Jan
10
2025
Your 2022 Tax Season Prep List

Tax Preparation Checklist 2025: Documents You Need to Gather

By | Budgeting & Goals, money | Comments Off on Tax Preparation Checklist 2025: Documents You Need to Gather

Yes, it’s that time again: Tax Day is approaching. When April 15th rolls around, it’s the deadline for filing returns.

This isn’t a task you want to leave for the night before. Taxes can be complex, and it can be time-consuming to complete even a fairly simple return. Preparing in advance can be an excellent idea.

Whether you plan to file on your own or use a professional tax service, you will need to gather a number of forms and documents. This checklist will help you pull together the information and paperwork you need to make the process go that much more smoothly.

The Basics of Filing Taxes

In a nutshell, filing your taxes tracks your income, taxes already deducted during the year, any credits and deductions, and other factors that impact what you may owe.

Below, you’ll learn about what documents you need to file your income taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) collects taxes from any business or individual that receives a regular monthly income. There are currently seven different tax brackets that divide individuals according to their annual earnings.

Of course, each person’s situation is unique, with different earnings, deductions, and circumstances that may impact how much they owe (or get refunded, in some cases). You can explore an in-depth guide to the 2025 tax season for more details, but now, consider the information you’ll need to collect before you can finalize your return.

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Personal Information

First on your tax prep checklist is to gather some basic information about yourself and (if applicable) your spouse and children. This includes:

•   Your Social Security or tax ID number

•   Your spouse’s Social Security or tax ID number and birthdate

•   Any identity protection PINs issued to you or family members by the IRS

•   Your bank account number and routing number for the deposit of any refund you may be due or payment you owe, it you choose to pay that way

•   Any foreign residency and reporting details, if that applies to you.

Dependents’ Information

If you have dependents, you’ll want to gather similar details about them, as above. The IRS defines a dependent as a qualifying child (who is either under age 19 or under age 24 if they’re a full-time student), or could be any age if considered to be permanently disabled. A qualifying relative can be a relative (say, a sibling or parent) who, if they have income, does not provide more than half of their own annual support. (One note: A spouse cannot be claimed as a dependent.)

In addition to dates of birth and Social Security or tax ID numbers, you will need records of child care expenses (and providers’ tax ID numbers), if applicable; details of earnings of dependents; and potentially form 8332 relating to custodial agreements for children, as needed. (You’ll learn a bit more about possible family-related tax deductions and credits below.)

Sources of Income

Next on the tax preparation checklist is to gather paperwork about your sources of income. Typically, this means W-2 and/or 1099 tax forms.

•   For full-time employees, this will often be a W-2 form.

•   For those who are self-employed (such as freelance and contract workers), 1099s will be needed. These are forms that document payment of funds from different entities.

•   If you received payments for goods and services from an app or online platform, you might receive a 1099-K form if your earnings cross a certain threshold.

•   If you received unemployment compensation (or any state or local income tax refunds), you’ll want to make sure you have a 1099-G reflecting these earnings.

•   If you’ve earned interest or dividends, or sold investments, you will want to collect your 1099 forms that track these amounts.

•   You will also need to pull together any 1099 forms that document Social Security or income from a pension, IRA, or annuity.

•   Other forms of income will need to be accounted for as well, including jury duty, pay, prizes, awards, gambling winnings, trust income, passive income (such as earnings on a rental property you own), and royalties, among others.

Types of Deductions

Now that you’ve covered what you earned on the tax document checklist, it’s important to track possible deductions, which can lower your tax burden. Essentially, when you take a deduction, you lower the amount of income that will be taxed.

Many of these deductions will involve 1098 documents. Here are some of the more common tax deductions possible:

•   Medical expenses: You may be able to deduct some medical expenses, so it’s wise to gather records of how much you paid. If your medical bills exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, and you choose to itemize your deductions (rather than take the standard deduction), you may be able to deduct some of these expenses.

•   IRA contributions: You may be able to deduct your contributions to a traditional individual retirement account (IRA). However, the deduction may be limited if you or your spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work and your income exceeds a certain level.

•   Mortgage and property Taxes: You may be able to deduct your property taxes and the interest you paid on your mortgage if you itemize, so be sure to gather your paperwork related to homeownership.

•   Charitable donations: If you itemize, you may be able to deduct any money or items you donated to a charity from your taxable income.

•   Car expenses: If you’re self-employed and use your car exclusively or partially for work, you may be able to write off all or some of your car expenses.

•   Educational expenses: Student loan interest (up to $2,500) is tax deductible. If you are self-employed, you may be able to deduct education expenses, provided the education improves your business or is required by law.

•   Home office costs: If you’re self-employed, you may be able to deduct expenses related to maintaining a home office.

•   State, local, and sales taxes: If you itemize, you may be able to deduct the state and local general sales tax you paid during the year, or the state and local income tax you paid during the year.

Tax Credits

Before you wrap up your tax prep checklist, you’ll want to collect any paperwork that could help you snag tax credits. As for deductions vs. tax credits, a deduction lowers your taxable income, while a credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar deduction in your tax liability. So if you can claim a $2,500 credit, that means your taxes owed are reduced by $2,500.

Here’s a look at some credits that can help you save on your taxes.

Student Credits

You may want to look into the following:

•   American opportunity tax credit: You may be able to receive up to $2,500 as a credit for qualifying educational expenses during the first four years of higher education.

•   Lifetime learning credit: You may be able to receive up to $2,000 per year as a credit for qualifying tuition and expenses.

Family and Dependent Credits

Consider whether you are eligible for the:

•   Child tax credit: This is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17.

•   Child and dependent care credit: If you needed child or dependent care in order to work, you may be able to get back some of your expenses with this credit.

•   Earned income tax credit (EITC): For low- to middle-income workers, the EITC could be from $632 to $7,830, depending on qualifying factors.

•   Adoption credit: If an adoption was finalized in 2024, the adoptive parents may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $16,810.

Homeowner Credits

•   Home energy tax credits: You might be able to take a credit of up to 30% on the costs of clean, renewable energy systems/equipment for your home, up to a limit.

Missed Deadline Penalties

Here’s another reason to prioritize this tax preparation checklist: If you don’t have your documents gathered and your return prepared, you might file late…or not be filing at all.

There are various penalties involved if you don’t make the filing deadline and/or you don’t pay the taxes you owe on time. Here’s how they break down:

•   If you owe taxes and don’t file on time, the penalty is 5% of taxes owed for every month your return is late. The penalty won’t exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes.

•   If you file more than 60 days after the filing due date, the minimum penalty is $510 (for 2024 tax returns filed in 2025) or 100% of your unpaid tax, whichever is less.

•   If you file your taxes (or request an extension) on time but don’t pay the taxes you owe, the late payment penalty is 0.5% of taxes owed for every month the payment is late. The penalty won’t exceed 25% of your unpaid taxes.

•   For any months in which both the late-payment and late-filing penalties apply, the late-filing penalty is reduced by 0.5% to 4.5%.

Interest also accrues on unpaid taxes, adding to the cost. Since all of this can cost you money and create considerable stress, it’s a good idea to get a head start so you have your tax prep documents together and can file on time.

The Takeaway

Filing taxes can be complicated and require gathering various forms and figures. It’s wise to start early and collect information related to your income, dependents, and possible deductions and credits.

Additionally, being prepared in advance to receive any refunds or make any potential subsequent tax payments is important. It can be wise to have a checking and savings account that earns you interest while making it simple to track your cash.

​​

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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 3.80% APY, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives. If your APY is not showing as 3.80%, 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 3.80% APY from the date you contact SoFi for the rest of the current 30-day Evaluation Period. You will also be eligible for 3.80% APY on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

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SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Eligible Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving an Eligible Direct Deposit or receipt of $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 3.80% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Eligible Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

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Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://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 Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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.

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Jan
10
2025
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House? A Guide to Home Building Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Build a House? A Guide to Home Building Costs

By | Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on How Much Does It Cost to Build a House? A Guide to Home Building Costs

If you’re in the market for a home, the thought of building your own house may have crossed your mind. Not only does building your own home take you out of the rat race of bidding for a home in a seller’s market, but you get the luxury of building your dream house to spec.

Building a home comes with a multitude of costs, including labor, materials, and land. The costs of all of these elements have risen in recent years along with everything else. The good news is that inflation slowed in 2023 and is expected to continue easing in 2024.

Let’s dive into how much you can expect to spend on building a home today.

Average Cost of Building a House

The cost to build a house (not including land) can range anywhere from $42,000 to $900,000-plus depending on the type and size of the house, where you build it, and how you choose to customize the home. On average, it costs around $329,000 to build a house in the U.S.

When calculating how much it will cost to build a house, you’ll want to consider how many bedrooms you’ll need, since this will impact the square footage and ultimate cost.

On average, building a new house costs $150 per square foot. Here’s a look at the average cost of building a house based on size.

Home Size Average Cost to Build
800 – 1,500 square feet (2 bedrooms) $122,000
1,000 – 2,500 square feet (3 bedrooms) $147,000
1,900 – 2,600 square feet (4 bedrooms) $285,000
2,500 – 3,500 square feet (5 bedrooms) $375,000




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Typical Costs Associated With Building a Home

The lion’s share of your home building expenses will consist of land, labor, and materials. And, depending on market conditions when you decide to build a home, these costs can vary widely. Building a home can take many months and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. In most cases, these expenses aren’t paid out in one lump sum, and you’ll find yourself having to budget over several months.

If you’re thinking of building a house and want to figure out how to properly allocate your funding over the life of the construction project, it’s a good idea to split the home construction project into individual segments. For ease of understanding, we’ve split construction costs into three phases:

•   Preparation costs

•   Construction costs

•   Post-construction costs

Preparation Costs

Preconstruction costs include the land, the initial costs to assemble a team for the construction project, and fees for permits and reviews that must be completed before you’re approved to proceed.

This phase can take several weeks to months. The timing will usually depend on the time to obtain all zoning and permit approvals as well as the availability of contractors.

Purchasing the Land

Before you can build a home you’ll typically need to buy a plot of land, which can range anywhere from $3,000 to $150,000 depending on the size of the lot and the location.

If you already own the land where you want to build the house, you’ll save a significant amount of the total cost of your new home build.

Water & Sewer Inspection

Local ordinances will require professional inspections of water and sewer lines before you break ground. Not only is this mandatory, but it’s also a good idea to ensure that everything is in good working order to avoid costly future problems with your water and sewer lines.

Getting utility connections professionally inspected can run around $8,400.

Architect and Home Planning Fees

Hiring an architect to create a plan for your home can run around 10% of the total cost to build the home. The cost can range anywhere from $2,000 and $20,000 depending on the complexity of your intended home and the local market. Homebuyers interested in smaller or simpler home plans can cut costs by buying pre-designed stock blueprints for as little as $500 or considering a prefabricated home.

Getting Permits & Approvals

Building a new home requires a building permit and other approvals. The cost of obtaining a building permit varies widely but averages from $1,200 to $2,000, depending on your municipality.

Getting the proper permits and zoning approvals is usually one of the most time-consuming parts of the home-building process. Working with your construction team to obtain these permits as early as possible will help to avoid delays.

Recommended: How Long Does It Take to Build a House?

Construction Costs

Construction costs encompass all the expenses of breaking ground, constructing the framework, and erecting the structure, as well as paying for all the materials and labor.

Erecting the structure and ensuring that all of the utilities are hooked up can take months, depending on how complex your home plan is. To mitigate the possibility of delays, most home construction projects begin in the spring and (ideally) plan to wrap up before the end of fall.

Excavating and Laying the Foundation

If the land hasn’t already been prepared for building, you’ll need to have it cleared, or excavated. This can cost around $2,300. After that, the crew can lay the foundation, which can be as simple as a concrete slab or involve building out a basement, which increases the cost. On average, a foundation costs around $4 per square foot. The average foundation for a new home runs around $8,900.

Putting Up the Frame

The frame of your home makes up its skeletal structure and is vital to its structural integrity. Framing costs will vary widely based on the size of the property, choice of materials, and the market costs for obtaining the materials.

On average, you can expect to pay between $7 and $16 per square foot for framing. The average cost to frame a new house ranges from $20,000 to $50,000.

Installing Electrical

The average cost of installing an electrical system in a new home ranges between $7,000 and $13,000.

This includes the cost of hiring licensed electricians, having them install wiring, outlets, switches, and electrical panels throughout your new home to code. The cost depends on your area, the power needs of your home, and whether you choose to install any bells and whistles like backup generators or solar panels.

Installing Plumbing

The average cost of installing a plumbing system in a new home ranges from $1,500 to $17,500.

Licensed plumbers will install piping throughout your home and connect it to the public water and sewer system. Like the rest of your construction expenses, your plumbing expenses will vary depending on the size of your property. It will also depend on how many water hookups you’ll need, the plumbing materials used (PVC pipes cost much less than copper), and the water capacity of the system you choose to install.

Recommended: 12 Ways to Reduce Your Water Bill and Save Money

Installing HVAC System

Installing a new heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system in your home can run anywhere from $5,000 to $34,000. The cost of a system that can adequately heat your house during the winter and cool it during the summer can vary widely. Generally the larger your home, the more expensive your system is likely to be.

Installing the Insulation, Drywall, and Flooring

Insulation, drywall, and flooring can significantly add to the cost of building a home. These costs break down as follows:

•   Insulation: $3,000 to $10,000

•   Drywall: $2.25 per square foot or $15,550 on average

•   Flooring: $1 per square foot for synthetic materials (like laminate); $10-plus per square foot or for natural solid hardwood plank

Proper insulation of your home will go a long way toward ensuring that it retains heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer. Installing drywall and flooring gives shape to your home and a canvas with which you can begin to paint.

Expect costs for all three services to fluctuate with the size and location of your home. While drywall costs remain fairly consistent, insulation and flooring costs can vary by geography. If you choose to go with tiles and hardwood flooring in sections of your home, expect to pay a premium for it, especially when compared with linoleum or vinyl.

Roofing

The installation of a brand-new roof costs an average of $8,500, but will depend on the type of roofing material you choose. The standard roofing material is asphalt shingles, which costs around $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot (including installation).

Doors, Windows, and Finishing the Exterior

Finishing the exterior of your new home involves installing siding, trim, windows, and doors. We’ve broken down these average costs as follows.

•   Doors: $250 (interior doors); $400 to $3,500 (exterior doors)

•   Windows: $150 to $1,500 (depending on the style and window type)

•   Exterior siding: $2 to $9 per square foot

•   Trim: $1,500

Single-pane windows and doors with cheap weather stripping are more likely to leak cold air in the winter, contributing to higher heating bills. Expect to pay extra for solid timber doors, double-paned windows, and high-tech garage door systems.

Post-Construction

Now that you’ve got your structure in place, it’s time to install the cosmetic finishes that will make your home shine. This includes paint, appliances, lighting, and home fixtures.

This stage is your chance to brand your home with a personality of its own.

Kitchen, Bathroom, & Light Fixtures

Plumbing fixtures include sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, and faucets, and all together can run you around $5,000. Lighting fixtures for a new home can range anywhere from $2,000 to $12,000.

These expenses can vary based on the size of your home, how many bathrooms you have, and the quality and materials of your chosen fixtures.

Painting

The cost of labor and paint required to finish the interior of a new home will depend on the size of the home and whether you choose to paint the interior of your home yourself or hire painters. If you opt to DIY, you could spend as little as $300. If you hire a professional, the cost to paint a house could run as high as $28,000 for a large home with a lot of molding and trim.

Keep in mind that higher-quality paint is usually thicker and lasts longer than cheaper brands.

Countertops and Cabinets

Costs of countertops and cabinets can range from $100 to $1,230 per linear foot depending on materials, quality, and finish.

Expect to pay up for premium options like granite countertops and kitchen islands when compared with basic materials like wood, concrete, and composite. You’ll also typically pay more for custom products than you will for stock items.

Appliances

Appliances like cooking ranges, refrigerators, and washing machines/dryers can cost $3,000 to $15,000-plus total depending on the features you want for each machine.

Just a refrigerator can cost as little as $500 for a basic unit to upwards to $12,000 for a commercial-grade model designed for residential homes. The installation of these machines is fairly straightforward, so expect most of the costs to be for the appliances themselves.

Recommended: Are Home Warranties Worth It?

Landscaping

Landscaping work for a brand-new home costs an average of $8,200.

These costs will need to be paid if you don’t want your property to sit on top of a dirt patch. Ground will need to be moved and your lawn will need to be properly seeded to ensure that it comes in green and even in the spring. These costs can be higher still if you want to add flower beds, new trees, or hedgerows.

If you want the help of a landscape architect to create an outdoor space with curb appeal, expect to pay $70 to $150 per hour.

Driveway

Putting in a new driveway can cost about $4,400. This expense can vary, however, depending on the size of your driveway and whether you opt for gravel or paved. A gravel driveway may cost one-third of what a fully paved driveway costs.

Other Factors That Can Affect the Cost of Building a House

There are a number of additional factors you’ll want to keep in mind when building a home, as they may influence your input costs and long-term home value. They include your chosen area, the size of the house, and market temperature and trends.

Real Estate Trends

These are market-driven trends that you have little to no control over as a homebuyer. They include mortgage rates, the balance between home supply and demand in your area, and the general direction of home prices near you.

Overall, rising mortgage rates tend to hurt demand, as higher rates increase borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers. Your borrowing costs could rise as well if your home building project gets delayed.

Demand and home prices in your area will affect land values as well as the potential growth in your home’s value after you complete construction. Rising home values may drive up the expense of your home building project, and indirectly drive up land costs in your area.


💡 Quick Tip: To see a house in person, particularly in a tight or expensive market, you may need to show the real estate agent proof that you’re preapproved for a mortgage. SoFi’s online application makes the process simple.

Living Expenses and Emergency Costs

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an owner-built home can take nearly 12 months to complete. While you’ll likely have budgeted your home building costs over that period, make sure to factor in your living expenses as well.

You’ll need to ensure you’ve budgeted enough to feed and house your family for months, with money to spare, should the build be delayed. Construction projects can be delayed for any number of reasons; uncooperative weather is a common one.

In some instances, things like spikes in fuel costs and construction materials can cause unexpected budget increases, particularly if you’re planning on building in a particularly remote area. Getting work crews and building materials out there can cost time and money; expect to be billed for that time.

If you’re hoping to buy and sell at the same time, that takes strategy and timing.

Explore SoFi’s Home Financing Options

Building a home is the ultimate way to get what you want in a dream home. SoFi does not issue construction loans but does offer construction to permanent financing when the property is complete.

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

SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house?

It depends on where you live. Building from scratch can be cheaper in areas where home prices have remained stubbornly high. In some regions, however, buying is more affordable than building.

The states where you can save by building tend to be the West and South Atlantic. In the Midwest, on the other hand, you may be better off buying an existing home than building from scratch.

What’s the lowest possible amount I can use to build a house?

This depends on the location you choose and the cost of labor and materials in your area. You might be able to build a simple tiny house or repurposed shipping container for under $50,000. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll need land to build on, which can cost more than that, as well as all building permits (which can cost up to $3,000).

Is it possible to get a loan to build a house?

Yes, some mortgage lenders offer construction loans to build a house from scratch. With this type of loan, money is usually advanced incrementally during construction, as the home-building project progresses. Typically, you only pay interest during the construction period. Once the construction is over, the loan amount becomes due, and it is converted into a regular mortgage.

Photo credit: iStock/Bouillante

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


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



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

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Jan
09
2025

The Pros & Cons of Thematic ETFs

By | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing | Comments Off on The Pros & Cons of Thematic ETFs

Thematic ETFs are a subset of exchange-traded funds that allow investors to make targeted investments on a specific trend or industry. ETF providers have used them to cover a wide range of topics in recent years, allowing investors to use them to gain exposure to themes as wide-ranging as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, gender equality, and even pet care.

But some market observers warn that some thematic ETFs can be too narrow in their focus for some investors’ tastes, while also allowing them to make targeted investments; so, there may be trade-offs. As such, investors who are interested in investing in thematic ETFs would be wise to do their homework before making the leap. Here’s a deeper dive into thematic ETFs and the pros and cons of including them in an investor’s portfolio.

Key Points

•   Thematic ETFs target specific trends or industries, offering investors exposure to niche market sectors.

•   They can capture societal or technological trends, providing quick access to related companies.

•   Thematic ETFs may underperform broader markets and carry higher costs.

•   They offer strategic benefits by allowing targeted investments with some diversification.

•   Investors should research thematic ETFs thoroughly due to their narrow focus and potential risks.

What’s a Thematic ETF?

ETFs, or exchange-traded funds, are securities that bundle many assets into one product, so when an investor purchases a share of an ETF, it gives them exposure to all the holdings in that fund. They’re similar to mutual funds, but ETFs are listed on an exchange, so they can be bought or sold at any time of the trading day. Thematic ETFs, then, invest in securities that focus on a single theme, concept, or industry.

Over the years, interest in thematic ETFs has increased as more retail investors have entered the stock market and gravitated towards niche sectors that represent technological or societal shifts.

This flexibility is one of the benefits of ETFs, along with the ability to diversify at a low cost. Traditional ETFs tend to be inexpensive and track some of the broadest, well-known benchmarks in the world, like the S&P 500.

In contrast, thematic ETFs tend to group stocks in a much more targeted way, grouping similar companies together, for example, to give investors exposure to a more narrow subset of the overall market.

Types of Thematic ETFs

There are myriad types of thematic ETFs, and in most cases, there’s likely a thematic ETF on the market that matches an investor’s interest or investment strategy, no matter how niche. But if you wanted to try and narrow things down and silo thematic ETFs at least to some degree, you could classify the different types of thematic ETFs as those focused on technology and innovation, urbanization, environmentally-focused, next-generation economies, or those focused on demographic shifts. Within those main categories, there would be dozens of sub-categories and further down, even more specific themes.

Why Invest in Thematic ETFs?

Thematic ETFs allow an investor to gain exposure to emerging technologies, like cloud computing, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, blockchain tech, or even robotics. It’s perhaps the wide range of options that makes thematic ETFs attractive to some investors.

But the basic vehicle of an ETF can also have some big advantages for investors. That is, ETFs have a built-in degree of diversification, which can help many investors get an out-of-the-box element of risk mitigation in their portfolios — though it’s important to understand the risk of these investments, as well. It’s important to note that diversification may be limited, however, as ETFs often hold securities from the same sector, which have the same focus, etc. So, depending on the ETF, the level of diversification may vary.

Further, ETFs are also relatively easy to trade, and can be purchased or sold on the stock market similar to shares of a company.

Strategic Benefits

On a more granular level, there may be some strategic benefits for investors to investing in thematic ETFs. In short, thematic ETFs can allow investors to make relatively targeted investments in specific areas of interest (again, such as particular industries) while also benefiting from a degree of diversification within those areas of interest. In other words, an investor interested in investing in aerospace may buy shares of aerospace companies to scratch their itch – or, they can buy shares of aerospace-focused ETFs, which should help diversify their holdings within the aerospace industry.

While there are some strategic benefits to investing in thematic ETFs, there are still some broader pros and cons to thematic ETFs for investors to consider.

Pros of Investing In Thematic ETFs

There can be benefits to investing in thematic ETFs, as well as potential downsides. Here are some of the potential pros:

•   Buying a thematic ETF can make it convenient to invest in a specific sector or trend an investor is interested in. For instance, instead of buying a number of companies in a niche space that appears to be growing, an investor can simply buy an ETF.

•   Thematic ETFs can capture interesting societal or technological trends, giving investors quick access to a group of companies representing such changes.

Cons of Investing In Thematic ETFs

There can also be downsides of thematic ETFs too:

•   Thematic ETFs may be narrow in their focus and have fewer assets. And many may be relatively new to the market, meaning they don’t have much of a track record. This makes it more likely that they could close as well.

•   Part of the reason many of these thematic ETFs may end up performing poorly is because sometimes by the time the ETF hits the market, the theme has already experienced its 15 minutes of fame. In other words: a fad has faded away.

•   There’s evidence that thematic ETFs tend to underperform the broader market.

•   Costs for thematic ETFs may also be higher, so investors might pay higher fees.

Are Thematic ETFs a Long-Term Investment?

It’s difficult to say if thematic ETFs are designed specifically for long-term investing. In fact, thematic ETFs may be used as a part of a long-term investment strategy, but it’ll ultimately depend on the specific fund an investor is looking at, their portfolio needs, their goals, and what they’re hoping to see in terms of returns over a prolonged period of time. It’s always important to keep the risks specific to thematic ETFs in mind, however, before making any sort of investment – long, or short-term.

How to Choose a Thematic ETF

It can be very helpful to users to read the ETF prospectuses to make sure they understand the products they are putting money into. Investors can also do more research into the specific companies the ETF is invested in.

Timely themes, which might tap into current market movements, often start out strong but may drop off (and fast). Frequently, the ETF that lands on the market first can have a big first-mover advantage — and end up being the go-to ETF for that theme.

Investors often consider the costs of the fund and what kinds of returns it’s had. Past performance is not necessarily a good predictor of future returns, but it may still provide a sense of its volatility.

Thematic Investing Trends to Watch in 2025

It can be difficult to nail down which specific trends investors may want to keep an eye on at any given time, since trends do, by definition, come and go. But if there were a few areas of interest that may be worth keeping an eye on in the years ahead, it may be technology related to artificial intelligence, precious metals such as copper, and ESG=related investments, such as development of renewable and clean energy.

The Takeaway

Thematic ETFs move away from the original tenets of index investing, which focused on providing very broad exposure to an asset class or sector. Instead, thematic funds instead allow investors to wager on niche, trendy market sectors. They’ve been popular because they allow for very targeted wagers on technological or societal trends people see around them.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

For a limited time, opening and funding an Active Invest account gives you the opportunity to get up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

FAQ

Are thematic ETFs worth it?

Thematic ETFs may be worth it to certain investors who are looking to make more targeted ETF investments in specific industries or themes. Ultimately, it all comes down to the preferences and goals of the individual investor.

What types of sectors do thematic ETFs typically focus on?

There may not be a theme, sector, or industry that thematic ETFs “typically” focus on, as there are a diverse number of themes that each ETF can focus on. In that sense, there isn’t really a “typical” thematic ETF.

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SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
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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.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Investors should carefully consider the information contained in the prospectus, which contains the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other relevant information. You may obtain a prospectus from the Fund company’s website or by email customer service at https://sofi.app.link/investchat. Please read the prospectus carefully prior to investing.
Shares of ETFs must be bought and sold at market price, which can vary significantly from the Fund’s net asset value (NAV). Investment returns are subject to market volatility and shares may be worth more or less their original value when redeemed. The diversification of an ETF will not protect against loss. An ETF may not achieve its stated investment objective. Rebalancing and other activities within the fund may be subject to tax consequences.
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2025
5 Home Improvement Scams & How to Avoid Them

5 Common Home Improvement Scams & How to Avoid Them

By | Home Ownership, mortgage | Comments Off on 5 Common Home Improvement Scams & How to Avoid Them

As demand for home improvement work has kept up at a steady pace, so has the rate of home improvement fraud. Bringing a stranger into your home can be a leap of faith, especially if you haven’t done all your homework. Knowing the signs of home improvement fraud may keep you from becoming the next victim of a home repair scam.

What Is a Home Improvement Scam?

A home improvement scam occurs when a company or contractor — or a con artist posing as one — tries to swindle a homeowner out of money in exchange for a renovation or remodel that goes unfinished or is botched.

Many times home improvement scammers go door to door in search of their next victims. With the average cost of a home remodel in the upper tens of thousands of dollars, there is a lot of money at stake. A rule of thumb: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.


💡 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.

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Questions? Call (888)-541-0398.

Examples of Home Improvement Scams

There are many kinds of home improvement scams out there. Seniors have been the most targeted group, but people of all ages need to stay alert to these common frauds.

The ‘Free’ Inspection

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch” holds true when it comes to someone showing up on your doorstep and offering a free inspection. What’s their end game?

The Better Business Bureau reports that scammers and con artists will talk their way into a home to, say, inspect a roof, then cause damage like tearing off shingles to create a situation that actually then does require repairs.

Advertising by Flyer

Handymen often blanket communities with flyers in the hopes that a small percentage of people will call. It’s a good idea to treat such random distributions in your neighborhood as a sign to double-check credentials and legitimacy.

You may also find this a common occurrence after a storm if you live in a location prone to hurricanes or tornadoes. It would be smart to do your research before signing over your insurance check to someone who drops off a flyer.

Door-to-Door Contractors

If a contractor knocks on your door claiming to have leftover supplies from another project and offers you services for a steal, that’s a red flag. While the door-to-door salesman might be a real contractor, anyone going door to door to solicit business is likely not a professional who is in demand.

The Handshake Deal

No contract? No job. Homeowners should always have an ironclad contract in place before any money is exchanged. And if a contractor asks for cash, that’s a potential sign of a scammer (or at least someone looking to avoid the IRS).

Likewise, the contractor should not ask for more money than was decided on in the initial contract and scope of work. Claiming unexpected problems is a sign of a potential scam or an inexperienced contractor.

If there are potential variables in the project, you might want to spell out in the contract that extra work will require a change order, that is, both parties will agree to the additional work and an added fee.

If you’ve arranged for a home improvement loan or other financing, predictability comes in handy.

No-Credential Contractors

Many states don’t require a credential from a contractor if the amount of their annual work is below a certain dollar figure. While it’s unusual for a home improvement company or individual to not have credentials, it’s not unprecedented.

In general, it’s wise to treat non-credentialed contractors with a healthy awareness that they potentially aren’t serious businesspeople.


💡 Quick Tip: Lowering your monthly payments with a mortgage refinance from SoFi can help you find money to pay down other debt, build your rainy-day fund, or put more into your 401(k).

How to Avoid a Home Improvement Scam

While home repair scams are good to know about — especially if you’ve bought a fixer-upper — it’s also important to realize that not every contractor falls into that category, of course. If you take these tips into account, you’ll help yourself avoid a home improvement scam down the road.

Consider Only Contractors Who Are Licensed and Insured

It’s always smart to work with only licensed professionals who are insured, but in this case especially, a contractor who has their own license and insurance is likely not to be a scammer.

One way to get a background check on a contractor candidate is by calling the Better Business Bureau and requesting their rating, as well as asking if there are any complaints against them.

Get Recommendations From People You Trust

One way to avoid getting scammed is by working with contractors who come highly recommended by your friends, family, colleagues, or acquaintances. It’s always a gamble hiring a worker you find via online sources, so the more personal ties you have to contractors — like connections to those who have actually hired them in the past — the less likely it is that you’ll fall victim to a scam.

Get Multiple Estimates

For any construction or remodel project, you’ll want to solicit bids. Usually a minimum of three bids will give you an idea of the price range for your home improvement ideas.

By getting estimates from various professional contractors, you’re less likely to get scammed by someone trying to take advantage of you because, say, you live in a high-dollar neighborhood or drive a nice car. You can also use a home improvement cost calculator to help you estimate what the cost of your project should be.

Read the Contract Carefully

One of the easiest ways to be taken advantage of in any project is by not reading the contract in detail. If the contract is only one page long and doesn’t spell out the basics like budget, deposit, timing, or how to handle change orders, you’re setting yourself up for potential issues as money starts changing hands and construction begins.

And if there are areas of concern in the contract the contractor gives you, you might consider hiring a lawyer to review it and make any necessary revisions for you.

The Takeaway

Stay alert to home repair scams by getting referrals, asking contractors for references, reading all contracts meticulously, and only hiring professionals who provide you with proof that they are licensed and insured.

SoFi now partners with Spring EQ to offer flexible HELOCs. Our HELOC options allow you to access up to 90% of your home’s value, or $500,000, at competitively lower rates. And the application process is quick and convenient.

Unlock your home’s value with a home equity line of credit brokered by SoFi.

FAQ

What to do if you get scammed by a contractor?

If you do find yourself the victim of a home repair scam, there are many organizations you could call for help. You might want to start with your local branch of the FBI, then submit a scam tip to the National Consumers League fraud website. Additionally, you can lodge a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and consult Call for Action, a nonprofit that advocates for consumers by investigating fraudulent contractors.

What should you not say to a contractor?

Agreeing to a large deposit without a commitment to start work is a common mistake. It’s also important to let the contractor know that you’ll be expecting certain benchmarks to be met as the project continues.

Can I withhold payment from a contractor?

If a contractor does not uphold their side of the contract, you can often legally withhold payment until the full scope of work is completed as outlined in the signed agreement.

How much of a deposit should you give a contractor?

A deposit of 10% to 25% is common for a construction project. Certain states may have home improvement laws that, for example, prohibit a contractor from taking more than one-third of the job payment as a deposit upfront.

Photo credit: iStock/SeventyFour

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


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



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

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


Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.


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

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10 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid & 6 Smart Moves to Make

By | Financial Independence, Home Ownership, mortgage | No Comments

Buying a house for the first time is a major life moment, both emotionally and financially. For many people, it’s the biggest investment they will ever make. With the median price of a house hitting $436,800 in 2023 (ka-ching), it’s not a purchase to be made lightly.

If you’re buying your first home, you may expect it to be the same as those quick, fun-and-done experiences portrayed on reality TV shows. In truth, however, it’s a process with a steep learning curve and many moving parts, from figuring out your home-shopping budget to satisfying your final mortgage contingencies. There can be minor hiccups and major missteps along the way.

There are so many things to know as a first-time homebuyer, it’s better to educate yourself in advance rather than learn as you go. To that end, this guide will cover the 10 most common first-time homebuyer mistakes to avoid, including:

•   Not knowing how much house you can afford

•   Failing to include other factors, like insurance and repairs, in your budget

•   Waiving an inspection because you’ve found your dream house

10 Home-Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Home-buying mistakes are easy to make, especially when buying a house for the first time. Review these 10 common first-time homebuyer mistakes before searching for your dream home — so you can ensure you’ll avoid them.

Home-Buying Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting to Check Your Credit

When’s the last time you checked your credit? It’s absolutely crucial to know your credit score when buying a house.

Why? You may not qualify for a mortgage if your credit score is too low. For most types of mortgage loans, you’ll need a 620, though lenders also consider other factors, like your down payment and your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. You’ll get better rates if you wait to apply for a mortgage until your score is 740 or above.

The lesson? Don’t let a low credit score rule out buying your first home, but if it’s on the lower side, maybe consider taking some time to build your credit score before shopping for a house.

Recommended: Tips for Buying a House with Bad Credit

2. Not Being Realistic About What You Can Afford

Before you start looking at listings online or working with a real estate agent — and certainly before you try to get preapproved for a mortgage — calculate how much house you can afford.

Once you know the number, avoid looking at houses above your limit. In an April 2024 SoFi survey of 500 potential homebuyers, 54% of those whose home budget was $500,000 or more had a household income of less than $100,000 — hinting that at least some buyers have unrealistic expectations of what they can afford.

So how do you calculate how much house you can afford? There are a few easy methods:

•   DTI: Think about your debt-to-income ratio (your debts divided by your gross income). When adding a monthly mortgage payment into your current DTI calculation, the percentage shouldn’t pass 43%. That’s typically the highest ratio mortgage lenders will accept.

•   28/36 rule: With this method, your max mortgage payment should be 28% of your gross income, and your total debts — mortgage and otherwise — should be no more than 36% of your gross income.

•   35/45 rule: Spend no more than 35% of your gross income on debt and no more than 45% of your after-tax income on debt.

•   25% after-tax rule: After adjusting for taxes, your mortgage should not account for more than 25% of your income.



💡 Quick Tip: You deserve a more zen mortgage. SoFi Mortgage Loan Officers are dedicated to closing your loan on time — backed by a $5,000 guarantee offer.‡

3. Putting Too Much or Too Little Down

In their eagerness to become homeowners, many first-time buyers make the mistake of going overboard and directing every bit of money they have to the purchase. (A notable 14% of potential homebuyers in SoFi’s survey said not having saved enough for a down payment was the biggest challenge they are facing.)

If you have to drain your emergency savings to manage the down payment on a home, you might want to dial down the amount or wait and save up a bit more. Consider what could happen if the home needs a costly repair or, worse, if you or someone in your family suddenly has an expensive medical bill. That’s a good example of when to use an emergency fund.

Conventional wisdom says to put 20% down (and it does help you to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). But with housing costs so high, that’s all but impossible for most homebuyers. Instead, focus on the minimum down payments required for the type of loan you’re considering:

•   Conventional loan: As low as 3%

•   FHA loan: As low as 3.5%

•   VA loan: As low as 0%

Remember, though, that if you put down very little, you’ll need to borrow more. Your monthly payments will be higher, and you could pay more interest over the life of the loan.

4. Forgetting About Homeowners Insurance and Property Taxes

Your monthly mortgage loan payment is more than just the cost of your home. You’ll also need to cover the cost of homeowners insurance and property taxes, which are often paid into an escrow account. Depending on the type of mortgage and how much you’ve paid, you may also have to pay for PMI. Together, these all increase your monthly payment — sometimes substantially. (Indeed, in SoFi’s survey of potential homeowners, 46% of respondents were concerned about property tax costs.)

When you look at a home, the real estate agent should be able to show you property tax history so you can get an idea of what you’d pay each year. You can also work with an insurance agent to simulate insurance quotes for various homes you’re considering.

Property taxes will change from year to year, and you can always change your homeowners insurance to lower the cost, even if you pay for it through the escrow account. It may be a good idea to bundle home and auto policies together to take advantage of a discount.

Recommended: How Much Homeowners Insurance Do You Need?

First-time homebuyers can
prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan,
with as little as 3% down.

Questions? Call (888)-541-0398.

5. Failing to Budget for Home Repairs and Maintenance

Forgetting to budget for homeowners insurance and property taxes is one of the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes — but those expenses aren’t the only ones people forget to budget for when buying a house for the first time.

If you’ve been accustomed to calling a landlord whenever something breaks in a rental, reset your expectations. Now, you’ll have to take care of basic home maintenance — like replacing air filters, cleaning the gutter, resealing wood decks, and cleaning the chimney — and repairs. When the air conditioner is blowing hot air, the oven stops working, or your roof starts leaking, you’re on the hook for the repairs.

Some issues may be covered by homeowners insurance (but there’s still a deductible!), but other issues caused by general wear and tear are solely your responsibility. And then there are other possible costs, like higher utility bills and homeowners association fees, that can eat into your budget.

6. Not Hiring a Qualified Home Inspector

It may be tempting to waive the home inspection when you’re trying to buy the home of your dreams — especially if you have some stiff competition to be the winning bidder for an in-demand property.

Sorry to say, this is a risky strategy. A home inspection might reveal critical information about the condition of a home and its systems, from electrical problems to hidden mold; from a failing septic system to a leaky roof. What you learn in an inspection could reveal that your dream home is actually a money pit.

What’s more, your inspection report might serve as a useful negotiating tool: You could use it to ask for repairs or to work out a better price from the seller. And if you really aren’t happy with the inspection results, you may be able to use it to cancel the offer to buy.

And in the grand scheme of things, an inspection isn’t too expensive. The average home inspection costs $300 to $500.

Recommended: The Ultimate Home Inspection Checklist

7. Overlooking the Neighborhood and Surrounding Area

You may have fallen in love with a specific home, but when you buy a house, you’re also buying the neighborhood that comes with it, so to speak.

How are the surrounding properties maintained? Do the people seem friendly? If you have kids or are planning on having them, do you see other families with young children? How are the schools in the area? What’s the traffic like? How’s the noise level? What restaurants and stores are nearby?

Think about your ideal community — and then try to find a dream home in that type of community.

8. Letting Your Emotions Get the Best of You

Buying your first home or any home thereafter can be a roller coaster, so it’s important to prepare yourself psychologically as well as financially. If you’ve ever talked to someone buying a house, you know there are potential pitfalls all through the purchasing process.

You might fall in love with the perfect house and find it’s way over your budget. You might get annoyed with the sellers or their real estate agent, especially during the negotiation process. You might disagree with your partner about priorities.

All of these scenarios can cause a person to behave emotionally. It might make you want to walk away from a great deal. It might lead you to barrel ahead with a purchase, even when warning lights are flashing.

Our advice to a first-time homebuyer? Recognizing that this will be a challenging and, at times, stressful process (especially because you are new to it), take a deep breath, and proceed calmly. Find tools that help you move ahead with patience and a sense of calm, best as you can. With your eye on the prize — namely, your first home — you’ll get there.

Recommended: Improving Your Relationship With Money

9. Not Considering Future Resale Value

Houses are more than a place to live — they’re an investment. While you certainly want to prioritize buying a home you’ll be happy in, it’s also a good idea to think about how much the property might be worth in five, 10, 15 years and beyond.

It’s impossible to predict the market, but you can feel more confident about strong future resale value by choosing a house with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a well-appointed kitchen, and a yard. Other features, like a finished basement or a garage, may also make it easier to sell the home in the future.

10. Not Having an Emergency Fund

One of the basic tenets of personal finance is building an emergency fund. And here’s some blunt advice for first-time homebuyers: You’re going to need an emergency fund.

House emergencies can happen at any time: A tree falls on your roof, a toilet starts to leak, your dog destroys the carpet, you name it. Having money socked away to cover these expenses is crucial when buying a home.

Dream Home Quiz

6 Smart Moves for First-Time Homebuyers

We’ve covered some of the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes, so let’s shift gear to smart moves you can make when buying your first home.

1. Get Paperwork Moving ASAP

What do first-time homebuyers need when getting a mortgage? Here are some of the most common docs to start putting together:

•   Proof of income: Lenders will often want to see two months’ worth of pay stubs or bank statements that confirm your income. They’ll also want your tax returns from the previous two years.

•   Proof of funds: To take you seriously, lenders want to know you have enough money to cover a down payment and closing costs.

•   Proof of identification: This could include a government ID, a passport, or your driver’s license.

Early in the process, you can furnish this basic information to get prequalified at various lenders. They’ll also run a credit check during the prequalification process.

Being prequalified simply allows lenders to give you an idea of what types of mortgages (fixed rate vs. variable rate, 15-year vs. 30-year, etc.) you might get approved for. It’s not a promise of approval, but it does help set expectations as you start to browse listings.


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

2. Check Out First-Time Homebuyer Programs

It’s wise to shop around for a few different mortgage quotes, but it would be a rookie mistake to overlook some great, government-sponsored programs that make buying a house more affordable. These include:

•   FHA loans: These mortgages are designed for those with low to moderate incomes. They typically offer low down-payment requirements, low interest rates, and the ability to get approval even if you have a fair credit score.

•   USDA loans: These provide affordable mortgages to those with a lower income who are planning on buying a home in a qualifying rural area.

•   VA loans: These mortgages help those on active military duty, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. If you can check one of those boxes, you may be eligible for a home loan with no down payment requirement and no PMI.

3. Consider Additional Costs Beyond the Mortgage

As we’ve discussed above, the actual monthly house payment is not your only cost. Your full mortgage payment includes property taxes, homeowners insurance, and, potentially, PMI.

But before you even get to the point of making monthly payments, consider these upfront costs of buying a house:

•   Closing costs, which are traditionally paid for by the buyer.

•   Home inspections, which we highly recommend.

•   Moving costs, whether just renting a truck or hiring movers.

4. Get Preapproved

Mortgage prequalification isn’t a commitment for the lender or buyer — it’s just a first step. If you appear to meet a lender’s standards, you could move on to the preapproval stage.

Getting preapproved for a home loan involves submitting additional income and asset documentation for a more in-depth review of your finances.

Once the lender approves these aspects of your loan application, you’ll receive a conditional commitment for a designated loan amount — called a preapproval letter — and have a better idea of what your loan terms will be.

Mortgage preapproval can help demonstrate to sellers that you’ve completed the first step in getting a mortgage because your credit, income, and assets have already been reviewed by an underwriter. This can smooth the bidding process and could give you an edge over others in a competitive situation with multiple offers.

Recommended: How Long is a Mortgage Preapproval Good For?

5. Choose the Right Type of Mortgage

You may qualify for various types of mortgage loans. Spend some time researching the different types so you have a better understanding of how they’ll impact your payments for the next several decades.

For instance, you’ll want to know the difference between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). You’ll also want to understand how a 15-year term affects your monthly payments when compared to a 30-year term — but also how a longer term increases the amount you’ll pay in interest.

Other mortgage types to understand include:

•   Conventional loans vs. government-issued loans

•   Conforming vs. nonconforming loans

•   Reverse mortgages, jumbo mortgages, and interest-only mortgages

6. Shop Around for the Best Mortgage Rates

Finally, remember that you don’t have to go with the first mortgage offer you get. It’s worth your while to get multiple offers so you can compare interest rates, down payment requirements, terms, and more.

The Takeaway

Buying a house for the first time can be a stressful experience, but remember: At the end of it all, you’ll have a place you can call yours. You’ll build equity over time, and the house may increase in value. Just make sure you research the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes so you know how to avoid them.

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


SoFi Mortgages: simple, smart, and so affordable.

FAQ

What are some common mistakes first-time homebuyers make?

Some common home-buying mistakes for first-time homebuyers include forgetting to check (and improve) their credit, not calculating how much home they can actually afford, and forgetting to consider additional expenses, like inspections, homeowners insurance, property taxes, closing costs, and increased utilities. First-timers may also forget to consider the neighborhood as a whole or the future resale of the home.

What are the two largest obstacles for first-time homebuyers?

Two large obstacles for first-time homebuyers include rising housing prices and credit score requirements. Those who don’t already have equity in a current home may have more trouble coming up with a down payment on a new home. First-time homebuyers may also lack the credit score needed to get the best possible rate on a new mortgage.

What are three common mortgage mistakes?

Three common mortgage mistakes are 1) buying up to the limit you’re approved for rather than calculating how much you’re comfortable paying; 2) skipping the home inspection to expedite the process or make your offer more appealing to buyers; and 3) not considering related expenses you’ll have to budget for, including homeowners insurance, property taxes, and repairs and maintenance.

What are the most common mistakes that homebuyers make?

Homebuyers make a number of common mistakes, such as making an unnecessarily large down payment, forgetting to budget for related costs, buying more house than they can afford, and not shopping around for the best mortgage loans.


*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 On-Time Close Guarantee: If all conditions of the Guarantee are met, and your loan does not close on or before the closing date on your purchase contract accepted by SoFi, and the delay is due to SoFi, SoFi will give you a credit toward closing costs or additional expenses caused by the delay in closing of up to $10,000.^ The following terms and conditions apply. This Guarantee is available only for loan applications submitted after 04/01/2024. Please discuss terms of this Guarantee with your loan officer. The mortgage must be a purchase transaction that is approved and funded by SoFi. This Guarantee does not apply to loans to purchase bank-owned properties or short-sale transactions. To qualify for the Guarantee, you must: (1) Sign up for access to SoFi’s online portal and upload all requested documents, (2) Submit documents requested by SoFi within 5 business days of the initial request and all additional doc requests within 2 business days (3) Submit an executed purchase contract on an eligible property with the closing date at least 25 calendar days from the receipt of executed Intent to Proceed and receipt of credit card deposit for an appraisal (30 days for VA loans; 40 days for Jumbo loans), (4) Lock your loan rate and satisfy all loan requirements and conditions at least 5 business days prior to your closing date as confirmed with your loan officer, and (5) Pay for and schedule an appraisal within 48 hours of the appraiser first contacting you by phone or email. This Guarantee will not be paid if any delays to closing are attributable to: a) the borrower(s), a third party, the seller or any other factors outside of SoFi control; b) if the information provided by the borrower(s) on the loan application could not be verified or was inaccurate or insufficient; c) attempting to fulfill federal/state regulatory requirements and/or agency guidelines; d) or the closing date is missed due to acts of God outside the control of SoFi. SoFi may change or terminate this offer at any time without notice to you. *To redeem the Guarantee if conditions met, see documentation provided by loan officer.
Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

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


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


Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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