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Though a promissory note and a mortgage work together to create a legally binding loan agreement, each has its own distinct purpose in finalizing a real estate transaction. When you sign a promissory note, you’re agreeing to pay back the loan amount under specific loan terms. When you sign a mortgage, you’re acknowledging that if you default on that loan, the lender can get its money back by foreclosing on the property.

These separate contracts have important roles in your purchase, so before you sign on the dotted line, read on for an explanation of how each one works.

Promissory Note vs Mortgage

If you’re borrowing money to buy real estate, you’ll likely be asked to sign both a promissory note and a mortgage at your closing. And in the blur of paperwork, it may seem as though they’re pretty much the same thing.

They aren’t. Here’s a look at the role each document has in finalizing a home loan agreement.

What Is a Promissory Note?

You can think of a promissory note as a formal and really specific IOU. It’s the borrower’s promise to repay the loan by a predetermined date, and it typically details the terms of the loan, including the loan amount, the interest rate, the length of the loan, and monthly payments (all the factors you would see in an online mortgage calculator).

If you sign the promissory note, sometimes referred to as a mortgage note, you are obligated to pay back the loan under these terms.

What Is a Mortgage?

A mortgage is the contract you sign with the lender that states that the property you’re purchasing serves as the security, or collateral, for the loan. It contains a legal description of the property and usually notes that you’re responsible for things like maintenance and for carrying homeowners insurance.

The mortgage doesn’t obligate you or anyone who signs it to repay the loan, but it does allow the lender to take the property as collateral if you don’t make your payments or if you otherwise fail to follow through on the terms of the loan. If you default, the lender can proceed with a mortgage foreclosure and then sell the home to recover its money.

Recommended: What Are the Different Types of Home Mortgage?

Key Similarities and Differences Between a Mortgage and Promissory Note

Because the paperwork a borrower completes and signs for a real estate loan is often referred to, in general, as the “mortgage,” it can be easy to lose sight of the different purposes of the mortgage and promissory note. So here’s a quick breakdown of some of their similarities and differences.

Similarities Between Promissory Notes and Mortgages

•   Both documents establish a legally binding contract that ensures the lender is protected if the borrower defaults on the loan.

•   Some of the terms of the promissory note may also be listed in the mortgage, including the length of the loan and the amount due. (The interest rate and monthly payment usually aren’t included on the mortgage, however, and won’t be a part of the public record.)

•   Both are important documents that you should read (and understand) before signing.

Differences Between Promissory Notes and Mortgages

•   Each document has a distinct purpose and legal implication. A signed promissory note serves as the borrower’s promise to repay the home loan. A signed mortgage secures the note to the property and says you agree the lender can foreclose on your property if you default on the terms of the loan.

•   Each document contains different pieces of information. While the promissory note lists more details about the loan terms, including the interest rate and repayment schedule, the mortgage has more details about the borrower’s obligations and the lender’s rights.

•   There’s also a difference in where each document is kept after the closing. The lender holds onto the promissory note until the loan is paid off. (After that it can serve as the borrower’s “receipt,” proving the loan is paid — so it’s important to make sure you keep it in a safe place when you receive it.) The mortgage becomes part of the county land records to provide a traceable chain of ownership.

•   Each document confers a different obligation on those who sign it. Anyone who signs the promissory note can be held personally liable for the borrowed money and could face legal consequences if they fail to make their payments. If, for example, the lender forecloses on the home and sells it, but the sale doesn’t cover the amount you owe, you may be responsible for paying the difference, depending on state laws. However, if you sign only the mortgage document and not the promissory note, the lender can’t hold you legally responsible for paying back the loan; you’re only giving the lender permission to foreclose on the property if the loan isn’t repaid.

Required Documents to Get a Mortgage

You should be prepared to provide and sign several documents during the homebuying process — first on the front end, when you’re applying for a loan, and again later, when it’s time to close on the property.

The person who’s in charge of your closing can give you a complete list of what you’ll need to bring with you and the paperwork you’ll be asked to sign, but here are a few of the documents you can expect to see:

Closing Disclosure

The Closing Disclosure lays out the final terms of the loan, including all closing costs, and provides information about who is paying and who is receiving money at closing. Lenders are required to send buyers a copy of their Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing so there’s time to review it and clear up any potential discrepancies. You should bring it with you to your closing to be sure your costs remain the same as you expected or that any necessary changes were made.

Promissory Note

The promissory note is the document that states that you legally agree to repay your home loan. It provides important details about the loan, including the amount owed, interest rate, dates when the payments will be due, length of the loan, and where payments should be sent.

Mortgage/Deed of Trust/Security Instrument

This document gives your lender the right to foreclose on your property if you fail to live up to the repayment terms you agreed to. It also will outline your responsibilities and rights as a borrower.

(Your state may use a deed of trust vs. a mortgage as part of the home loan process. A deed of trust states that a neutral third party — usually the title company — may hold legal title to the home until the borrower pays off the loan.)

Initial Escrow Disclosure

This form explains the specific charges you may have to pay into an escrow account each month as part of your mortgage agreement, such as money to cover property taxes and insurance.

Deed

This document transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer.

Right to Cancel Form

You’ll only see this form if you’re refinancing your home loan (it doesn’t apply if you’re purchasing the property). It states your right to cancel the loan within three business days and explains how that process works.

Recommended: What Is Mortgage Underwriting?

The Takeaway

Though people tend to think of the term “mortgage” as describing everything that has to do with their home loan, there are actually two separate documents that form the legal agreement between a buyer and a lender and outline their responsibilities.

It’s important to understand the differences between these two distinct pieces of paperwork — the promissory note and the mortgage — before you see them at your closing. You’ll also want to carefully review them — and all the forms you see — before you sign for your loan.

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

Do you need a promissory note and a mortgage to buy a house?

Usually, yes. But you might have a promissory note without a mortgage if you’re using an unsecured loan from a family member, a friend, or the seller.

Is a promissory note the same as a loan?

A promissory note is part of a formal loan agreement. It contains a promise from the borrower to repay a specific amount of money to the lender under designated terms.

What is the purpose of a promissory note in real estate?

The promissory note helps formalize the terms of a real estate loan, including the length of the loan, the interest rate, how and when payments should be made, and what happens if the borrower defaults.

Does a promissory note create a lien?

No. A promissory note obligates the borrower to repay the loan, but it does not “collateralize,” or secure, the loan to the property.

Photo credit: iStock/nortonrsx

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

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

*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.

This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

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-Q224-1841383-V1

Though putting together enough money to purchase a home has always been tough for younger buyers, rising prices and higher interest rates have made it especially difficult for Gen Z (those born from the mid-to-late 1990s and the early 2010s) to get a foot in the door of the housing market.

As they wait on the sidelines for the chance to buy their first place, many are feeling “real estate FOMO” — the fear that they’re missing out on a major life milestone and opportunity to build wealth that others have managed to achieve. Let’s take a look at some of the obstacles Gen Z is facing and learn the steps that could help as you save for, and search for, a home.

What Does FOMO Mean?

FOMO, or the fear of missing out, is a term used to describe the feeling that others are doing better than you are. Maybe they’re achieving goals that you haven’t yet reached, or experiencing things that you currently don’t have the wherewithal to accomplish (financially or otherwise). FOMO is often used in the context of missing out on a social event — a concert, for example, or a party you weren’t invited to. But it also can pertain to wanting to purchase things others in your social circle have — a better car, clothes, trips, or jewelry, for example.

FOMO spending is when the fear of missing out pushes you to spend money — maybe more than you should — to keep up with your peers. (Older generations often refer to this as “keeping up with the Joneses.”) Real estate FOMO can have that effect. It might lead someone to buy a house before they’re ready, or to get a mortgage loan on a house they can’t comfortably afford. But it also can make homebuyers reluctant to pull the trigger on a purchase, if they think they’ll find a better home at a better price if they just wait a while. And for members of Gen Z, social media can exacerbate those feelings.

How to Deal with FOMO in Real Estate

There are a few different things you may want to consider doing if you think FOMO is getting in the way of making smart homebuying decisions.

If You Feel You Need a Reality Check…

It never hurts to revisit your budget to see how much house you can truly afford. Using a home affordability calculator can help you set some limits. It also may be useful to talk to a financial advisor about how buying a home — or a home at a particular price — could affect your other goals. If you see a property you’re interested in purchasing, run the numbers in a mortgage calculator to get a sense of what your monthly payments would be.

If You Find Yourself Trying to “Time the Market”…

It can be tough to predict when home prices or interest rates will go down. Instead, you might want to talk to a real estate agent about the best time of year to look for housing bargains in your area. Or you could shift your search from a pricey “hot” area to a place where the cost of living is more affordable. Also, if you find a home you think you’ll stay in long-term, you may want to keep mortgage refinancing in mind as an option for lowering costs down the road.

If You’re Feeling Triggered by What Others Have…

Looking at too many listings (or home improvement shows, or friends’ house-proud social media posts) has a way of leading you away from your personal “must-haves.” When that happens, it helps to take a moment (perhaps with a social-media hiatus?) to reprioritize and get back on track.

What Are the Barriers for Gen Z Home Buyers?

Some of the obstacles Gen Z homebuyers face are the same as those would-be homeowners have encountered off and on for generations. Home prices are high. Mortgage interest rates, though nowhere near the double digits they were throughout much of the 1980s, still feel nerve-rackingly elevated. Housing inventory is low. And though inflation is cooling, gas, groceries, and other costs are still taking a toll on household budgets.

But Gen Z has some issues to contend with that other generations may not, including:

Down Payment Costs

Higher-priced houses can require larger down payments, and that can make getting into the housing market increasingly difficult. First-time homebuyers typically put down less than repeat buyers — about 8% compared to 19%, according to the National Association of Realtors® 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. That still could be a hefty chunk of change to come up with, however, considering the median home price in the U.S. is currently around $420,000.

Student Loan Debt

A college education may help Gen Z graduates earn a higher salary, but many report that student debt is slowing their progress toward certain milestones, including buying a home. Those college loans can make it even more difficult for younger buyers to save for a down payment or make higher monthly mortgage payments. You can afford a mortgage if you have student loans, but student debt can factor into your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which may affect whether or not you qualify for a mortgage or what interest rate you’re offered.

Higher Rent Payments

Rising rental costs are another factor that may be affecting Gen Z’s ability to save for a home. According to Zillow’s monthly Observed Rent Index, the typical U.S. rent in March 2024 was $1,983, a 3.6% year-over-year increase.

Adulting = Insecurity

When you’re in a new (or new-ish) career, out on your own with bills to pay, and you’re not sure where life might take you next (a new job, a new town, a new partner, a new baby?), navigating life after college can be daunting enough without the homebuying headaches. While some in Gen Z have found a way to get into the housing market despite the barriers, others are waiting until their personal life feels more stable.

How Does Gen Z Approach Home Buying?

For some in Gen Z, buying a home may not be as significantly linked to achieving success as it was for older generations. (According to a 2023 GoDaddy survey, only 40% of Gen Z respondents chose “yes” when asked if homeownership indicated a person had achieved the American Dream, compared to 44% of millennials, 49% of Gen Xers, and 50% of boomers.) Still, it remains a goal for many, who are finding ways to make it happen — by taking on roommates, moving to a state with a lower cost of living, working a side gig to earn more money, or living with their parents after college to save money.

Where Is Gen Z Buying Homes?

As you might expect, Gen Z-ers who live in or can easily move to more affordable locations are more likely to buy homes than those in large cities where home prices are higher. According to a Redfin report, the typical home price for Gen Z buyers in 2022 was $255,000 or less — much lower than the overall median price in the U.S. that year.

Realtor.com recently listed Jacksonville, NC; Elkhart, IN; Lima, OH; Waterloo, IA; Cumberland, MD; Watertown, NY; St. Joseph, MO; Hinesville, GA; Dubuque, IA; and St. Cloud, MN, as the 10 metropolitan areas with the largest percentage of Gen Z buyers in 2022.

Recommended: Best Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.

Is It Harder for Gen Z to Buy a House?

Gen Zers aren’t facing the double-digit mortgage rates their parents and grandparents paid in the early 1980s. And they aren’t trying to buy a home during a depression or recession. Still, thanks to inflation and other factors — including an uptick in the number of affordable homes being snapped up by investment companies — this is a challenging time to become a homeowner.

According to Redfin, 30% of 25-year-olds owned their own home in 2022 — so it is doable. That homeownership rate is lower than what the baby boomers had (32%) when they were 25. But it’s actually a bit higher than the rate for millennials (28%) and Gen Xers (27%) when they were that same age.

Steps for Gen Z Home Buyers to Consider

For Gen Z, patience, flexibility, and creativity may be the keys to success in today’s tough housing market. Here are some steps to consider as you pursue homeownership:

Know Before You Go

The more you know about the homebuying process, the more confident you can feel about the decisions you make. Get to know the things you can do on the front end (like improving your credit score, lowering your DTI ratio, and researching first-time homebuyer programs and loans). And as you start your home search, consider listing your wants vs your needs, learning about the different types of mortgage loans, and going through the mortgage preapproval process.

Keep Expectations in Check

Here’s where FOMO can really get in your way: The house you can afford may not be anything close to the designer houses you see on social media and TV. But an affordable starter home can be a stepping stone to the home of your dreams. If you aren’t sure what you can manage, talk to a professional, such as your financial advisor, a real estate agent, or a mortgage professional.

Cast a Wide Net

If you can’t afford the trendiest neighborhood or a house directly on the beach, you may want to try searching in areas that are similar or nearby. If you can relocate, you could take your search even broader, looking at states that have what you want but at a lower price.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

The Takeaway

If high housing costs and other factors are getting in the way of your plans to buy a home, and you feel a strong sense of FOMO creeping up on you, try not to get sucked into overspending — or turned off to homeownership altogether. Staying true to your budget and your goals, and getting some assistance in finding the right home and home loan, can help you avoid feeling pressured into bad decision-making.

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 FOMO mean in real estate?

The fear of missing out (FOMO) in real estate is the worry that you aren’t where you should be when it comes to homeownership — perhaps because you haven’t yet purchased a home, or you don’t have the same level of home you see others in your peer group moving into.

What housing markets are dropping the fastest?

According to CoreLogic’s U.S. Home Price Insights report for 2024, several locations on both coasts of Florida are likely to experience price drops this year, as well as the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell area in Georgia, and the Youngstown-Warren-Boardman area in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

What is the slowest month for the housing market?

Winter is typically the slowest time of year for the housing market, while spring and summer are the busiest seasons.

Photo credit: iStock/gradyreese

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

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

*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-Q224-1841351-V1

Historically speaking, mortgage rates have remained relatively low since the Great Recession, with some fluctuation at times due to market conditions. As a result, a generation of homebuyers has become accustomed to a low 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

But with mortgage rates on the rise, it can put a sour taste in the mouths of people trying to join the ranks of homeowners in the country. They may be thinking that they missed an opportunity to buy a home. However, it’s important to look at the history of mortgages and mortgage rates to put the current conditions into context.

The History of Mortgage Rates

The modern history of mortgage lending in the U.S. began in the 1930s with the creation of the Federal Housing Administration. From the 1930s through the 1960s, a combination of government policy and demographic changes made owning a home a normal part of American life. During this time, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage became the standard for home mortgage loans.

When discussing the fluctuation of mortgage rate trends, analysts usually refer to the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Here’s a look at the trend of these mortgage rates since the 1970s.

The 1970s

Throughout the 1970s, mortgage rates rose steadily, moving from the 7% range into the 13% range. This uptick in rates was due, in part, to the Arab oil embargo, which significantly reduced the oil supply and sent the U.S. into a recession with high inflation — known as stagflation.

As a result, Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker made a bold change in monetary policy by the end of the decade, raising the federal funds rate to combat inflation. Though the Federal Reserve doesn’t directly set mortgage rates, its monetary policy decisions can still impact many financial products, including mortgages.

The 1980s

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit an all-time high in October 1981 when the rates reached 18.63%. The Federal Reserve’s tight monetary policy affected this high borrowing cost and put the economy into a recession. However, inflation was under control by the end of the 1980s, and the economy recovered; mortgage rates moved down to around 10%.

The 1990s and 2000s

Mortgage rates continued a downward trend throughout the 1990s, ending the decade at around 8%. At the same time, the homeownership rate in the U.S. increased, rising from 63.9% in 1994 to 67.1% in early 2000.

Several factors led to a housing crash in the latter part of the 2000s, including a rise in subprime mortgages and risky mortgage-backed securities.

The housing crash led to the Great Recession. To boost the economy, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates to make borrowing money cheaper. Mortgage rates dropped from just below 7% in 2007 to below 5% in 2009.

Recommended: ​​US Recession History: Reviewing Past Market Contractions

The 2010s

Mortgage rates steadily decreased throughout most of the 2010s, staying below 5% for the most part. The Federal Reserve enacted a zero-interest-rate policy and a quantitative easing program to prop up the economy during this time following the Great Recession. This helped keep mortgage rates historically low.

The 2020s

The Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds rate to near-zero levels in March 2020, causing a drop in rates of various financial products. The effects of the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic pushed mortgage rates below previous historic lows. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit 2.77% in August 2021.

However, with inflation reaching levels not experienced since the early 1980s, the Federal Reserve reversed course. The central bank started to tighten monetary policy in late 2021 and early 2022, which led to a rapid increase in mortgage rates. In May 2022, the average mortgage rate was above 5%. While this was below historical trends, it was the highest rate since 2018. From there, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage crept upward, reaching a high of 7.79% in October 2023 before declining to 7.1% in April 2024.

Recommended: How Inflation Affects Mortgage Interest Rates

Why Do Mortgage Rates Change?

As we can see from looking at interest rate fluctuations, major economic events can significantly impact mortgage rates both in the short and long term. As noted above, this has to do primarily with the Federal Reserve.

Federal Reserve actions influence nearly all interest rates, including mortgages through the prime rate, long-term treasury yields, and mortgage-backed securities. The Federal Reserve sets the federal funds benchmark rate, the overnight rate at which banks lend money to each other.

This rate impacts the prime rate, which is the rate banks use to lend money to borrowers with good credit. Most adjustable short-term rate loans and mortgages use the prime rate to set the base interest rates they can offer to borrowers. So, after the Federal Reserve raises or lowers rates, adjustable short-term mortgage loan rates are likely to follow suit.

Longer-term mortgage rates have also risen and fallen alongside economic and political events with movement in long-term treasury bond yields. In the short term, a Federal Reserve interest rate change can affect mortgage markets as money moves between stocks and bonds, affecting mortgage rates. Longer-term mortgage rates are influenced by Fed rate changes but don’t have as direct an effect as short-term rates.

Recommended: Federal Reserve Interest Rates, Explained

Can Changing Rates Affect Your Existing Mortgage?

If you have a mortgage with a variable interest rate, known as an adjustable-rate mortgage, changing rates can affect your loan payments. With this type of home loan, you may have started with an interest rate lower than many fixed-rate mortgages. That introductory rate is often locked in for an initial period of several months or years.

After that, your interest rate is subject to change — how high and how often depends on the terms of your loan and interest rate fluctuations. These changes are generally tied to the movement of interest rates, but more specifically, which index your adjustable-rate mortgage is linked to, which can be affected by the Fed’s actions.

However, most adjustable-rate mortgages have annual and lifetime rate caps limiting how high your interest rate and payments can change.

If you took out a fixed-rate mortgage, your initial interest rate is locked in for the entire time you have the home loan, even if it takes you 30 years to pay it off.

Recommended: What Is a Good Mortgage Rate?

The Takeaway

If you are in the market to buy a home, it might be tempting to rush and buy when mortgage rates drop a bit, or to put off buying until rates hopefully decrease in the future. However, choosing the perfect time to buy a home based on the ideal rate can be difficult. You’re probably better off letting your need for a home and your personal financial situation drive your decision making. (Do you have a down payment saved up? Is your debt under control?) When it’s time to buy, do your research and choose the best mortgage available for your personal 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.

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

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

*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-Q224-1842813-V1

It’s no secret that the price tags of single-family homes — the ideal dwelling in terms of space, independence, and resale value — have spiked, and many current homeowners have been reluctant to let go, but a buyer whose heart is set on a single-family home may be able to follow a playbook to find their prize.

Buying a single-family home isn’t dramatically different from purchasing another type of property, but the process has a few variations. Here are some guidelines.

What Is a Single-Family Home?

The definition would seem easy enough, but it does vary according to real estate experts and government sources. The U.S. Census Bureau says single-family homes include fully detached and semi-detached homes, row houses, duplexes, quadruplexes, and townhouses. Each unit has a separate heating system and meter for public utilities, and has no units above or below.

According to other definitions of a single-family home, the building has no shared walls; it stands alone on its own parcel of land. In some places, the number of kitchens the home has informs the definition.

Unlike a multi-family property, a single-family home is meant for one person or household. Among the types of houses out there, including condos, co-ops, townhouses, and manufactured homes, the single-family home remains the holy grail for many Americans.

💡 Quick Tip: When house hunting, don’t forget to lock in your home mortgage loan rate so there are no surprises if your offer is accepted.

Benefits of Purchasing a Single-Family Home

While condos and townhouses may come with shared amenities and lower maintenance, traditional detached single-family homes come with different perks. When people buy a single-family home, they’re looking for benefits specific to this property type.

Spacious, Quiet, and Intimate

A single-family home is typically larger than a condo or townhome. Moreover, since the property is often on its own lot without shared walls, a single-family home offers more space and more privacy inside and outside the home.

Possibly No HOA

A co-op association or a condo or townhouse homeowners association sets and enforces rules and collects fees to pay for shared amenities. Anyone who buys into an HOA community must live by the CC&Rs: the covenants, conditions, and restrictions. They can be lengthy, and the ongoing fees can constantly rise.

You may be able to buy a detached single-family home with no HOA and paint your mailbox, or house, pink or purple — unless you live in a city like Palm Coast, Florida, that allows only earth tones and light or pastel hues but no colors that are deemed “loud, clashing, or garish.”

Then again, HOAs are becoming more common for detached single-family homes in planned communities. In fact, about 65% of single-family homes built in 2020 were in an HOA, Census Bureau data shows.

Single-Family Home Appreciation

Generally, single-family homes are in higher demand than multi-family or other properties. Because of both the building and demand, when a person buys a single-family home, the value may increase faster.

Possibilities for Renovation and Expansion

When people buy single-family homes, they’re buying into the potential to expand or renovate extensively. If the lot is big enough, single-family homeowners could put an addition on the property.

Single-family homes can be an attractive buy simply because of the option to expand in the future, unlike properties with shared lots or walls.


💡 Quick Tip: Not to be confused with prequalification, preapproval involves a longer application, documentation, and hard credit pulls. Ideally, you want to keep your applications for preapproval to within the same 14- to 45-day period, since many hard credit pulls outside the given time period can adversely affect your credit score, which in turn affects the mortgage terms you’ll be offered.

How to Buy a Single-Family Home

Ready to buy a single-family home? Anyone from a first-time buyer to a seasoned investor may find appeal in a single-family home.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyers Guide

1. Draw Up Your Financial Priorities

First, it’s important to look at finances. Your credit scores can have a significant impact on getting approved for a mortgage. To get a clear read on credit, but not scores, buyers can request free credit reports from the three major credit bureaus.

Additionally, it can be helpful for a qualified first-time homebuyer — who can be anyone who has not owned a principal residence in three years, some single parents, and others — to look into specialty mortgages to see if they qualify for them.

A loan from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) may allow a down payment as low as 3.5%. A USDA loan (from the United States Department of Agriculture) requires nothing down, and a VA loan (from the Department of Veterans Affairs) also usually requires nothing down. Some conventional lenders allow qualifying first-time buyers to put just 3% down.

It’s important to know, though, that all FHA loans require an upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium, regardless of the down payment size. VA loans require a one-time “funding fee.” And borrowers with conventional conforming loans who put down less than 20% will pay private mortgage insurance until their loan-to-value ratio drops to 80% and they request removal, or to 78%, when it falls off.

2. Decide on Your Preferred Type of Housing

No two houses are alike, just as no two homebuyers are. Everyone has different tastes and priorities about where they want to call home.

Before hitting every open house in town, consider deciding on must-haves for a single-family detached home, including privacy, proximity to businesses, size, and style. This could help determine if a single-family home is the right fit.

3. Arrive at Your Price Point

Armed with an understanding of the type of house, it’s time to think about the price point. In addition to thinking about the down payment, buyers will want to calculate a monthly mortgage payment and total loan costs.

Figuring out a price point before looking at homes can take the emotion out of the process. That way, buyers have a budget in mind and a “do not exceed” amount before they fall for a home.

4. Search for a Good Real Estate Agent

Buying a single-family home can be fun, stressful, and fast-paced. Working with a trusted real estate agent can make the process a little easier.

To find a real estate agent, you might consider:

•   Reaching out to friends for referrals

•   Checking out local real estate association websites

•   Using an agent selling homes in the area you want to buy in

You might want to interview more than one agent, asking about their experience, availability, and philosophy. The choice of agent will likely come down to a combination of personality match and experience.

5. Find Your Neighborhood

Armed with an agent and budget, it’s time to dive deeper into neighborhoods. Once again, the choice of where to search will come down to the buyer; there’s no one “right” place to buy a single-family home.

As buyers explore neighborhoods, they might prioritize the following:

•   School district

•   Walkability

•   Proximity to workplace

•   Community resources

•   Budget

An experienced agent can help buyers distill their priorities and even point them in the right direction. Typically, buyers will have to balance the above elements, as it might not be possible to check all the boxes in a single neighborhood.

6. Tour Homes With Your Agent

Once buyers decide what neighborhoods they want to buy a single-family home in, it’s time to start touring properties.

When touring a single-family home with an agent, try to allot between half an hour to an hour. In the case of open houses, prospective buyers can walk in at any time, but private home tours require a buyer’s agent to gain access to the property.

When buying a single-family home, everyone will have their own checklist of what they want, which might include:

•   Listing price

•   Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

•   Storage space

•   Floorplan

•   Plot of land

•   Deck and porch

•   Garage and driveway

It could help to take photos or notes while touring a home to refer to them long after you’ve left the property.

7. Choose a House and Bid

Found a place and ready to make an offer? Time to get a home loan in order. Luckily, buyers will have a good idea of what they can offer on a property based on their finances with the upfront legwork.

Your agent can help with negotiating a house price.

How to make an offer? It pays to understand comps and the temperature of the market, and then:

•   Figure out the offer price

•   Determine fees

•   Budget for an earnest money deposit

•   Craft contingencies

With an offer drawn up, it’s time to submit it to the seller and wait for the next steps.

8. Review the Process and Get Ready to Move

Buying a single-family home isn’t a done deal once an offer is submitted. Typically there will be a back and forth, perhaps over offer price or contingencies.

Once everything is agreed on, and the inspection is resolved, it’s time to tally moving expenses and pack up.

9. Head to Closing and Move Into Your New Property

The final part of buying a single-family home is closing day. During closing, the buyer and seller meet with their agents to go over paperwork, and settle any outstanding costs, and formally turn over property ownership.

Next, it’s just moving everything in and settling in. Even after closing, homeownership may feel overwhelming, but there are plenty of resources to make it easier.

Ready to Buy a Home Quiz

The Takeaway

Ready to buy a single-family home? The process before you may seem daunting, especially if it’s your first home purchase. But if you break it down to small steps and keep your budget and dream-house priorities top of mind, home sweet home may be closer than you think.

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 much does it cost to buy a single-family home?

Zillow put the typical value of a single-family home at $354,000 in April 2024. New construction costs more. The median sales price of new houses sold in February 2024 was $400,500, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Can you buy a single-family home with no money down?

If a buyer qualifies for a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Agriculture, or one issued directly by those agencies, they may be able to purchase a home with no down payment.

What are the most important things to consider when buying a house?

Location (including property tax rate, quality of schools, walkability, crime rate, access to green space, and the general vibe), your ability to cover all the costs, duration of your stay, and square footage may be important.

How much should you have in savings to buy a single-family house?

You’ll need to have enough to cover a down payment, closing costs, and moving fees while ideally preserving an emergency fund.

Photo credit: iStock/jhorrocks

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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.

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

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^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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