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An underwater mortgage, also known as an upside-down mortgage, occurs when your mortgage has a higher principal balance than the current fair market value of your home. In other words, you owe more on your loan than your home is actually worth. This can happen if housing prices in your area have dropped since you purchased your home.

Having a mortgage underwater can make it challenging to refinance your mortgage, take out a second mortgage, or sell your home. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can manage the problem and get out from under an upside-down mortgage. Here’s what you need to know.

What Does it Mean to Have an Underwater Mortgage?

An underwater mortgage is defined as a mortgage in which the principal balance is higher than the home’s fair market value, resulting in negative equity. An underwater (or upside-down) mortgage can happen when property values fall but you still need to repay a large portion of your original loan balance.

Having a mortgage underwater can make refinancing difficult, since lenders generally won’t give you a loan for more than what the home is worth (in fact, they typically will only give you up to 80% of a home’s current value). It can also stand in the way of selling your home, since the proceeds from the sale likely won’t be enough to pay off your mortgage.

What Causes an Underwater Mortgage?

One of the most common reasons for an underwater mortgage is a decline in property value after the borrower purchases a home.

Homeowners who are most at risk of ending up underwater are those who bought their home recently with a very low down payment. Some lenders and types of mortgage allow you to put as little as 3% or even 0% down. If, for example, a home costs $300,000 and you put down 3%, you start with just $9,000 in equity in your home. If your home’s market value drops by $9,200, you’d be underwater by $200.

As you pay off your mortgage, you gradually chip away at the principal balance and end up with more and more equity. You also build equity as your home (ideally) grows in value over time. This helps protect you from becoming underwater due to any downward fluctuation in housing prices.

Missing payments on your mortgage also puts you at risk of going underwater. When you miss payments, your principal balance doesn’t decrease as fast as it should. As a result, you’re more likely to owe more than your home is worth.

💡 Quick Tip: Buying a home shouldn’t be aggravating. SoFi’s online mortgage application is quick and simple, with dedicated Mortgage Loan Officers to guide you from start to finish.

How Do I Know If I Have an Underwater House?

To find out if your home is underwater, you can follow a few simple steps:

1.   Check your loan balance. You can typically find your balance on a recent mortgage statement or by logging into your online account. If you can’t find it, you can always call the company that holds your loan and ask how much you still owe on your principal.

2.   Determine how much your home is worth. You can get a good estimate of your home’s current value using online tools from websites like Zillow and Redfin. For a more accurate valuation, you would need to get a professional home appraisal, which may not be worth it unless you absolutely need to know if you are underwater.

3.   See how the numbers compare. By subtracting how much you still owe on your principal from your home’s current value, you’ll end up with either a positive number (you’re not underwater) or a negative number (you are underwater).

What Are My Options If My Mortgage Is Underwater?

While you can’t control falling home prices, there are other things you can do to get an underwater mortgage back on dry land. Here are some to consider.

Stay and Keep Paying Down Your Principal

It’s not uncommon to be underwater on a mortgage if you haven’t owned your home for a very long time. If you don’t have an immediate need to sell (such as job relocation), your best bet may be to sit tight and keep on making your mortgage payments. Over time, your equity will increase and home prices may rebound.

If your budget allows, you might also want to make additional payments toward the principal balance in order to get back on track faster.

Explore Refinancing

Generally, you can’t refinance a mortgage that is underwater. However, there are some exceptions. If you have a government-backed loan (such as an FHA, USDA, or VA loan) and you qualify for a streamline refinance, you can refinance without a home appraisal. This allows you to get a new loan even if your current mortgage is underwater. It may be possible to use a streamline refinance to lower your interest rate or shorten your repayment term, which can help you pay down your principal (and get out from being underwater) faster.

In the past, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae offered special refinancing programs for underwater mortgages, but they’ve temporarily stopped taking applications due to low volume.

Work With Your Lender

If you’re having trouble keeping up with your monthly payments, or you need to relocate and sell your home, it can be worth reaching out to your lender to discuss your options. You may be able to do one of the following:

Modify Your Loan

Your lender might agree to loan modification, which involves changing one or more terms of the loan. For example, you may be able to lower your monthly payment by extending your repayment term or reducing your interest rate. A lender might even agree to lower your principal balance. Just keep in mind that any amount of negative equity forgiven by your mortgage lender can count as income, so you’ll want to factor that in come tax time.

Short Sale

In a short sale, the lender agrees to accept a sales price that is less than the amount owed on the mortgage, effectively taking a loss. Typically, a lender will only consider a short sale as a final option before foreclosure. A short sale is typically preferable to a foreclosure for both parties involved — it costs less for the lender and is less damaging to the borrower’s credit history.

Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure

A deed in lieu allows you to forfeit ownership of your home to the lender, typically as a way to avoid the foreclosure process. If you go with this option, you’ll want to make sure you get all the details of the agreement in writing, so you are not liable for any remaining amount owed on the mortgage down the line.

Note: SoFi does not offer Deed in Lieu at this time. However, SoFi does offer mortgage refinance options.

File for Bankruptcy

A last resort option that you would only want to pursue if you’ve tried everything else, is to file for bankruptcy. There are two different types:

•  Chapter 13 With this type of bankruptcy, the court will put you on a plan to repay some or all of your debt. You won’t lose your home and will have time to work on getting your mortgage current. The court will monitor your budget, and your repayment plan will typically last for three to five years.

•  Chapter 7 This means all (or most) of your assets will be sold by the court to repay your debt. As a result, you could lose your home, car, or other assets. Any remaining debt is forgiven.

Filing for any type of bankruptcy is expensive, distressing, and can have serious and long-lasting consequences on your credit. However, it may provide much-needed relief if you’re deeply underwater on your mortgage.

Foreclose on Your Home

Foreclosure is another last resort option. In foreclosure, the lender will take control of your home, and, if you’re still living there, you’ll be evicted. The lender will typically then sell the house as quickly as possible to try to recoup as much money as they can. You’ll have your debt wiped away clean but your credit will be badly damaged and you’ll likely have to wait seven years before getting another mortgage. In addition, the canceled mortgage amount may count as taxable income.

The Takeaway

If you owe more on your home than it’s currently worth, you’re underwater (or upside down) on your mortgage. This can happen if property values drop and you don’t have a lot of equity built in your home. While it’s not an ideal situation to be in, there are options, including waiting it out, exploring possible refinancing options, and working with your lender to modify 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

What to do if your mortgage is underwater?

If your mortgage is underwater, meaning your loan balance is more than the house is worth, there are still things you can do. You could opt to wait things out and keep making mortgage payments till you’re no longer underwater. Or you can consider refinancing your mortgage, working with your lender to modify your loan, or selling short.

Can a bank foreclose on an underwater mortgage?

Your lender can’t foreclose on you just because your property is underwater, as long as you’re making your payments on time. But you may be slightly more at risk of foreclosure, simply because you may have fewer options for refinancing or selling your home if you do start having trouble paying your mortgage.

Can you refinance a mortgage if you’re underwater?

Refinancing is likely to be more difficult if you have an underwater mortgage, but it may still be possible. If you have a government-backed loan – like an FHA loan, VA loan, or USDA loan – you may be able to refinance.

About the author

Ashley Kilroy

Ashley Kilroy is a seasoned personal finance writer with 15 years of experience simplifying complex concepts for individuals seeking financial security. Her expertise has shined through in well-known publications like Rolling Stone, Forbes, SmartAsset, and Money Talks News. Read full bio.

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SOHL-Q225-070

Whether your living room is looking dated, cramped, cluttered, or is simply no longer working well for you and your family, there are makeover options for every taste and budget. Also keep in mind that living room remodels can happen in various stages — they don’t have to be all or nothing. Even simple, affordable updates like new lighting, paint, or flooring, can have a big impact on the look and feel of a living room.

Whether you have the budget for a total overhaul or you’re just looking for a quick and affordable update, here are some living room remodel ideas to consider.

Living Room Remodel Ideas: Top Elements To Change

Ready for a new living room look? These are the features to think about.

Layout

Effective use of space makes a room feel comfortable and inviting. If your living room seems underused, perhaps changing the layout will make family and friends want to hang out in it more often.

For someone moving into a new home and starting with a blank space, looking first at the layout of the room is a good starting point. Where do you enter the room? Where does your focus go first? Are the windows situated for convenient placement of furnishings?

If you’re currently living in the home, but the living room just isn’t functional, look at the layout in terms of what can be easily changed.

What in the room do you regularly use, e.g., couch or closets? Where do piles tend to accumulate? Do the windows cause a glare on the television? Is your furniture arranged to allow for good traffic flow and good conversation? The more effortlessly the room setup can support your daily movements, the better.

Recommended: Home Equity Loans vs Personal Loans for Home Improvement

Windows

Windows not only let light in, they affect our perception of how large, open, and welcoming a space is. Replacing them can be pricey, but might increase a home’s value and can generate energy savings: On average, 25% to 30% of a home’s energy use is due to heat gained or lost through the windows.

If the window itself is fine but the aesthetic is not, new window trim or window treatments can make a world of difference. Painting dark-stained trim in a shade of white can make a space feel lighter, brighter, and more modern.

Updating window treatments with ceiling to floor length curtains adds drama and interest, while Roman shades that fit inside the window casing keep things unobtrusive while still adding texture and privacy.

Recommended: How Much Does It Cost to Replace Windows?

Lighting

Lighting is functional, of course, but it can also be an aesthetic choice. Think about taking a picture indoors with or without a flash: Room lighting has that same sort of visual resonance, affecting how the other elements of the room appear and how you feel in the space.

In choosing lighting for your living room remodel, consider if you want the fixture to disappear, as with recessed lighting, or be a visual focal point. How bright or dim, warm or cool do you want your light levels? Where in the room will you need the most light? And adding dimmer switches to any lighting setup gives you loads of control.

Ceiling

Like the sky outside, what’s hanging above our heads indoors dramatically affects how we feel in a space. If you have a textured or popcorn ceiling, refinishing it to be smooth can instantly brighten and update your living room. It’s a messy DIY project, but one experienced painters or contractors can do while keeping the mess to a minimum.

If the ceiling would benefit from a new coat of paint, veering from the standard white might give the room a stylish quality. Light hues can create the illusion of a taller space, while something a little darker can evoke coziness.

Recommended: Beginner’s Guide to a Bedroom Remodel

Flooring

Along with layout and paint, flooring has perhaps the biggest impact on a room. It’s a large, dominant, visual element that affects how sound echoes in the room or carries beyond it, how much light reflects into the room, and how much dirt shows up.

When buying a new home, it’s a good idea to check what’s under the carpet. You might find lovely hardwood floors in pristine condition — or a mess of a subfloor. Knowing what you will have before signing the mortgage agreement will allow you to make a plan for any needed renovations. For a quick change, don’t underestimate a simple area rug.

Recommended: Four Ways to Upgrade Your Home

Molding

Molding hits the sweet spot of a decorative finish that feels structural. The trim around windows and doors, crown molding and baseboards, picture and knee rails — all inform the character of a space and add visual interest and structure. In particular, if things feel blank or sterile, adding decorative trim can make a space a little more impressive.

Paint

Fresh paint works wonders. Even if you don’t have time or budget for anything else, reimagine the wall color. Samples painted on the wall will show how the room’s light will affect the paint. Many paint brands now also offer virtual ways to “paint” your room.

Just as a room’s lighting can affect your mood, paint color has an effect on one’s psyche, too. For instance, the color blue has been shown to have a calming effect, while red has a stimulating effect and can create feelings of excitement or even stress in some people.

Furniture and Decoration

You can replace it, move it, or just pull it from another room. Alone or in conjunction with other major changes, furniture and decor can have a major effect on the finished space — and keeping layout top-of-mind when selecting furniture will help make sure it’s the right stuff for the space.

Using online room planners or going old school with graph paper to map out, to scale, what will go where is a good way to experiment without the heavy lifting.

When you’re ready to make changes (which can enhance your home’s value if you are planning on selling soon), it’s wise to develop a budget. If you don’t have funds saved to finance your remodel, you might consider a personal loan vs. using your credit cards. You may find a more favorable interest rate and save money over the long run with one of these home improvement loans.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

What Color Should You Paint Your House Quiz

Recommended: Guide to Buying, Selling, and Updating Your Home

The Takeaway

When your living room is feeling outdated, looking worn, or isn’t working well for your household, it could be time for a remodel. Changing the paint color, lighting, floors, and furnishings can make it more comfortable and functional. It can also make your home show better if you are planning on selling. To finance your living room remodel, you might consider a home improvement loan, a form of personal loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

FAQ

How often should you change your living room?

The living room tends to be the hub of your household’s social life, and it can get a lot of wear and tear. Design pros suggest updating it every three to five years to keep it looking fresh and working well for your family.

How much does it cost to redo a living room?

Remodeling a living room can cost from $2,500 to $15,000, according to Angi, depending on the extent and specifics of your renovation. If you are just repainting one wall and adding some new throw pillows, it can be at the less expensive end of the range. If you are buying all new furniture, window treatments, and lighting, as well as refinishing the floors and adding wallpaper, it can cost significantly more.

What are some key areas of a living room in a remodel?

Key areas of a living room remodel can include furniture, lighting, floors, walls, and window treatments. Accessories are also part of the overall look and feel of a living room.

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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.

SOPL-Q225-054

Your credit report is an important document: It contains an in-depth record of how you’ve used credit in the past, and it can have a big impact on your life.

For example, when you apply for a loan, lenders usually check your credit report. That information contributes to their decision on whether to lend to you, as well as what interest rate to charge.

You might also have your credit checked by potential employers or when you are applying to get a mobile phone, rent a home, or perhaps connect some utilities.

Since credit reports can be so critical to many aspects of your life, it’s important that they be accurate. Unfortunately, these reports can have more errors than you may realize. An April 2024 Consumer Reports study found that 44% percent of people had errors on their credit reports. These mistakes ranged from relatively minor (like a typo in their name or address) to more significant (such as incorrect debt information that could be unfairly lowering their scores).

With that in mind, read on to learn how you can check your report and work to correct any errors you might find.

Getting a Credit Report

Like going in for a check-up once a year can benefit your physical health, regular credit report check-ups can benefit your financial health.

You can order a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®) as often as weekly at AnnualCreditReport.com, a site run by the government. It’s a good idea to take advantage of this service, and to look over your reports at least annually.

Checking your credit report regularly can also make it easier to notice when the numbers look off or if something’s amiss. This could help you catch fraudulent activity.

Scanning a Credit Report

The best way to find an error in a credit report is to read through it thoroughly.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends making sure that the following information is accurate:

•   Name

•   Social Security number

•   Current address

•   Current phone number

•   Previous addresses

•   Employment history (names, dates, locations)

•   Current bank accounts open

•   Bank account balances

•   Joint accounts

•   Accounts closed.

If any of the above is incorrect, the report has an error that you may want to dispute.

Common Credit Report Errors

While there are any number of errors that could crop up on a credit report, some are more likely than others. According to the CFPB, these are among the most common:

•  Typos or wrong information: In the personal information section, names could be misspelled, or addresses could just be plain wrong.

•  A similar name is assigned to your report: Instead of a typo, the credit report might be pulling in accounts and information of a person with a similar name to yours.

•  Wrong accounts: If an account is in your name but unfamiliar to you, this could be evidence of identity theft.

•  Closed accounts are still open: You may have closed a credit card recently, but the report shows it as still open.

•  You’re reported as the owner of the account, when you’re just an authorized user: If you’re simply an authorized user on a credit card, your credit report should reflect that.

•  False late payment: A credit report might show a late or delinquent payment when the account was paid on time.

•  Duplicate debts or accounts: Listing an account twice could make it look like more debt is owed, resulting in an incorrect credit report.

•  Incorrect balances: Account balances might show incorrect amounts.

•  Wrong credit limits: Misreported limits on credit card accounts can impact a credit score, even if they’re only off by a few hundred dollars.

How to Report an Error

Errors on credit reports don’t typically fix themselves. Account owners often have to be the ones to bring the error to the credit bureau’s attention.

Here are steps to take if you find an error in one of your reports.

1. Confirm the error is present on other credit reports.

Credit scores may vary across credit reporting bureaus, but all the core information should be the same. That means if there’s an error on one, it’s best to check if it’s on the other two. You can order free reports from all three bureaus from AnnualCreditReport.com and check each report against the others.

2. Gathering evidence.

To prove an element of the credit report is wrong, there needs to be evidence to the contrary. That means you’ll want to collect supporting documentation that shows the report has an error, whether that’s a recent account statement, ID, or a loan document. Having this documentation on hand can make the process move faster.

3. Report the error to the credit reporting company.

To resolve the error, you’ll want to file a formal dispute with the credit reporting company. You can contact them by mail, phone, or online. The CFPB offers more details on how to file a dispute.

Be sure to include all documentation of the error, in addition to proper identification.

Here’s how to contact each credit reporting company:

Equifax

Online: Equifax.com

Mail:

Equifax Information Services LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA 30374

Phone: (888) 378-4329)

Experian

Online: Experian.com

Mail:

Experian
P.O. Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013

Phone: (855) 414-6048

Transunion

Online: Transunion.com

Mail:

TransUnion Consumer Solutions
PO Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

Phone: (800) 916-8800

4. Contact the furnisher (if applicable).

A furnisher is a company that gives the credit reporting bureau information for the report. If the report’s mistake is an error from a bank or credit card company, you can also reach out to the furnisher to amend its mistake. You can contact the company through the mail (the address can be found on the credit report), or reach out to customer service by phone or online.

If the furnisher corrects the mistake, it could, in turn, update the credit report. But to play it safe, reach out to both parties.

5. Reach out to the FTC to report identity theft (if applicable).

If you notice an error that suggests identity theft (such as unknown accounts or unfamiliar debt), it’s a good idea to sign up with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC’s) IdentityTheft.gov site in addition to alerting the credit bureaus. The FTC’s tool can help you create a recovery plan and figure out the next steps.

6. Sit tight and wait for a response.

Once you send a credit dispute to a bureau or furnisher, you can expect to hear back within 30 days, typically by mail.

When a credit bureau receives a dispute, they have one of two choices: agree or disagree. If the bureau agrees, they will correct the error and send a new credit report.

If the bureau disagrees and doesn’t believe there’s an error, they won’t remove it from the report. In some cases, they may not agree there’s an error because there’s a delay in information getting to them. For example, a recently canceled credit card might not show up as canceled in their records yet. Changes like that might take some time.

However, if you’re confident of the error and a credit bureau doesn’t agree, that’s not your last stop.

You can also reach out to the CFPB to file an official complaint . The complaint should include all documentation of the dispute. Once the CFPB receives the complaint, you can keep track of its progress on the organization’s website.

The Takeaway

Checking your credit reports can help you ensure that the information used to calculate your credit scores is accurate and up to date. It can also tip you off to fraud or identity theft.
It’s easy and free to gain access to your credit reports from the three major bureaus. Taking advantage of this service (and reporting any errors you may come across) can be key to maintaining good credit, and good overall financial health.

Another way to maintain good financial health is to pay your bills on time (which adds positive information to your credit reports), and to keep track of your spending. The right banking partner can help with both.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

What are common errors on a credit report?

Common errors on credit reports include incorrect personal information (such as addresses or Social Security numbers), accounts that don’t belong to you, late payments that were actually on time, and incorrect credit limits or balances. Errors can also include closed accounts listed as open and duplicate entries.
These mistakes can negatively impact your credit, so it’s important to review your report regularly and dispute any inaccuracies.

Do you have rights when your credit report is wrong?

Yes, you have rights when your credit report is wrong. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can dispute inaccuracies with the relevant credit bureau(s). The bureau must investigate your dispute, forward the dispute and all relevant information you provided to the company that provided the information about you, and report the results back to you.

How to fix credit report errors fast?

To fix credit report errors quickly, start by obtaining a free copy of your report from all three major credit bureaus. Identify the errors and gather documentation to support your dispute. Submit a formal dispute using the credit bureaus’ online dispute systems for faster processing. It’s also a good idea to send a formal dispute letter to the company that furnished the incorrect information. Follow up with both the credit bureaus and the company to make sure your dispute gets resolved.

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Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

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SOBNK-Q225-076

If you fail to make your car payments or otherwise default on your loan, you risk having your car repossessed, or taken back by the lender.

The process of vehicle repossession can be costly. You may be responsible for the deficiency balance on the car, which is the amount you owe on the car, minus the amount the lender sells the car for, as well as additional fees.

Repossession can also have a negative impact on your credit, which can make it harder to qualify for another car loan, as well as credit cards or a mortgage, in the future.

Read on to learn more about car repossession, how to avoid it, and what your options are if it happens.

Why Do Cars Get Repossessed?

When you borrow money to buy a car, or you lease a car, you generally have to agree to specific terms outlined in the contract. You will likely have to agree, for instance, that you will make monthly payments on time and keep adequate insurance on the vehicle.

If you don’t meet those requirements, the lender (or leasing company) has the right to take the car. In some cases, a lender will alert you of your missed payments and attempt to collect payment prior to repossessing the vehicle.

Depending on the loan contract you signed, however, some lenders or leasing companies can take the car back after one missed payment, without any prior notice of late payment, or warning you that your car is going to be repossessed.

If having car insurance is a requirement of your auto contract, as it often is, your car can be repossessed if your auto insurance has lapsed and isn’t being paid.

💡 Quick Tip: Tired of paying pointless bank fees? When you open a bank account online you often avoid excess charges.

What Rights Do I Have if My Car is Repossessed?

While the car does not technically belong to you (the lender typically holds the title until the loan is paid in full), you do have some basic rights if your car is repossessed. Here’s a look at what these rights include.

Your Personal Property

If you have any items of value in the car, such as a laptop or car seat, the bank or leasing company that owns the loan, or the car repossession agency, cannot keep or sell the property found inside the car.

In some states, a creditor must tell you what items were found in the car and how you can get them back.

If you’re having trouble retrieving personal items that are of significant value, you might want to file a complaint , or talk to an attorney about how to get your belongings back or if you can be compensated for them.

Selling Price

If your car is taken and sold, the lender doesn’t have to sell it for the highest possible price, but they are legally required to make an effort to get fair market value for the car and to sell it for a “commercially reasonable” price.

The reason is that the sales proceeds will go toward paying off your debt. It would be unfair to repossess a vehicle and then give it away for very little to somebody else

Also key: If the creditor holds onto the car and doesn’t resell it, you generally will not owe a deficiency balance on the car (which is the amount you owe minus what the car sells for).

Recommended: Tips for Overcoming Bad Financial Decisions

Getting a Car Out of Repo

Should you be interested in getting a repossessed car back, that might be an option. You may be entitled to buy back the vehicle by paying the full amount you owe on the car. This typically includes your past due payments and the remaining debt, along with any fees that accumulated in the repossession process.

Another option for getting your car back is to try to buy back the repossessed car by bidding on it at the repossession sale.

Or, you might instead decide to save up for a car and get a less expensive vehicle.

💡 Quick Tip: Most savings accounts only earn a fraction of a percentage in interest. Not at SoFi. Our high-yield savings account can help you make meaningful progress towards your financial goals.

How Much Does a Car Repossession Cost?

If the lender repossesses your car and then sells it at an auction, the sales proceeds go toward your loan balance. In many cases, the car sells for less than you owe, so your loan is still not paid off. The amount you owe is the deficiency balance.

In addition to the deficiency, you may also have to pay for costs related to repossession. Charges can include expenses for sending a repossession agent, storing the vehicle, and preparing the vehicle for sale.

If the deficiency balance goes unpaid, it can result in a lawsuit against you, along with wage garnishment (a type of automatic paycheck deduction) or a lien against your property.

If you are able to buy the car back before it goes to auction, you will likely be responsible for paying the full amount you owe on the car, which may include your past due payments and the remaining debt, along with any fees that accumulated in the repossession process.

How Car Repossession Affects Your Credit

On its own, a repossession is a red flag on your credit report and can have a serious impact on your scores. A repossession can also stay on your credit report for seven years, beginning with the date of your first late payment.

In addition to the repossession being listed in your credit report, failing to pay your auto loan on time may trigger other negative marks on your credit. For each month you are 30 days or more past due, the lender can report the account as delinquent. If the account was sent to a collection agency, a record of the collection account may also appear in your reports.

Recommended: Guide to Reading & Understanding Your Credit Report

How to Avoid Car Repossession

It can often be easier to prevent a vehicle repossession from happening than trying to fix it after the car has been taken away. Here are some ways you may be able to reduce the risk of repossession if you’re struggling with car payments.

Talking to Your Lender

If you fall behind on your auto loan or you think you soon may, it can be worthwhile to reach out to the lender to discuss what options you may have.

There is a chance your lender will allow you to defer your loan payments for a period of time or help you come up with another solution to allow you to keep your car. This shows good faith as you try to remedy your situation.

If you and the lender are able to come to an agreement about amending or skipping payments, it’s a good idea to get the new terms addressed in writing to avoid problems down the line.

Recommended: ​​How to Get Caught up on Late Payments

Refinancing Your Car Loan

If you’re struggling to pay your auto loan, refinancing might help get your payment to an affordable level so you can continue to pay on time. Refinancing entails paying off your current auto loan with a new car loan. If you are approved for a new loan, refinancing could help you avoid repossession by satisfying what you owe on your existing loan and starting fresh with a new lender.

Just keep in mind that auto loan refinancing can lead to higher costs due to lender fees and additional interest if you extend the loan term.

Considering Voluntary Repossession

If your lender won’t accept late payments and demands that you return the car, voluntarily repossessing (or surrendering) the car may be a better option than having it taken away.

Turning in your car can reduce the creditor’s expenses and, in turn, reduce how much you’re required to pay (though you’ll still likely be responsible for late payments, late fees, and possibly a deficiency balance). A voluntary repossession also gives you more control over when you give up your car than having the car suddenly taken away from you.

Your creditor may still enter the late payments and repossession on your credit report, where it can remain for seven years. However, a “voluntary surrender” can be less damaging to your credit than a “repossession.”

Protecting Your Credit After a Car Repossession

While a repossession can negatively impact your credit report, it won’t be forever. As time passes, and as you handle your other credit obligations responsibly, the impact on your credit score can lessen.

These moves can help minimize the damage and rebuild your credit over time:

•   Paying off any outstanding debt on your car loan

•   Making payments on other debts (such as student loans) on time

•   Maintaining low balances on credit cards and paying them off in full every month

•   Making timely payments for all of your bills (so none are ever sent to debt collection agencies)

Managing your money responsibly shows future lenders that you can make wise financial decisions and will be trustworthy when it comes to paying off loans and credit in the future.

The Takeaway

If you have missed payments on your vehicle or let your car insurance lapse, the lender can repossess your car and sell it at an auction. You will then likely have to pay the difference between what the car sells for and what you still owe, plus various additional fees.

Depending on your loan or lease contract, you may have time to make the missing payments and retrieve your car before it’s sold at auction.

Either way, a car repossession can be costly, and also have a negative and lasting impact on your credit.

One of the best ways to avoid car repossession is to stay on top of your car payments, making them in full and on time each month. Setting up a monthly budget can help you make this happen.
Another good safeguard is to wait until you’ve saved up for a substantial downpayment on a car before you buy, or use that money to go with a more affordable used car and pay for it in full.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

How long does it take to repossess a car?

The process to repossess a car can vary, but lenders typically start car repossession when you’re in default, which is usually at least 60 days past due on a payment. Lenders may send multiple notices and offer a grace period, but if you fail to make payments or reach an agreement, they can send a repo agent. The exact timeline depends on the lender’s policies and state laws, so it’s crucial to communicate with your lender and understand your specific situation.

What happens when your car gets repossessed?

When your car is repossessed, it is typically towed away by the lender. You lose possession of the car and the right to drive it. Rules vary by state, but the lender is generally required to notify you of your options to get the car back and must hold the vehicle for a certain number of days before selling it. During this time, you may be able to reclaim the car by making arrangements to pay off the balance owed as well as any fees associated with the repossession process.

How many missed payments before repo?

While it’s not common, an auto lender can repossess (or “repo”) a vehicle after just one missed payment. Generally, though, auto lenders will wait until at least two or three payments before sending a repo agent. The number of missed payments allowed before repo varies by lender and will be outlined in the loan agreement.

To avoid repossession, it’s important to reach out to your lender as soon as you run into trouble repaying your car loan. The lender may be willing to offer options like payment deferment or interest-only payments to help you avoid defaulting on the loan.

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.

Creating a budget isn’t just about tracking each dollar that comes in and goes out. It’s also about deciding how to allocate your income across different spending categories. That means figuring out what percentage of your earnings should go towards essentials like housing and food, as well as goals like debt repayment or savings. This process helps you spot where you might be overspending and make smarter decisions with your money.

Knowing how to set the right budget percentages can be a powerful tool for taking control over your finances and making sure your spending aligns with your priorities. Maybe you’re spending more than you’d like on dining out or entertainment and want to shift some of that money toward paying off a student loan or building an emergency fund.

Understanding how to break down your income by category is key to building a balanced, sustainable budget. Here’s how to get started.

What Are Budget Percentages?

Even if you’ve already created a budget, you may have been thinking of it more in terms of specific dollar amounts than percentages of your income as a whole.

That’s where budget percentages come in: Rather than assigning a set dollar amount to spend in a given category, budget percentages require us to think instead about the proportional amount of our income that the dollar figure represents.

Think of it as a pie chart: No matter the amount of cash you spend on a given category, that money represents a certain slice of the pie. Making sure that slice is the right size is important to ensure that everyone at the table — which is to say, each of your line items — gets some of the pie.

Basics of Budgeting Percentages

There are no hard-and-set rules on what percentage of income to assign to each specific budget category. After all, even the categories themselves will depend on your personal needs and wants. (Maybe you’re a frequent flyer with a budget line item for international travel, for instance, or a music aficionado who has to stash some cash for your growing vinyl collection.)

That said, there are some basic rules of thumb that can be used as a starting place and then customized for individual needs.

Example Budget Percentages

If you ask five financial experts what percentage of your money to allot to a given category, you’ll probably get five at least slightly different answers.

But here are some basic example budget percentages that many experts can, more or less, agree on:

•   Housing (rent or mortgage, as well as property tax and maintenance expenses): 25%-30%

•   Insurance (such as health insurance, auto insurance, and life insurance): 10%-25%

•   Food (including groceries, food delivery, and dining out): 10%-15%

•   Transportation (including gas, car maintenance, and public transportation): 10%-15%

•   Utilities (such as electricity, internet, and water): 5%-10%

•   Medical (including doctor/dentist visits and prescriptions): 5%-10%

•   Savings (including retirement): 10%-20%

•   Entertainment (movie nights, concerts, dinners out, etc): 5%-10%

•   Personal care (e.g., clothes, gym memberships, and haircuts): 5%-10%

•   Giving (gifts to others and charitable donations): 1%-10%

•   Miscellaneous (any expense you can’t fit in other categories, such as childcare or irregular expenses): 5%-10%

But again, this breakdown is just a starting point. You’re in charge of which expenses matter most to you!


💡 Quick Tip: Make money easy. Enjoy the convenience of managing bills, deposits, transfers from one online bank account with SoFi.

The 50/30/20 Rule

One popular form of proportional budgeting is the 50/30/20 budget rule, originally popularized in All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan, written by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and her daughter, Amelia Warren Tyagi.

Per this rule, you’d divide up your income and spend 50% on needs (essential items) and 30% on wants (nonessential items); and commit 20% to savings and debt repayments beyond the minimum.

Of course, you’d then have to further extrapolate how much of that 50% would go to housing vs. food, for example, and how much of that 30% would go to dining out vs. streaming services.

Also, depending on your financial situation, the 20% allocated to savings and debt repayment may not be enough to meet both of those goals. Many financial planners recommend putting 15% of your pretax income towards retirement (including your contributions and any matching contributions from an employer), along with 5% of your monthly take-home pay for short-term savings goals (like building an emergency fund and going on vacation). That would use up the full 20%, leaving no room for aggressively paying down high-interest debt.

Which is to say, once again, that budget percentages are all about personalization. Which line items do you need to prioritize? Which can you minimize or cut?

How to Make Budget Percentages Work for You

Starting with the guidelines above, you can put budget percentages to work for you to help make your money map more effective … and also to ensure your money is going where you want it to go, rather than allowing it to end up where it will. Odds are, this exercise will be helpful, regardless of which of the different budgeting methods you use.

To start, determine all the categories that need to be accounted for — a list of everything you spend money on each and every month. This will include both necessary costs, like housing and food, as well as wants like entertainment costs, and important financial goals, like retirement savings and debt repayment.

Then you might start with fixed expenses (like your rent or mortgage payment, insurance payments, etc.) and determine what percentage of your overall monthly income they represent. That way, you’ll know how much you can allot for more flexible expenses, like groceries and entertainment.

This exercise will also reveal if you’re regularly overspending on a fixed expense. For instance, if you determine that your housing cost is closer to 50% of your budget than 30%, it might be time to consider getting a roommate, moving to a cheaper area, or boosting income by taking up a side hustle.

You may want to start by determining your budget percentages with your spending as is, and then rejigger the numbers to create a pie chart that will help you achieve your goals.

Maybe you want to spend less on streaming services and save more for travel or devote more of your income to repaying your student loans. It’s all possible with percentages.

Recommended: How to Make a Monthly Budget

The Takeaway

Slicing the pie into budget percentages makes it easier to meet financial goals and can be a major stress-reducer. When you know where your money is going, you don’t have to worry about where it all went. Allocating percentages to your spending and saving categories can help you better manage your money.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

FAQ

What is the 70/20/10 rule money?

The 70/20/10 rule suggests dividing your income into three parts: 70% for living expenses (including essential and nonessential expenses), 20% for savings and investments, and 10% for debt repayment and charitable donations. This rule helps maintain a balanced budget, ensuring you cover essentials, build wealth, and manage debts while also giving back.

How do you determine budget percentages?

To determine budget percentages, first track your income and expenses. Next, categorize expenses into essentials, discretionary spending, and savings. You can then use a budgeting method like the 50/30/20 rule as a guideline. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the percentages based on your financial goals and circumstances.

What is the 50/20/30 rule for your money?

The 50/20/30 rule suggests dividing your income into three parts: 50% for necessities like housing and food, 20% for savings and debt repayment, and 30% for wants and discretionary spending. This rule simplifies budgeting, helping you prioritize essential expenses while saving and enjoying your money.

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

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.

We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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