score drop 70 points can understandably put you on edge. But keep in mind there’s an underlying reason for the decrease, even if it’s not obvious. A change in your credit utilization, a shift in your credit mix, or a string of late payments can all take their toll on your score. Fortunately, over time you can take meaningful steps to recover from the 70-point drop, including checking your credit report and disputing any errors, paying bills on time, and managing how much available credit you use.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

FAQ

Why did my credit score randomly drop 70 points?

There are many reasons your score might unexpectedly drop 70 points, including an increased credit utilization ratio, late or missed payments, or a closed credit card or loan accoun.

Why did my credit score go down when nothing changed?

Credit scores can fluctuate even if it seems like you didn’t do anything out of the ordinary with your credit accounts. If you recently applied for a new loan or credit card, for example, a hard inquiry might temporarily knock your score down a few points.

Why is my credit score going down if I pay everything on time?

Paying your credit cards and loans on time positively impacts your credit score, so keep this habit going! However, if you’re making on-time minimum payments and not repaying each statement balance in full, your credit utilization might be increasing. To prevent the negative effect on your credit, keep your utilization under 30% — and ideally lower than 10%.

Photo credit: iStock/svetikd

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

*Terms and conditions apply. This offer is only available to new SoFi users without existing SoFi accounts. It is non-transferable. One offer per person. To receive the rewards points offer, you must successfully complete setting up Credit Score Monitoring. Rewards points may only be redeemed towards active SoFi accounts, such as your SoFi Checking or Savings account, subject to program terms that may be found here: SoFi Member Rewards Terms and Conditions. SoFi reserves the right to modify or discontinue this offer at any time without notice.

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

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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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