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There are many reasons to pursue homeownership, from obtaining a yard for your dog to painting the bathroom whatever darn color you want. But one of the biggest financial reasons to own your own home is to start building home equity.

Home equity is considered one of the most common and accessible ways to build wealth over time, thanks in large part to the appreciation of real estate over time. You can even leverage your home equity to take out loans and fund your retirement. But what, exactly, is home equity, and how does it work?

What Is Home Equity?

Home equity is the amount of your home value that you actually own. It’s calculated by subtracting your mortgage balance from the market value of your property.For example, if your home is worth $350,000, and you’ve paid enough toward your down payment and home loan that your mortgage balance is $250,000, you have $100,000 in home equity. (Keep in mind that the $350,000 value might not be what you initially purchase your home for — that figure may have increased over time, which is part of how equity is built!) Once you have home equity, you can borrow against it. If you sell the home, your equity is the amount of cash you will walk away with (minus any costs associated with the sale).

In short, home equity is pretty great to have. But how is it built?

Building Home Equity

Home equity is primarily built in two ways: paying down your mortgage and seeing the value of your home appreciate over time. Both of these can be nudged a bit to help you build equity faster. Here’s how.

Putting Down a Larger Down Payment

Many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, take advantage of programs that allow small down payments — sometimes as little as 3% of the home purchase price. But when it comes to building equity, a higher down payment could help. The more you put down when you’re first purchasing your house, the more equity you have right out of the gate — and if you put down more than 20%, you’ll be able to avoid the additional cost of private mortgage insurance, commonly called PMI.

When calculating mortgages, you’ll also see that the higher the down payment you can afford, the lower your monthly mortgage bill. That said, substantial down payments can be prohibitive for many buyers, and it may make more sense to get in with a lower down payment and start building equity rather than waiting a long time to save up tens of thousands of dollars.

Paying Off Your Mortgage

If making a larger down payment isn’t possible, you might also be able to speed up your equity earnings — and save money on interest over time — by paying off a mortgage early. Of course, you’ll need to consult your mortgage documentation to ensure that your lender doesn’t charge a prepayment penalty, or if it does, that it would still be a cost-efficient decision to make. Only some lenders charge a prepayment penalty, and of those that do, only within the first few years (usually three to five).

Paying More Than the Minimum on Your Mortgage

If you can’t afford to pay off your mortgage early in its entirety all at once, you can chip away at the loan over time by making more than the minimum monthly payment. It’s a good idea to ensure that the additional funding is going directly toward your principal balance (the amount of money you borrowed in the first place). That way, you’re dialing down the amount of interest you’ll pay before it can even accrue.

Staying in Your Home for Five or More Years

Along with chipping away at the amount you owe, the other function that increases equity is allowing your home to appreciate. Although that rise in value isn’t guaranteed, if it’s going to happen, it takes time. Thus, staying in your home for a longer amount of time (at least five years) gives you a better chance at building enough equity for all the other costs of homeownership to be worth it.

Renovating

Allowing your home to naturally increase in value over time is one thing, but you can also take matters into your own hands and help drive up the value by renovating or remodeling. (Not sure about renovations vs. remodels? Essentially, remodels are more extensive — and expensive.)

While even lower-cost renovations, like painting, can increase the home value a little, major repairs may have major costs associated with them. Sometimes, though, the equity increase you’d gain makes it worth going to the expense in the short term; home improvement loans can help make these efforts more accessible (but again, always look ahead to ensure that debt won’t eclipse the equity you’d stand to build).


💡 Quick Tip: A reverse mortgages, don’t require repayment until the borrower moves out or dies.

That said, it’s important to think through the pros and cons of reverse mortgages, as borrowing against your home equity comes with risk. (For example, if the loan total ends up being more than the value of the home, heirs might lose the house, or need to refinance, if they can’t pay off the reverse mortgage in full.)

Home Equity to Purchase a New Home

Even if you end up moving, your home equity value can be borrowed against to help purchase a new home. In fact, some people end up taking out home equity loans to purchase a second or investment home.

Borrowing Against Home Equity

Along with the above-mentioned ways to use home equity, there are many other equity home loan types that can be used to liquify the cash wrapped up in your home and make it spendable. Just be aware that these loans come with costs and risks. For example, if the housing market suddenly shifts and your home’s value decreases substantially, you may find yourself in a hole. In fact, if you can’t make the payments, you could even lose your home. Your home, after all, is the collateral for these loans.

Here are a few of the most common ways to borrow against your home equity:

•   A home equity loan offers a borrower a lump sum of cash up front in return for fixed payments on a regular basis throughout the life of the loan.

•   A home equity line of credit (HELOC), on the other hand, works kind of like a credit card: Those who take out HELOCs have the opportunity to tap into their equity and convert it to spendable cash as needed, up to a certain limit. Neither interest rates nor payments are usually fixed. Closing costs may be lower than those for a home equity loan, and sometimes waived entirely if you keep the credit line open for a number of years.

   💡 For more info on HELOCs, check out our Guide to Home Equity Lines of Credit.

•   With a cash-out refinance, a borrower takes out an entirely new mortgage while borrowing a portion of their existing home equity in cash. Closing costs are involved. (Deciding between different loan types can be dizzying. Look carefully at differences between home equity loans, HELOCs, and cash-out refinance options.)


💡 Quick Tip: If you refinance your mortgage and shorten your loan term, you could save a substantial amount in interest over the lifetime of the loan.

Calculating Home Equity

Phew! That’s a lot of information. To recap, here’s how to calculate your home equity:

Total home value – remaining mortgage balance = home equity

Keep in mind, again, that “home value” isn’t the same as “purchase price.” To know for sure what your home value is in the current market, you’d need an up-to-date appraisal, but you can use estimates from your favorite real estate site or agent.

The Takeaway

While nothing is a surefire ticket to wealth, building home equity is one of the most historically reliable ways to grow your net worth. And down the line, home equity can be leveraged for a variety of loans.

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.

Photo credit: iStock/PC Photography

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.

^²SoFi Bank, N.A. NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC), offers loans directly or we may assist you in obtaining a loan from SpringEQ, a state licensed lender, NMLS #1464945.
All loan terms, fees, and rates may vary based upon your individual financial and personal circumstances and state.
You should consider and discuss with your loan officer whether a Cash Out Refinance, Home Equity Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit is appropriate. Please note that the SoFi member discount does not apply to Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit not originated by SoFi Bank. Terms and conditions will apply. Before you apply, please note that not all products are offered in all states, and all loans are subject to eligibility restrictions and limitations, including requirements related to loan applicant’s credit, income, property, and a minimum loan amount. Lowest rates are reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Products, rates, benefits, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria. Information current as of 06/27/24.
In the event SoFi serves as broker to Spring EQ for your loan, SoFi will be paid a fee.

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Getting a mortgage can be one of the biggest financial undertakings a person can make. What’s more, it also unlocks the path to what is typically the biggest asset and wealth builder out there: a home of your own.

Whether you’re dreaming of a center hall Colonial or a cool, loft-style condo, the odds are, you will need a mortgage to make home ownership happen. But these days, with mortgage rates rising, snagging that home loan can require a little more knowledge and preparation.

This guide will help you get up to speed and ready your application. Read on to learn:

•   How to get a mortgage right now

•   What matters most to lenders

•   What are the typical mortgage requirements

•   What steps are needed to get a mortgage

What Mortgage Lenders Look At

A good first step to getting a mortgage is to understand how you will be evaluated by lenders so you can put your best foot (or financial profile) forward. Consider the following:

Your Credit Score

Your credit score is an important number: It tells lenders how well you have managed debt in the past. Ideally, you have a good history of paying your bills on time. If, however, you have been late with payments or have defaulted in the past, your credit score may be a red flag as you apply for a mortgage.

•   Typically, you will need a credit score of 620 or higher to qualify for a conventional home loan.

•   However, those with scores of 740 or higher may snag the best (meaning lower) rates.

•   If your score is at least 580, you may qualify for a government-backed loan (more on those below). Even those with a credit score of 500 to 579 may be eligible in some cases.
If you’d like to build your credit score, try these steps:

•   Get a free credit report (one per year) from www.annualcreditreport.com. It will include bill payment history, current debt, and other information lenders typically check on. If you see any errors, report them.

•   Be impeccable with payment deadlines. The timeliness of your payments is the largest contributing factor to your credit score, so optimizing this area can have a positive impact.

•   Manage any situations where you owe money. Unpaid bills that linger and go from 30 to 60 to 90 days (or more) late can bog down your credit score. Prioritize paying overdue bills.

Your credit score is important: The higher your score, the more reliable and creditworthy you appear.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Another number that lenders will be interested in is your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. This shows how the amount of debt you are carrying relates to your income. Here’s how DTI is calculated:

•   Total your monthly minimum debt payments, such as student loans, car loans, credit-card bills, current rent or mortgage and property taxes, and the like.

•   Divide that total debt number by your gross monthly income (that is, before taxes and other deductions are siphoned off).

•   The resulting number is your DTI.

The DTI figure that lenders look for may vary. Some lenders want to see 36%; others will be comfortable with up to 43%. Government-backed loans are likely to accept higher DTI’s than other lenders.

Why does DTI matter? Lenders want to see that you can handle the financial burden of a mortgage without struggling.

Income History

Lenders want to see signs of a positive, stable income. Ideally, you have been employed for at least two years and your income is steady, if not trending upward.

This tells lenders that you are a person they can count on to pay back the funds you borrow. If you have been out of work or have job-hopped recently, it might be wise to wait a bit before applying for a mortgage until you can show the income history that lenders want to see.

Assets

Lenders will likely want to see that you have some assets available, such as cash in the bank or other fairly accessible funds. This is where a healthy emergency fund and money saved for a down payment can be a real boost.

These kinds of savings can reassure a lender that you are ready to buy and, even if you were hit with a major expense or were laid off, you could still pay your monthly mortgage and stay current on your home loan.

Property Type

The kind of property you are planning to buy may make a difference to lenders as well. For instance, if you are seeking to buy a single-family home that will be your primary residence, you may look more attractive to lenders than someone who already has a primary home and is buying a ski condo they will rent out on Airbnb. The former could seem more motivated to stay current on their mortgage payments than the latter.


💡 Quick Tip: Don’t overpay for your mortgage. Get your dream home or investment property and a competitive rate with SoFi Mortgage Loans.

Get Familiar With the Required Mortgage Documents

Now that you know how lenders size you up for a loan, consider the documents that you will likely need to apply for a mortgage:

•   Proof of income: Get ready to break out those W-2s, 1099s, and tax returns. The lender will need solid proof of your recent income.

•   Credit documentation: You will likely sign a release allowing the lender to review your credit report to assess your history on that front.

•   Proof of assets and liabilities: You will probably need to share bank statements, investment account statements, and other documents to verify what assets you have. Your lender may want to see paperwork regarding any student or auto loans and other debts as well.

These forms allow a lender to consider your level of financial security and whether you are a good risk to offer a mortgage loan.

How to Get a Mortgage: 9 Steps

Now that you understand the paperwork you need and how lenders will look at your qualifications for a mortgage, consider the steps required to actually get the loan you need to buy a home.

1. Checking Your Credit

As mentioned above, it’s wise to check your credit score and review your credit report. If your number and record aren’t optimal, take the necessary steps to improve the situation, such as diligently paying bills on time, clearing up any errors on your record, and taking care of any debt that’s past due.

2. Figuring Out Your Home-Buying Budget

As you contemplate buying a home, develop a budget. You want to be sure that you have an adequate down payment and can afford your monthly mortgage payment. But don’t overlook these costs that need to be part of your budget:

•   Closing costs and related expenses

•   Funds to make any repairs/renovations required

•   Moving expenses

•   Home insurance premium

•   Property taxes

•   Utilities (especially important if you are moving from a rental where your landlord paid some of these costs to your own home)

•   Maintenance and upkeep costs (landscaping, HVAC service, etc.)

These expenses should be tallied and accounted for; you don’t want to wind up with your heating bill becoming a reason to use your emergency fund.

3. Saving for the Down Payment and Closing Costs

One important element of your home-buying budget is the down payment plus closing costs. Here’s how much you are probably going to need to set aside:

•   Down payments for a conventional loan have traditionally been 20% of a home’s cost, but there is some flexibility. A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors found that first-time homebuyers typically put down 8% on a home purchase.

•   Keep in mind that if you put down less than 20%, you will likely have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), since your lender may want extra protection in case you default on your loan.

•   Some loans are available with as little as 3% down or even (for government-backed ones) zero money down.

•   Closing costs will likely amount to 3% to 6% of the loan amount. They include fees for processing your loan, home appraisal, title search, and other activities.

4. Choosing the Right Mortgage Option

It’s worth reviewing some of the different loans that you may qualify for.

•   Conventional vs. government-backed loans. Conventional loans typically have stricter income, credit score, and other qualifying factors, while government-backed loans may be easier to obtain. Government-backed loans may have lower (or even no) down payment requirements. Examples of these government loans are FHA, VA, and USDA loans.

•   Type of rate: For some borrowers, a fixed-rate loan, with its never-varying monthly payment, may be best. For others, an adjustable-rate one that fluctuates may be more appealing. The payments tend to start out low, which can be attractive for those who may sell their home within a few years’ time. You may also look into mortgage points, which involve paying more upfront to shave down your rate over the life of the loan.

•   Mortgage loan term: Many loans last 30 years, but there are other options, such as 10, 15, or 20 years. The shorter the term, the higher your payment is likely to be.


💡 Quick Tip: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), FHA loans provide those with a fair credit score the opportunity to buy a home. They’re a great option for first-time homebuyers.1

5. Comparing Mortgage Lenders

Next, it’s wise to review different mortgage lenders and see what kind of rates and terms are quoted. For example, your own bank may offer mortgages and could give you a good rate in an effort to keep your business with them. Or you might look into online lenders, where the process can be more streamlined and the rates possibly better than traditional options.

You might also decide to work with a mortgage broker to get help learning about your alternatives.

6. Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

For this stage, you will begin your actual interaction with a lender. The goal is a preapproval letter, which can help you as you go home shopping and bid on properties. While not a guarantee of a mortgage, it shows you are serious about buying and are on the path to securing your funding, and it reflects that the lender found you qualified for a mortgage.

You can expect the lender to do a credit check, verify your income and assets, and consider your DTI. If all goes well, the lender will provide you with a preapproval letter, and you can shop for a home in the designated price range.

It can be wise to get preapproved by more than one lender. This can help you evaluate different offers and broaden your options when it’s time to apply for a loan.

7. Making an Offer on a Home

With your pre-approval letter done, you are ready to go home shopping. As you tour properties and make offers, you are on your way to getting to an accepted offer. When that happens (a big moment!), you will hopefully be on the path to home ownership. If contract negotiations and the inspection goes well, you will likely move along to the next step.

8. Applying for a Mortgage

Next, it’s time for the full-fledged mortgage application. Expect to submit the following, and possibly more:

•   Two years’ worth of W-2 forms or other income verification

•   A month’s worth of pay stubs

•   Two years’ worth of federal tax returns

•   Proof of other income sources

•   Recent bank statements and documentation of possibly recent sources of deposits

•   Documentation of funds/gifts of money to be used as your down payment

•   ID and Social Security number

•   Details on debt such as student loans and car payments

9. Closing on a Home

As you wait for your closing date, a home appraisal, loan underwriting, title searches, and more are happening. If things progress smoothly, you will be ready to close on your home. You also may wish to bring your real estate agent and/or attorney with you to this meeting. They can help explain everything — especially valuable if you are a first-time homebuyer.

You will gather to sign all your forms, submit your down payment and closing costs (or provide proof of wire transfer), and become a homeowner. Congratulations!

The Takeaway

The path to home ownership can be a long and winding road but worth it as you gain what could be your biggest financial asset. By preparing to present a credit-worthy file and following the steps needed to apply for a home mortgage, you can be on your way to owning your dream house.

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 do you improve your chances of getting approved for a mortgage loan?

You can improve your chances of getting approved for a mortgage by checking on your credit score (and improving it, if necessary), showing a debt-to-income ratio of ideally 36% or lower, and having two years’ of a steady job history.

How do I begin a mortgage?

The first step in getting ready to apply for a mortgage can involve checking up on your financial profile to see how it will look to potential lenders and optimizing it. You can then research different kinds of loans and their requirements and get pre-approved by one or more lenders to see what you qualify for. When you have found a home and are ready to apply for your mortgage, you’ll gather the credentials you’ll need (such as proof of income and assets, tax returns, and ID) and fill out your application.

What is the lowest income to qualify for a mortgage?

There is no one set income required to qualify for a mortgage. Much will depend on how much you want to borrow versus your income, how much debt you are carrying, and your credit score. For those who have a lower income, there are government-backed loans that may be suitable; it can be worthwhile to look into FHA, USDA, and VA loans to see what you might qualify for.

What credit score is needed to get a mortgage?

Typically, a credit score of at least 620 is required for a conventional loan, and the higher your score (say, in the 700s or higher still), the more loan options and lower rates you may find. For those with a credit score of at least 580, there are government-backed loan products available.

^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.
*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.

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.

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 .

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.

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

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

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Both co-ops and condos give a resident the right to use certain common areas, such as pools, gyms, roof decks, and courtyards. But there are big differences when it comes to what you actually own when you purchase a condo vs a co-op.

It’s easy to get confused about the difference between the two properties. If you pulled up pictures of co-ops and condos during a home search, they might seem exactly the same. But if you’re in the market for a home — especially in a large city where both housing types are popular — you’ll learn quickly that the terms are not interchangeable.

You might have wondered if you’d prefer a house or a condo. But if you’re moving in the direction of co-op vs. condo, it’s important to understand their many distinct features. You’ve done the work of budgeting for a home. Now, before you spend that budget, let’s get a handle on the difference between a condo and a co-op.


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

What Is a Condo?

With a condominium, you own your home, but you don’t solely own anything outside your unit — not even the exterior walls. Common areas of the complex are owned and shared by all the condo owners collectively.

Buying a condo is not all that different from securing any other type of real estate. Typically, the complex will be managed by an association that is responsible for maintaining the property and enforcing any covenants, conditions, and restrictions that govern property usage. The association sets the regular fees owners pay to cover repairs, landscaping, other services, and insurance for the shared parts of the property. Special assessments also might be levied to pay for unexpected repairs and needed improvements that aren’t in the normal operating budget.

What Is a Co-op?

In the co-op vs. condo debate, it’s key to know that with a housing cooperative, residents don’t own their units. Instead, they hold shares in a nonprofit corporation that has the title to the property and grants proprietary leases to residents. The lease grants you the right to live in your specific unit and use the common elements of the co-op according to its bylaws and regulations. A co-op manager usually collects monthly maintenance fees; enforces covenants, conditions and restrictions; and makes sure the property is well kept.

As a shareholder, you become a voting manager of the building, and as such have a say in how the co-op is run and maintained. Residents generally vote on any decision that affects the building. Should a resident wish to sell their shares, members of the board of directors will have to approve the new buyer. They will be much more involved than would be the case with a condo. That can make it a lengthy process.

Co-ops and condos are both common-interest communities, but their governing documents have different legal mechanisms that determine how they operate and can affect residents’ costs, control over their units, and even the feeling of community. (If you’re curious about another option, there’s always a townhouse, so read up on the difference between a condo and a townhouse as well.)


💡 Quick Tip: Your parents or grandparents probably got mortgages for 30 years. But these days, you can get them for 20, 15, or 10 years — and pay less interest over the life of the loan.

Some Pros & Cons of Co-Ops vs Condos

Financing

It’s important to drill down on the details of buying an apartment. Because you aren’t actually buying any real estate with a co-op, the price per square foot is usually lower than it would be for a condo. Eligibility for financing may depend on credit score, down payment, minimum square footage of a unit, and more.

However, it might be somewhat harder to get a mortgage for a co-op than a condo, even if the bottom-line price is less. It might not have all that much to do with you. Some lenders are reluctant to underwrite a loan for shares in a corporation vs. real property. Most condo associations don’t restrict lending or financing in the building. If you can get a mortgage loan, the condo association will usually let you buy a place.

Fees

Because a co-op’s monthly fee can include payments for the building’s underlying mortgage and property taxes as well as amenities, maintenance, security, and utilities, it’s usually higher than the monthly fee for a condo. Either way, though, generally the more perks that come with your unit, the more there is to maintain and in turn, the more you’re likely to pay.

If you’re concerned about an increase in fees, you might want to ask the association or board about any improvements that may lead to an increase in the future — and what the rules are for those who do not pay their assessed dues. All of these factors are important to weigh when you’re making a home-buying checklist, which includes figuring out how much money you’ll need and the best financing strategy.

Taxes

If you itemize on your income tax return, you may be able to deduct the portion of a co-op’s monthly fee that goes to property taxes and mortgage interest. However, none of a condo’s monthly maintenance fee is tax deductible. You might want to consult a tax professional about these nuances before moving forward with a co-op or condo purchase.

Privacy vs Community

If you’ve ever lived in one of those neighborhoods where the only time you saw your fellow residents was just before they pulled their cars into their garages, it could take you a while to adjust to cooperative or association living. Because you share ownership with your neighbors, you may be more likely to see them at meetings and other events. And you can trust that they’ll know who you are.

Co-op boards often require prospective buyers — who are potential shareholders — to provide substantial personal information before a purchase is approved, including personal tax returns, personal and business references. Many require in-person interviews. You may find that you like the sense of community and that everyone knows and looks out for each other. Or you may not. Again, you might want to ask some questions about socialization and privacy while checking out a particular co-op or an active condo community.

Restrictions

In a co-op, you might run into more rules regarding how you can renovate or even decorate your unit. And don’t forget: You’ll also have to deal with that rigorous application approval process if you ever decide to sell.

Both condos and co-ops frequently have restrictions on renting out extra rooms (or renting the entire unit), as well as on how many people can stay overnight or park in the parking lot, the type of pets you can have and their size, and more. Before you look at a unit, you may want to ask your agent about covenants, conditions, and restrictions that could be difficult to handle.

The Takeaway

Whether you end up buying a co-op or a condo, ownership offers many benefits you won’t find in a rental. When you’re ready to start a serious search, take the time to look for a lender that will work with you on whatever type of loan you might require. In the co-op vs. condo terrain, there are specialists for both sides.

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

SoFi 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.

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Life insurance provides a safety net for beneficiaries after a loved one dies. Broad choices exist between term life and whole life policies. Here is more info.