SoFi

When you close on a home, one of the most important documents you’ll review and sign is your mortgage note. It’s an agreement between you and the lender that outlines the terms and conditions of the mortgage. The document tells you how much and when to pay, and spells out the consequences if you don’t.

What Is a Mortgage Note?

A mortgage note, often referred to as a promissory note, is what you sign when you agree to take on the responsibility of a mortgage. The note outlines:

•   Your interest rate

•   The amount you owe

•   When the payments are due

•   The amount of time it will take to repay the loan

•   How to remit payment

•   Consequences for missed payments

It’s one of the key documents you’ll sign at closing.

Promissory notes also may be used in owner-financed home sales. The buyer and seller sign the document, which contains the loan terms. When a borrower pays the seller directly, the promissory note gives the lender the ability to enforce their rights through a mortgage lien, foreclosure, or eviction.


💡 Quick Tip: SoFi’s Lock and Look ⁺ feature allows you to lock in a low mortgage financing rate for 90 days while you search for the perfect place to call home.

What Is Included in a Mortgage Note?

The mortgage note outlines the conditions and responsibilities of the buyer. You’ll see sections like these in a mortgage note:

•   Borrower’s promise to pay. This section includes the total amount of money you’re borrowing and the name of the lender to whom you will remit payment.

•   Interest. The interest rate charged on the unpaid principal is listed here.

•   Payments. Borrowers agree to pay a monthly amount before or on a specific date. The place where borrowers can remit payment is also listed.

•   Borrower’s right to prepay. This section specifies a borrower’s ability to pay toward the mortgage principal without penalty. (Some lenders charge a fee if you pay off some or all of the principal early. Make sure you understand whether you have the right to prepay without a penalty before you get to the closing table.)

•   Loan charges. All charges by the lender must be legal. Any amounts over the legal limit will be refunded to the buyer or applied to the principal.

•   Borrower’s failure to pay as required. Default is clearly defined for the buyer, as are late charges and what happens in the event of default.

•   Giving of notices. Borrower and lender will have the details of how to contact each other for legal purposes.

•   Obligations of persons under this note. All people listed on the mortgage note are equally responsible for repayment of the loan.

•   Uniform secured note. Buyers are advised that a security instrument is signed in addition to the note that protects the note holder from potential losses by giving them the ability to foreclose in case of default.

How Does a Mortgage Note Work?

A mortgage or promissory note is drawn up by the lender when preparing your mortgage for closing during the underwriting process. This document is what makes the terms and conditions of the mortgage legally binding.

Borrowers will see the mortgage note at closing, though the terms and conditions will be outlined in a closing disclosure provided at least three business days before the closing date. The closing disclosure document can be compared with the loan estimate that was provided at the beginning of the mortgage application process. (This help center for mortgages is useful if you want to understand the entire mortgage process.)

A mortgage note is accompanied by another document, called the mortgage, security instrument, or deed of trust. It restates the terms of the mortgage note and outlines the rights and responsibilities you have as a borrower. As a security instrument, the document specifically gives the lender the right to foreclose on your property if you fail to make payments. Having this right reduces the risk to the lender, which can offer more competitive terms to the borrower in return.

Who Holds the Mortgage Note?

A mortgage note isn’t usually held by the lending institution that originated your loan. Mortgage notes are often sold, and it’s not easy to tell who holds your mortgage note. This is because the loan servicer (the company that sends your mortgage statements and handles day-to-day management of the loan) is usually different from the note holder.

Selling a Mortgage Note

You’ll see in your closing documents a provision that allows the lender to sell the mortgage note. This is common and legal in home contracts and typically occurs soon after the property closes. Lenders sell mortgages on the secondary mortgage market, usually to one of the large federally backed mortgage companies, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. When the mortgages are sold, the lender doesn’t have to keep the mortgage on their balance sheet, which, in turn, allows them to originate more mortgages for other borrowers.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac then bundle mortgages into what is called a mortgage-backed security. Investors around the world (think pension funds, mutual funds, insurance companies, and banks) can buy shares of mortgage-backed securities. The investors will receive steady returns as the mortgages are repaid by individual borrowers.

The loan servicer (which may be your original lender or a separate company) typically continues to service your loan, meaning you’ll send your payment to them. They’ll keep a small portion of your mortgage to cover their costs for servicing your loan while sending the rest to the buyer of your note.

When your mortgage note is sold, the terms of your mortgage won’t change. Your payment, interest rate, and due date will remain the same. If your servicer changes for any reason, you’ll be notified of the new servicer and the new way to remit your mortgage payment.

Different Kinds of Mortgage Notes

There are different types of mortgage loans and different kinds of mortgage notes to accompany them.

Secured Loans

With a secured mortgage note, the mortgage uses collateral to secure the property. The collateral is usually the property itself. A secured loan is usually accompanied by better terms, such as a lower interest rate and a longer repayment period.

Private Loans

Private mortgage notes are secured by private lenders. A seller may own the property outright and act as a private lender, setting their own terms for mortgage loans.

Institutional Loans

Institutional notes are mortgage notes issued by traditional lenders, such as financial institutions or banks. They’re highly regulated. Buyers must meet specific criteria, and the loans must have standard interest rates and repayment terms.


💡 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.

The Takeaway

Understanding your mortgage note and how it works is a critical step in buying and financing a home. You should review the terms of your mortgage well before you arrive at the closing, and it may be helpful to review the details of the mortgage note with a professional, as the note can protect the buyer just as much as the seller.

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

Photo credit: iStock/Chinnapong

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

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

SOHL0124023

The change of seasons often brings on a flurry of cleaning and a home refresh. If you’re looking for some budget-friendly changes that will bring new life to your rooms, we have those for you.

Before you start, try to clear any clutter you may have. If you tend to hoard, begin your refresh by donating or throwing away items you no longer use. You may also want to review this list of home improvements that can increase the value of your home.

Living Room

Whether you’re entertaining guests or just hanging out, your living room should feel inviting and reflect your style, yet also be functional and versatile.

1. Paint

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any living space. Picking neutrals like white or beige ensures a clean and timeless look.

2. Statement furniture

If you don’t have the budget to buy all new furniture, you may want to consider picking one or two new pieces, such as an eye-catching chair or coffee table, that will update your space.

3. Area rug

A quality rug can anchor a room and add a subtle splash of color. It’s also a good idea to make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle high traffic. Adding a rug pad can be worth the additional cost because it feels luxe underfoot and prolongs the life of your rug.

4. Lighting

How you light a room can affect its overall feel. Installing dimmers can enable you to adjust the lighting depending on the mood you’re trying to set. A new floor or table lamps can also allow you to subtly adjust lighting.

5. Clutter containment

If you still have a lot of “stuff” after your initial purge, you may want to consider storing it in decorative receptacles such as woven baskets or a storage ottoman. This is especially useful for kids’ toys.

6. Framing

Buying nice frames to create a gallery on blank walls, or even just to display family photos on a side table, can really personalize your space. Consider a digital photo frame for convenient streaming.

7. Window treatments

Blinds or curtains can add depth to a room. The most affordable option is to buy premade curtains and rods from a home décor store and install them yourself. Measuring carefully is the key to success.

8. Sofa spruce-up

Purchasing a bold couch cover and swapping out your throw pillows can be a quick and inexpensive way to add color and patterns to your space. Toss a blanket over the arm of the sofa for both added texture and warmth.

9. Go green

Plants have always been a simple and effective way to bring life into a space. Good news if you don’t have a green thumb: You can now download an app (Planta is one example) that will help you remember to care for them properly.

10. Switch it up

Looking for a zero-cost home refresh option? You can try rearranging your furniture. Using apps like Modsy for floor plan ideas can help you find options that complement your lifestyle and make the most efficient use of your space.


💡 Quick Tip: Loans typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards. Consider a SoFi home improvement loan to fund your next renovation.

Kitchen

Dreaming about that perfect HGTV kitchen? You can use our calculator to estimate just how much a full remodel may cost you. (Hint: The average cost of a kitchen remodel taps in at more than $50,000.) Never fear: You can still refresh your kitchen with some of the following affordable upgrades — no permits or contractor required.

11. Cabinet facelift

If your cabinets are looking dated, you may want to try putting a fresh coat of paint on them. For an added touch, consider changing out the hardware and installing new handles and drawer pulls.

12. Seat swap

You may want to consider upgrading worn or outdated bar stools in exchange for something sleeker. If purchasing new stools isn’t in your budget, get out your staple gun and try changing the upholstery.

13. Appliance upgrade

If your appliances aren’t working as well as they used to, or they’re nearing the 10 year mark, it may be time to replace them. Although this can get expensive, you can find bargains on bundles, especially during holiday sales, and some outlet stores offer steep discounts on open box appliances.

14. Fill a wall

If you have unused wall space, you may want to consider installing floating shelves for smaller items such as cookbooks, plants, and other knick knacks. Not only will the extra shelving provide more storage in your kitchen, but it can also create an eye catching display.

15. Light it up

For a style update with a big impact, you can look into replacing old lighting fixtures with modern pendants. They come in such a wide variety of styles and price points that there’s something for just about anyone’s taste and budget.

16. Combine decor with utility

It’s easy to warm up a space with an attractive fruit bowl, colorful wall clock, or pretty serving tray. If you’re adding a TV to your kitchen, consider one that will display art or photos when you aren’t watching your favorite shows.

17. Streamline storage

Your storage areas can also be the focus of a spring upgrade. Toss expired foods from your pantry and do a deep clean of your fridge and freezer. If you want to really get organized, consider storing your dry goods and refrigerated items in clear canisters and bins for easy identification and access, and using drawer dividers to separate utensils.

Recommended: Interior Decoration Tips for Furnishing A New Home

Bathroom

In an ideal world, a bathroom remodel would include a new vanity, tile, and hardware. However, even if a demo is more idealistic than realistic, that doesn’t mean this space is out of bounds. Start small with a few less costly changes.

18. Hardware update

Replacing your outdated sink, bath and shower hardware can boost the appeal of just about any bathroom. By adding matching towel racks, door hooks, and vanity knobs and handles, you can achieve a cohesive upgrade that doesn’t break the bank.

19. Target: toilet

If your porcelain throne is starting to show wear and tear, it may be time to replace the lid and seat. You can go all in and buy a new toilet for just a couple hundred dollars, although you will likely need a plumber as well.

20. Mirror modern

If you have a long vanity with two sinks, you may want to consider installing two separate mirrors with bold frames. Mirrors with LED backlighting offer a more modern hotel-like look.

21. Shower showcase

The shower curtain is one of the first things people see when they walk into a bathroom. Introduce a new look by finding a curtain with a cool pattern and adding a new curtain rod and rings.

22. Spa retreat

A bamboo bath mat that’s easy to clean and water-resistant can elevate your space. So can candles or a diffuser. Add attractive shelving — or simply swap in plush new towels — and you’ll instantly create a serene scene that could compete with any day spa.

23. Accessorize

Placing your soap dispenser and toothbrush holder on a decorative tray easily gives your bath a tidy boost. Take a good look at all the personal care products that are visible in your space. Stow unattractive or less frequently used products in drawers and make sure what’s still visible is in attractive containers.

24. Grout out

No budget for new tiles? Put some elbow grease into cleaning the grout on your existing tile floor and walls, or regrout the entire space for a cleaner, brighter look.


💡 Quick Tip: You never know when you might need funds for an unexpected repair or other big bill. So apply for a HELOC (a home equity line of credit) brokered by SoFi today: You’ll help ensure the money will be there when you need it, and at lower interest rates than with most credit cards.

Bedroom

Your bedroom should be your haven after a long day of work, but you don’t need to do a complete bedroom remodel to reap more relaxation. Just make a few changes to create a more peaceful setting.

25. Headboard

For a few hundred dollars, you can find an upholstered headboard that’s both fashionable and easy to assemble. It can create a dramatic difference in your bedroom’s appearance.

26. Paint

It’s pretty easy to refresh your walls over a weekend. If you want to liven up your space with some color, stick with soft hues such as pale blue or gray. For the I-hired-a-decorator feel without the price tag, consider removable wallpaper.

27. New linens

To quickly liven up a boring bed, you can replace old sheets, blankets and pillows. Opt for soothing colors and muted patterns that will create a peaceful sleeping environment.

28. Floors

Whether you have wooden floors or carpet, layering an area rug can help to create a cozy environment. For a luxurious feel, try shag or sheepskin rugs.

29. Lighting

Designing a unique lighting setup doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. You may be able to freshen up your space by installing plug-in sconces (which require no rewiring) on each side of your bed. It can save table space and add decor to your wall.

30. Side tables

For a budget-friendly furniture refresh, just replace your bedside tables. Look for a pair with concealed storage to cut down on the cluttered look.

31. Closet clutter

Custom closets can get expensive very quickly. But you can get your closets under control by installing affordable hanging bars and shelves that not only look good, but help you organize your wardrobe.

32. Floor mirrors

A full-length floor mirror will reflect light and make your room feel bigger — not to mention that it comes in handy when you’re pulling together your daily outfit.

33. Art & photos

Many designers suggest thinking of your walls as a blank canvas to display your style and the people you love. You can achieve this by hanging your favorite photos or artwork in eye-catching frames.

What is Your Home Missing Quiz

The Takeaway

Even small changes can make your home feel new again. Figure out how much you want to spend on your home refresh before you start so you can prioritize which changes are most important to you. Staying within your budget by choosing upgrades that you can do yourself, shopping secondhand stores, and comparing prices carefully.

Inspired to tackle a larger home makeover project? A home improvement loan may be the way to go. SoFi’s no-fee home improvement loan could help you foot the bill of your kitchen reno or bathroom demo, with no collateral required. Plus, it’s possible to get your funds the same day* which can help fast track your remodel.

Learn more about how a home improvement loan can help with your remodel.

Photo credit: iStock/KatarzynaBialasiewicz

^* Same-Day Personal Loan Funding: 82% of typical SoFi Personal Loan applications, excluding Direct Pay Personal Loans and Personal Loan refinance, from January 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023 that were signed before 7pm ET on a business day were funded the same day.

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

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

SOHL0224004

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a mortgage financing program known as VA loans. This is designed to help veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses get financing for a home loan.

When applying for any mortgage, there are additional costs on top of the purchase price of the property. These costs can be complex to figure out for first-time homebuyers, so there are calculators available to help.

A loan closing costs calculator is used to estimate the closing expenses associated with a mortgage loan such as a VA loan. These costs can include appraisal fees, loan origination fees, title and homeowner’s insurance, lawyer’s fees, and property taxes. The calculator takes into account the amount of the loan, the term of the loan, the interest rate, and the purchase price.

This guide will help you understand these costs and also calculate what these expenses might look like for your loan.

Why Use a VA Loan Closing Costs Calculator Table?

A VA loan closing costs calculator is a useful tool for anyone looking into applying for a VA loan. Because, yes, you do pay closing costs with a VA loan.

Although calculators only provide an estimate and not the final closing costs, you can enter the property and loan details and immediately get an idea about the total closing expenses you will be paying if you go through with the loan.

This helps with budgeting, comparing the cost of living in different locations, looking at different properties and loan options, and negotiation. It also helps educate borrowers about the loan process.


💡 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.

How to Calculate Your VA Loan Closing Costs

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or have been through the process before, it can be a good idea to acquaint yourself in advance with the fees you’ll pay when you get a home mortgage. The following are some of the common costs associated with VA loans:

•   VA funding fee: This is a required fee calculated as a percentage of the loan amount. The amount of this fee depends on factors such as the down payment amount and the type of service member applying. Worth noting: This is the one fee that you may be able to roll into the loan vs. pay separately.

Also, some people may be exempt from paying a funding fee, such as those who receive compensation for a service-related disability, among other scenarios.

•   Loan origination fee: This is a fee for processing the loan application (it’s charged by the lender, not the VA) and is generally a percentage of the loan amount. With a VA loan, it typically has a maximum and will not exceed 1% of the loan value.

•   Discount points: These are upfront payments that can be made to reduce the loan’s interest rate. Each percent of the loan amount is equal to one point.

•   Credit report: This is a fee for obtaining a credit report, which is used to determine the borrower’s creditworthiness. Having good credit is just one important part of qualifying for a home loan.

•   Appraisal fee: There is a fee for hiring an appraiser, who determines the value of the property being purchased.

•   Homeowners insurance: This is to secure the property against damage and losses. Borrowers generally pay the first year upfront.

•   Real estate taxes: If there are any unpaid property taxes, some or all may need to be paid at closing.

•   State and local taxes: Some states or cities may impose taxes or property transfer fees.

•   Title insurance: Title insurance protects against issues with the property’s title and is generally required by lenders.

•   Recording fee: This fee covers the cost of recording the mortgage and any related documents with the government.

Worth noting: With VA loans, you can save big because private mortgage insurance (PMI) isn’t required for those putting down less than 20%, as it might be with other kinds of home loans.


💡 Quick Tip: A VA loan can make home buying simple for qualified borrowers. Because the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, you could skip a down payment. Plus, you could qualify for lower interest rates, enjoy lower closing costs, and even bypass mortgage insurance.†

2024 VA Loan Funding Fee Calculator Table

Now that you understand the different fees that may be assessed when you take out a mortgage, take a closer look at what some of these fees look like for a typical VA loan. (Rates may differ for other types of VA loans, such as those for manufactured homes or that are part of the Native American Direct Loan program.)

Examples of VA Loan Closing Costs Calculations

Below are a few examples of closing costs for a VA loan in 2023:

Example 1: First-time homebuyer with no down payment

Loan Amount: $250,000
Down Payment: 0% (No down payment)
Funding Fee: 2.15% (First-time user)
Other Closing Costs: $5,000

Closing Costs Calculation:

Funding fee: $250,000 x 2.15% (0.0215) = $5,375
Other closing costs: $5,000
Total closing costs: $5,375 (funding fee) + $5,000 (other closing costs) = $10,375

Example 2: First-time homebuyer with a 5% down payment

Loan amount: $300,000
Down payment: 5% ($15,000)
Funding fee: 1.50% (first-time user)
Other closing costs: $6,500

Closing Costs Calculation:

Funding fee: ($300,000 – $15,000) x 1.50% (0.0165) = $4,275
Other closing costs: $6,500
Total closing costs: $4,275 (funding fee) + $6,500 (other closing costs) = $10,775

Example 3: Subsequent homebuyer with a 15% down payment

Loan amount: $400,000
Down payment: 15% ($60,000)
Funding fee: 1.25% (subsequent user)
Other closing costs: $7,000

Closing Costs Calculation:

Funding fee: ($400,000 – $60,000) x 1.25% = $4,250
Other closing costs: $7,000
Total closing costs: $4,250 (funding fee) + $7,000 (other closing costs) = $11,250

Recommended: The Cost of Living in California

Reasons to Calculate Your VA Loan Closing Costs First

Calculating VA loan closing costs is beneficial for a few reasons:

1.    Financial planning: Calculating closing costs for a VA loan upfront helps with planning finances and budgeting to make sure you have enough money to afford purchasing a home. It prevents unforeseen expenses and reduces stress throughout the buying process.

2.    Analyze affordability: Knowing closing costs can help you determine whether you can afford a property.

3.    Comparison shopping: Calculating closing expenses also helps with comparing various home mortgage loans so you can choose the terms that work best for you and potentially save money. While VA loans are one option, there are many types of mortgage loan choices that may be a good choice depending on your individual circumstances.

4.    Negotiation: Understanding closing costs provides a starting point for negotiation. Certain fees or terms may be negotiable, and having the knowledge of the starting points provides you, the borrower, with the information needed to get the best deal.

5.    Avoid surprises: Planning ahead can help prevent unforeseen costs that may arise during the closing process. It also allows you to compare the estimate to the final closing costs to make sure they are all accurate.

Recommended: How Long Does It Take to Close on a House?

Tips on How to Save on Your VA Loan Closing Costs

Here are some tips for how to save on VA loan closing costs:

•   Shop around for lenders: Compare closing cost estimates from various lenders by requesting quotations from them all. It’s important to shop around for a mortgage and look into different options to find the best rates and terms.

•   Negotiate with the lender: Don’t hesitate to ask for lower fees and discuss terms. Eligible borrowers with good credit may be able to negotiate loan conditions.

•   Consider seller concessions: In some cases it may be possible to persuade the seller of the home to cover some of the closing costs. Consult with the real estate agent during the negotiation process about this possibility to reduce costs.

•   Utilize VA loan programs and benefits: Take advantage of the benefits offered by the VA loan program. For instance, the VA funding fee can be rolled into the loan amount, and the VA has restrictions on fees which can help keep closing costs down.

•   Consider rate options: Evaluate different interest rate options and the impact they have on closing costs. For instance, a higher interest rate may offer lender credits that can be applied to closing costs. If one intends to live in the house for a long time, this may be a good option.

•   Read the Closing Disclosure (CD) carefully: The final closing costs are listed in the Closing Disclosure document. It’s important to carefully review this document to make sure there are no errors or unforeseen closing costs.

Dream Home Quiz

The Takeaway

VA loan closing costs include the financing fee, credit report fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, and other expenses associated with obtaining a VA loan. It’s important for borrowers to calculate their estimated closing costs in advance to compare loan options, negotiate fees, and prepare themselves financially for buying a home.

It’s also wise to consider a variety of loan options, from the VA or not, to make sure you are getting the right fit for your financial needs.

SoFi offers VA loans with competitive interest rates, no private mortgage insurance, and down payments as low as 0%. Eligible service members, veterans, and survivors may use the benefit multiple times.

FAQ

What is the VA funding fee for 2023?

The VA funding fees for 2023 are, for first use, dependent on your down payment amount: less than 5%, 2.15%; 5% to 10%, 1.5%; and over 10%, 1.25%. After first use, the rates shift to: less than 5%, 3.3%; 5% to 10%, 1.5 %; and move than 10%, 1.25%.

What percentage of closing costs can be included in a VA loan?

There is no specific limit on the percentage of closing costs that can be included in the loan amount, but the VA restricts the types of fees that can be charged. The VA has a “4% rule,” which states that the total allowable closing costs and certain fees paid by the borrower cannot exceed 4% of the loan amount.

What is an example of a VA funding fee?

The VA funding fee is a one-time fee paid by borrowers using a VA loan, and the amount is calculated based on factors such as the loan amount, down payment, and the borrower’s service category. For example, a first-time borrower with a $300,000 loan amount and no down payment may have a funding fee of 2.15%, resulting in a fee of $6,450.

Photo credit: iStock/Ole Schwander

^†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.

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

SoFi 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.

SOHL0623004

A mortgage servicer is a company that manages a home loan; they may send your statement and collect and process your payment every month, as well as provide customer support.

A mortgage servicer is often different from your lender, or the institution that approved your application and loaned you the funds to buy your property.

To help you understand the finer points of mortgage loan servicing, here’s a handy guide to help.

What Is Mortgage Servicing?

A mortgage servicer is the company that manages your mortgage payments. A mortgage servicer is not necessarily the same as a mortgage lender; nor is the company the holder of your mortgage note.

Because of the way the mortgage market works, a servicer is needed to ensure that all the correct parties are paid on time and that any issues with the borrower or the loan are handled properly.


💡 Quick Tip: SoFi’s Lock and Look ⁺ feature allows you to lock in a low mortgage financing rate for 90 days while you search for the perfect place to call home.

How Does Mortgage Servicing Work?

Mortgage servicing begins after you close on your loan. At this point, a servicer may take over from the lender to manage the day-to-day needs of the loan.

The mortgage note likely will have already been sold on the secondary mortgage market to a government-backed home mortgage company such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. These companies then bundle similar mortgage types and sell them as investments.

On the borrower’s side, here’s how it works: One company gives them a loan, one company holds their mortgage note, and yet another company is responsible for taking care of the administrative tasks of the loan (though some borrowers will have the same lender and servicer).

Most borrowers will only see who the company taking care of these tasks is. That’s the mortgage servicer, which collects your payments, responds to your inquiries, and ensures that the proper entities are paid, including the owner of your mortgage note and all parties that need to be paid from your escrow account.

Recommended: What Is Mortgage Underwriting?

Which Parties Are Involved in Mortgage Servicing?

Mortgage servicing has a few layers.

Servicer

The servicer collects payments and sends money to the mortgage note holder and the entities paid from an escrow account for property tax, homeowners insurance, any mortgage insurance premiums, any HOA (homeowners association) dues, etc.

Lender

When it comes to mortgage servicer vs. mortgage lender, the lender originated your loan. It may be the same entity that services your mortgage loan, but the lender also can transfer or sell the rights to service your mortgage. Even if your loan stays with the same company, the person who originated your loan won’t be who you contact when you need to make a payment.

Investor

Investors buy your mortgage when it is bundled with other mortgages of the same type from one of the government-backed home mortgage companies (such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) and some financial institutions. Holders of deed in lieu of foreclosure.

If a homeowner is unable to continue payments and foreclosure is unavoidable, the servicer initiates the process and maintains the property until it is sold.

Maintain Escrow Accounts

Mortgage servicing companies are also responsible for maintaining escrow accounts.

They will take your mortgage payment, which is usually divided into principal and interest that goes to the holder of your mortgage note, and a payment into an escrow account for taxes, insurance, and any mortgage insurance and HOA dues. By maintaining the escrow account, the mortgage servicer can ensure that all the entities are paid on time.

Not all mortgages require an escrow account. Whether a new home loan will require one is among the mortgage questions to ask your lender.

Keep in Touch With Borrowers

In the event a new servicer is secured, the transfer must be done in a timely manner that enables the new servicer to comply with applicable laws and duties to the consumer. Borrowers should receive a letter at least 15 days before the date of the transfer.


💡 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.

Do I Need to Know Who My Mortgage Servicer Is?

Yes, it’s good to have this information. Your mortgage servicer is your primary point of contact for paying back your mortgage. It is essential that you know who your servicer is and where to send your mortgage payments.

It is possible for the rights of servicing your mortgage to be transferred to another company. In this case, the terms of your mortgage won’t change, just the company that administers your mortgage.

Recommended: 6 Simple Ways to Reduce Your Mortgage Payment

How to Find Out Who Your Mortgage Servicer Is

There are several ways to find out who your mortgage servicer is. Here’s where to look:

Billing Statement

At closing, you provided an address where the servicer should send statements. The name and contact information of your mortgage servicer will be included in the statements sent to you. This is how most new homeowners find their servicer’s information.

Payment Coupon Book

In addition to a mortgage statement you’ll receive every month, you’ll also typically be mailed a coupon book at the beginning of your mortgage servicing.

MERS Servicer Identification System

The MERS® Servicer ID is a free service where you can find the name of your servicer or mortgage note holder. You can call 888-679-6377 or input your information online .

To find your servicer with this system, you’ll need to provide one of these three things:

•   Property address

•   Borrower name and Social Security number

•   The unique mortgage identification number

The Takeaway

A mortgage servicer handles the day-to-day management of a mortgage, sending out statements and collecting payments, for instance. They are an important part of making sure a home loan runs smoothly.

Before mortgage servicing is even a thought, you’ll need to find a mortgage. And that means finding the right lender.

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

FAQ

Why do I need a mortgage servicing company?

A mortgage servicing company ensures that your payments get to the right parties. Many mortgages are not held by the lending institutions that originated them; instead, they’re sold as investments on the secondary mortgage market.

Can my mortgage servicer change?

Yes. Your mortgage servicer may transfer the mortgage servicing rights for your loan to another company. Your old servicer generally should send a notice at least 15 days before the transfer of the servicing rights.

Is my mortgage servicer different from the lender?

Often, yes. Your mortgage servicer can be the same company as the one that originated your loan, but it’s not unusual for another servicer to take over the management of payments.

Photo credit: iStock/LaylaBird

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

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

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

SOHL0124031

If you’re on the fast track to buying a home, you’ve probably come across a lot of different players in the game, including mortgage lenders and mortgage servicers. There are some important differences between a mortgage servicer and mortgage lender.

A mortgage lender is the lending institution that originates your mortgage. The loan officer you work with on your home loan is a representative of the lender. But once the papers are signed, the lender is no longer your primary point of contact. That role falls to the mortgage servicer, which is the institution responsible for administering your loan.

What Is a Mortgage Lender?

A mortgage lender is the financial institution that funds your mortgage. The lender serves as your primary point of contact during underwriting while your mortgage heads toward the closing table.

Once your home mortgage loan closes, the servicing of the loan may be handled by a different entity. It may be the same company (for example, Wells Fargo both originates and services home loans), but you may have a different mortgage servicer, which will issue your mortgage statements.

What Do Mortgage Lenders Do?

Mortgage lenders guide borrowers through the entire financing process. In a nutshell, mortgage lenders:

•   Help borrowers choose a home loan

•   Take the mortgage application

•   Process the loan

•   Draw up loan documents

•   Fund the mortgage

•   Close the loan

After shopping for a mortgage and obtaining mortgage preapproval, you choose a lender.

Your mortgage lender helps you compare mortgage rates and different mortgage types to find one that may be right for you.The lender also answers any mortgage questions you may have.

Your lender will also fund the mortgage and close the loan. After your loan has been funded, it may be transferred to a mortgage servicer.

What Is a Mortgage Servicer?

A mortgage servicer is a company that receives installment payments for a mortgage loan. It is responsible for administering the day-to-day tasks of the loan, which include sending statements, keeping track of principal and interest, monitoring an escrow account, and taking care of any serious concerns that may occur.

A mortgage servicer may or may not be the same company as your mortgage lender. The rights to service your loan can be transferred to another company. When this happens, your mortgage terms will remain the same, but you’ll send your mortgage payment to the new servicer.

What Do Mortgage Servicers Do?

The main role of a mortgage service is to collect your payment and ensure that the different parts of your payment (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, and mortgage insurance, if applicable) make it to the proper entity.

The mortgage servicer will forward principal and interest to the investor (or holder of your mortgage note). Taxes collected and stored in the escrow account will go to the taxing entity when they are due, the insurance premium will be paid to the homeowners insurance company, and the mortgage insurance payment will be forwarded.

The mortgage servicer’s main duties are:

•   Managing and tracking borrowers’ monthly payments

•   Managing borrowers’ escrow accounts

•   Generating tax forms showing how much interest borrowers paid each year

•   Helping borrowers resolve problems, such as with mortgage relief programs

•   Initiating foreclosure if the borrower defaults

•   Performing loss mitigation to prevent foreclosure (in some cases)

•   Processing requests to cancel mortgage insurance

Mortgage servicers also have the responsibility of preserving properties that are in distress. Should a hardship befall borrowers and they need to vacate the property, the servicer must step in to take care of the property while it’s in foreclosure proceedings.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

Differences Between a Mortgage Servicer and a Mortgage Lender

To summarize, these are some of the major differences between a mortgage lender and a mortgage servicer.

The Takeaway

Both the mortgage lender and mortgage servicer play an important role in the home-buying process but at different times. The lender will guide you in applying for and obtaining a mortgage. The mortgage servicer will assist in your everyday needs with the mortgage. So your first step on your home-financing journey is to find a mortgage lender.

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 are the four types of mortgage lenders?

Banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, and individual homeowners all lend money for home mortgages.

What is the difference between a mortgage servicer and investor?

A mortgage servicer is responsible for the day-to-day administration of a loan. A mortgage investor is the person or entity that owns the mortgage note. The investor may be the originator, but it’s more likely that the investor owns a mortgage-backed security. A mortgage investor has no active role in the administration of the actual loan.

How do I find out who my servicer is?

You should receive monthly statements that will have information on who your servicer is and where you can send payment. You can also find out who your mortgage servicer is by calling 888-679-6377 or going to www.mers-servicerid.org/sis, which has the current servicer and note owner information for loans registered on the MERS® System.

Can I change my mortgage loan servicer?

You cannot change your mortgage loan servicer unless you refinance your mortgage. Servicing of your mortgage, however, can be transferred to another loan servicer without your consent.

What happens when my loan moves to a new servicer?

If your loan has been transferred to a new servicer, the new company will send you a letter and you will need to send your monthly payments to them. The terms of the original loan will never change, no matter who the servicer is.

Photo credit: iStock/MicroStockHub

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

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

SOHL-Q224-1903402-V1