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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.

When an investor places a stop-loss order, sometimes referred to as a stop order, they order their broker to buy or sell a stock once shares reach a certain price. This price is called a “stop price.” Placing a stop-loss order can potentially help keep people from losing money.

There are several types of stop-loss orders, too, that investors can use to increase their chances of retaining any applicable returns. Knowing what they are, and how to use them, can be beneficial to many investors.

What Is a Stop-Loss Order?

A stop-loss order is a market order type that automatically executes a transaction once certain parameters are met — those parameters being set by the investor. In effect, a stop-loss order limits an investor’s potential losses, by “locking in” their profit or gain in relation to a given position.

It may be helpful to think of stop-loss orders as a set of instructions given to your brokerage or investment platform that will automatically execute a trade once a security reaches a given price.


💡 Quick Tip: Investment fees are assessed in different ways, including trading costs, account management fees, and possibly broker commissions. When you set up an investment account, be sure to get the exact breakdown of your “all-in costs” so you know what you’re paying.

How Stop-Loss Orders Work

Stop-loss orders work by executing a predetermined order or set of instructions set by an investor or trader. Effectively, an investor can decide that if the value of one of their stocks falls below a certain threshold, they’ll want to sell it, thereby preserving the gain or profit they’ve made on the stock’s appreciation over time.

So, if the stock’s value starts to fall, and hits the threshold decided upon by the investor, an automatic sell order will execute, and the investor’s position will be vacated – or, their stocks will be sold automatically. This way, if the stock continues to lose value, the investor’s already cashed out, and they won’t lose any more value if they had held onto their stocks.

Different Types of Stop-Loss Orders

There are a few key types of stop-loss orders investors should know about:

Sell-stop Order

A sell-stop order is an order to sell a stock when shares hit a certain price. Let’s look at two examples. The first shows how sell-stop orders can help investors limit their losses.

Daniel buys 10 shares of Stock X at $150 each. He knows he could lose money, but he wouldn’t be comfortable losing more than 10% of what he initially invests.

To ensure he doesn’t lose more than 10%, Daniel sets up a sell-stop order for $135, which is 10% less than he originally paid for his shares of Stock X. If Stock X shares drop to $135, his broker will immediately sell them, so he only loses 10%.

By setting up a sell-stop order, Daniel has limited his losses. (Remember, 10% is just an example, not a suggestion. Everyone has different preferences when investing.)

Now let’s look at an example of how a sell-stop order can lock in profits. This time, Daniel buys 10 shares of Stock Y for $100 each. Six months later, shares have increased to $150 each.

Daniel doesn’t want to lose any of his unrealized gains. “Unrealized gains” are the gains investors make when share prices increase, but they haven’t sold their shares, so they haven’t collected any of the money yet.

Daniel’s Stock Y shares have increased by $50, or $500 total. If the share price drops below the original $100, he could lose all those unrecognized gains.

But Daniel isn’t ready to sell his Stock Y shares yet, either. If the share price continues to increase, he wants to keep earning money. So, he sets up a sell-stop order.

Now that the Stock Y share price is $150, Daniel might set up a sell-stop order for, say, $130. If shares drop to $130, his broker automatically sells them.

Although Daniel wouldn’t be able to keep the full $500 he could have earned had he sold his shares at $150, he would still pocket $30 per share, or $300 total.

In the example of Daniel’s Stock X shares, he prevented losses. With his Stock Y shares, he’s locked in gains. When trading, you’ll probably hear the term “market order” pop up frequently. Know that a stop-loss order is not the same as a market order. When people place market orders, they buy or sell stocks at the current market price, whatever that may be. With a stop-loss order, people “schedule” a market order that is triggered once a predetermined price has been hit.

So once a stock hits its stop price, the stop-loss order becomes a market order. The stop price isn’t necessarily the same price that the shares will be sold at.

For example, Daniel’s stop price for his Stock Y shares is $130, but by the time they sell, they may have dropped to $125.

As a result, he loses more money than he’d anticipated. Or the share price could increase to $135 when they sell, so Daniel only loses $15 per share, even though he was prepared to lose $20.

Buy-stop Order

Knowing what a sell-stop order is, a buy-stop order is similarly exactly what it sounds like. Investors set up a buy-stop order to purchase a stock once shares hit a price higher than the current market price.

Buy-stop orders are placed under the assumption that once a stock starts to increase, it will gain momentum and continue to rise.

If Daniel knows that Stock S shares generally sell for between $20 and $25, he might set up a buy-stop order to purchase 10 shares once they reach $26. The computer system would buy 10 shares on his behalf, and he’d hope Stock S share prices would continue to rise.

Trailing Stop-loss Order

Regular sell-stop orders and buy-stop orders are set at a specific dollar amount. Trailing stop-loss orders are different.

When someone sets a sell trailing-stop order for a certain amount, it tracks (or “trails”) the stock and sells shares once they decrease by that amount. A buy trailing-stop order “trails” the stock and buys shares once they increase by that amount.

Let’s look at an example with real numbers to break it down.

Let’s say Daniel buys shares of Stock A for $40 each. He sets a sell trailing stop-loss order for $1. As long as the stock increases, he’ll hold onto his shares. But as soon as the share price dips by $1, Daniel’s broker will sell his shares of Stock A.

If Stock A’s share price drops from $40 to $39, Daniel’s broker will sell his shares. And if the share price gradually increases to $44 but then drops to $43, a sell trailing-stop order for $1 will cause his broker to sell shares at a stop price of $43. (But remember, because a stop-loss order turns into a market order, shares might be at a price other than $43 by the time they sell.)

Trailing-stop orders are useful for locking in gains. As long as share prices increase, investors keep their shares. Once it decreases by a predetermined amount, the stock is sold.

Advantages of Using Stop-Loss Orders

Stop-loss orders have a couple of primary advantages: Limiting losses, and locking in profits or gains.

Risk Management and Loss Limitation

The most obvious advantage of a stop-loss order is that it keeps people from losing too much money in the market. In the first example of Daniel’s shares of Roku, he set a sell-stop order so that even if he did lose money, he didn’t lose more than he was comfortable with or could afford.

Stop-loss orders aren’t just for preventing losses, though. People can also use them to secure a capital gain.

With Daniel’s stop-loss order for Stock Y, his shares increased from $100 to $150, and he set up a sell-stop order for $130 so that if the stock started to dip, he would pocket at least $30 per share, or $300 total.

If Daniel hadn’t set that sell-stop order for his Stock Y investment, he could have incurred a net loss. Hypothetically, let’s say the share price continued to drop to $90 before he finally sold. He would have lost $10 per share, or $100, rather than gained $300.

Using Stop-Loss Orders to Lock in Profits

Stop-loss orders can also lock in profits. That can lead to some peace of mind for some investors.

In other words, a stop-loss order can make the investment process less stressful. People don’t have to check in on their stocks three times per day, five days per week to track share prices and decide whether they want to buy or sell.

Stop-loss orders help remove other emotions from the process, too. It can be easy to make irrational or rash decisions when trading stocks.

Daniel might get emotionally attached to his Stock Y shares, so he holds onto it even when it becomes a bad investment. Or he tells himself he’ll sell once Stock Y shares drop 10%, but he has a hard time pulling the trigger.

Some people are the type to “set it and forget it.” They buy stocks and forget to check in on them at all. Daniel might say he’ll sell his Stock Y shares when the price decreases 10%, but he simply forgets to check the market for three months. Stock Y’s share price continues to drop, and he loses significant money.

Stop-loss orders can be ideal for investors who want to “set it and forget it” and they have the potential to reduce portfolio risk if used appropriately.

Disadvantages and Risks of Stop-Loss Orders

Stop-loss orders can have some drawbacks, too, just as they have potential advantages.

Potential Drawbacks and Market Impact

Stop-loss orders can work against investors when there’s a short-term drop in the share price, or drawback.

Consider this: Maybe Daniel buys 20 shares of Stock B for $30 per share. He sets a sell-stop order for $28.Monday, shares are at $30, but they fall to $28 on Tuesday, so his broker automatically sells all 20 shares. By Friday, shares have jumped up to $33, so Daniel has lost $60 in just a few days because there was a short-term dip.

It’s helpful to research how much a stock tends to fluctuate in a given amount of time to avoid these types of problems. Maybe Stock B’s share price regularly fluctuates by a few dollars at a time, so Daniel should have set his stop-loss order at a lower price.

If investors understand their stocks’ trends, they can probably set up stop-loss orders more strategically. However, research goes out the window when there is a “flash crash.” This is a sudden, aggressive drop in stock prices — but prices can jump back up just as quickly.

Flash crashes aren’t common, but they occasionally occur.

In this case, Daniel’s Stock B shares could drop from $30 to $15 in the morning, and because he set up a sell-stop order, they automatically sell. But the share price jumps to $32 by the time the closing bell sounds, and Daniel loses out on those gains because he had a sell-stop order.

Understanding Price Gaps and Slippage

Another drawback to consider is that once a stock hits its stop price, the stop-loss order becomes a market order, or an order to sell a stock at the current market price. When a stop-loss order becomes a market order, shares sell for the next available price — or, what’s often called a price gap.

If the difference between an investor’s stop price and the next available price is a few cents, it might not be a big deal. But if the market is volatile that day and the market price is several dollars below the stop price, someone could end up losing quite a bit of cash — especially in the case of a flash crash.

Granted, a stop-loss order turning into a market order could be either a pro or a con, depending on whether a share price increases or decreases. Regardless, some investors might consider it a disadvantage to not know what to expect.

When and Why to Use Stop-Loss Orders

Investors can choose to use stop-loss orders in a variety of scenarios, but they can likely be most beneficial if an investor feels that a security’s price is likely to fall in the near future, or if they’re particularly risk-averse and want to lock in their gains.

With that in mind, there may not necessarily be an ideal scenario in which a stop-loss order is best used or deployed — it’ll depend on the individual investor’s goals and concerns. Again, if they’re particularly risk-averse or at a point in their life where they can’t wait for the market to rebound, and want to lock in their gains, it may be a good idea to use one. If not, a stop-loss order may be less useful.

It may be a good idea to talk to a financial professional, too, about when or if using a stop-loss order is a good idea at a given point in time.

Strategic Considerations in Various Market Conditions

If you’re uncomfortable with the risks that come with stop-loss orders, you may choose not to use them. But know that a huge purpose of stop-loss orders is to minimize risk, and depending on market conditions, they may help ease your anxiety. Even so, it might be helpful to think about the trade-offs and whether the pros outweigh the cons, in your particular financial situation.


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Setting Stop-Loss Order Levels

While each and every investor will have different considerations to make when setting stop-loss order levels, there are some things to broadly keep in mind.

Determining Price Levels for Stop-Loss Orders

There’s no exact science when determining price levels for stop-loss orders. It really comes down to an investor’s risk threshold — or, how much loss they’re willing to stomach before they want to bail on a position. Again, that will vary from investor to investor.

It may be helpful to think of that threshold in terms of a percentage. For instance, if a stock’s value declines by 10%, would you want to sell? How about 20%? These can be broad, general markers that many investors can utilize. But there are more advanced methods, too, like using moving averages to determine an acceptable stop-loss placement.

You could even use support and resistance levels to work as guidelines, too. It depends on how thorough or exact you’d like to be.

The Takeaway

Stop-loss orders are a type of market order that can be helpful to investors who want to preserve their gains, or who may want to limit their risk. There’s no exact science as to when and how to use them, but they can be an important and powerful tool in any investor’s kit — though there’s no obligation to ever necessarily use them.

If you’re unsure of whether you should start incorporating stop-loss orders into your strategy, it may be helpful to talk about it with a financial professional. Again, these are just one tool of many, and if you’re particularly risk-averse, they may be worth investigating further.

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FAQ

What’s the main difference between a limit stop-loss order and limit order?

The main difference between a limit stop-loss order and a limit order is that limit orders guarantee trades execute at a specified price, whereas stop orders can be used to limit potential losses. Limit orders specify the maximum price an investor is willing to pay, where a stop-loss order specifies the threshold at which an investor wishes to sell.

Do stop-loss orders always work?

Stop-loss orders do not always work, as there can be glitches within a trading platform’s system, low market liquidity, trading stoppages, and market gaps that can throw an investor’s plans out the window.

Is a stop-loss order better than a stop-limit?

A stop-loss order is not necessarily better than a stop-limit order, as they’re two different things that can or could be used together as a part of an overall investment strategy.

Is a stop-loss a good strategy?

Using stop-loss orders may be a good strategy for certain investors, but it’ll depend on the specific investor’s overall strategy, goals, and risk tolerance. What’s good for one investor may not necessarily be good for another.

What are stop-loss rules?

Stop-loss rules are specified by investors when inputting a stop-loss order. These rules specify the price at which an investor will want to vacate a position or sell their holdings — it’s a threshold at which they want to sell and maintain their gains.

What is the best way to set up stop-loss and make a profit?

There are many strategies and tactics that investors can use to set up stop-loss orders, which might help them maintain profit and value. Some investors, for example, use a percentage as a guideline, while others might use moving averages to determine stop-loss limits, and others could use support and resistance levels.

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