Do you know the return on investment (ROI) of your renovation project?
Some renovations can make your home more valuable. However, other projects may provide very little or no return. If you’re investing in a home renovation in hopes of recouping that money when you sell, it’s important to research and plan ahead before you begin to ensure you’re spending your money wisely.
Home renovation projects of all types are on the rise. In a recent study, 55% of homeowners reported renovating a part of their home in the past year.
But how many of these homeowners will see a return on their investment?
It depends. Getting a full recoup of remodeling costs isn’t very likely. And while smaller DIY projects probably won’t break the bank, homeowners should address whether a project is worth its weight in salt — especially before diving into large-scale remodels.
Keep in mind, though, that you can still potentially increase your home’s equity even if you don’t fully recoup the cost of certain improvements. Equity is the difference between your home’s current market value and the amount you owe on your mortgage. A home upgrade that doesn’t fully pay for itself dollar-for-dollar in terms of increased home value may still boost your home’s overall market value, thereby increasing your equity.
10 Home Improvements That Add Value
A way to determine whether a home improvement makes sense is to look at a project’s cost vs. its value assessment. This resulting renovation-to-resale value assessment number, “cost recouped,” can then be used to rank the financial benefit of comparable projects across the country.
Take a look at these popular home improvement projects and their ROI values. You may be surprised at what tops the list.
HVAC Conversion | Electrification
Job Cost: $17,747
Resale Value: $18,366
Cost Recouped: 103.5%
Garage Door Replacement
Job Cost: $4,302
Resale Value: $4,418
Cost Recouped: 102.7%
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Job Cost: $10,925
Resale Value: $11,177
Cost Recouped: 102.3%
Entry Door Replacement | Steel
Job Cost: $2,214
Resale Value: $2,235
Cost Recouped: 100.9%
Siding Replacement | Vinyl
Job Cost: $16,348
Resale Value: $15,485
Cost Recouped: 94.7%
Siding Replacement | Fiber-Cement
Job Cost: $19,361
Resale Value: $17,129
Cost Recouped: 88.5%
Minor Kitchen Remodel | Midrange
Job Cost: $26,790
Resale Value: $22,963
Cost Recouped: 85.7%
Window Replacement | Vinyl
Job Cost: $20,091
Resale Value: $13,766
Cost Recouped: 68.5%
Bath Remodel | Midrange
Job Cost: $24,606
Resale Value: $16,413
Cost Recouped: 66.7%
Window Replacement | Wood
Job Cost: $24,376
Resale Value: $14,912
Cost Recouped: 61.2%
Source
Pre-Renovation Checklist
Long before you start tearing down walls or ripping up floors, you should consider the following:
Have you budgeted for the renovation costs?
Is the remodel a temporary fix or a long-term lifestyle change?
How long do you plan to live in the home?
Can you afford the renovation without recouping a full or near-full ROI?
How long will the renovation last?
Will the improvements add value to your home equity?
Still unsure if your project is worth the cost? Here’s a more in-depth look at the questions above.
Don’t Guesstimate Your Renovation Budget
No matter how much you try to nail down a renovation budget, there will likely be unforeseen costs along the way. Plan ahead by getting a clear view of how much you can spend.
Talk to contractors, compare their rates and get your priorities in check. It’s easy to spring for granite countertops over laminate when you’re visiting the showroom, but if you need to rewire your electrical system to install the new kitchen appliances later, you might need more funds.
Quick Fix or Lifestyle Upgrade?
While the size of a project is largely dependent on budget, in some cases, a quick-fix repair may cost more money over time than a large-scale renovation that solves a major headache.
For example, if mold is growing on your first-floor ceiling due to a leak in an upstairs shower, you may consider replacing the grout as a short-term, low-cost solution. However, you should have the house inspected to determine the best way to address the issue — mold can be a more extensive problem than first meets the eye. Depending on the damage, you may need to completely redo the tile, drain and pipes and you could require professional mold remediation.
Getting professional advice now will help you pass an inspection later in case you decide to sell.
Will You Stay — A Forever Home or Prepping for a Sale?
If you’re preparing to put your home on the market, ensure your renovations appeal to buyers. One of the biggest misconceptions among homeowners is that major home improvements equate to more money in the final sale. That’s not always the case. If you’re planning to stay in your home for several years, make sure you can realistically live with the changes long term.
Research Your Project’s Regional ROI
It’s essential to consider the value of renovations in your region — not just on a national scale. In colder climates, energy efficiency projects may reap more value, while a swimming pool may dissuade buyers. On the other hand, in warmer regions, a pool may attract buyers to your home.
Adding additional rooms or square footage is one of the most impactful ways to increase your home’s value. An appraiser will be able to compare your home to those in your area who fall into the larger square footage category. Additional space can be used as an office, playroom or entertainment area, making it a worthwhile investment.
Considerations of Living Onsite While Renovating
Home improvement projects can get stressful and can’t always be completed over the weekend. Be sure to plan a realistic project timeline and make arrangements to get through the renovation chaos. With major renovations, it’s often pragmatic to set aside funds. If you’ll have to spend several hours away from home while the contractors complete their work, you may need to stay overnight in a hotel or plan a fun day out.
Also, be aware that when renovating or doing major construction on your home, you will be unable to refinance during that time. This is because an appraisal is typically required, and the home must be in safe and functional condition.
Increased Home Equity Benefits
Sometimes, home improvement projects solely benefit you — and that’s OK! Increasing your home’s value has several benefits. If you’re staying in your home, you might be able to apply the equity to secure a home equity line of credit (HELOC), a home equity loan (HEL) or even a cash-out refinance to help pay off debts, pay for college tuition or purchase a new car, for example.
If your home is on the market, your home improvements could help it sell faster and for more money. However, keep in mind that if you want to attract investors, most require a home listing to be off the market for a certain period of time before they can consider investing in it. Typically, this time ranges anywhere from six months to a year, even if the home was only listed on the market for one day.
Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to making home improvements, too often, homeowners rely on instinct rather than research to decide which projects to embark on. So, while converting the garage to an extra bedroom might seem like a good idea, the inconvenience of street parking isn’t likely to entice a potential homebuyer anytime soon.
Some other remodeling mistakes to avoid:
Underestimating project costs. It’s important to fully understand your project’s size, scope and complexity. Consider the supplies, skilled professionals, inspections and permits that may be required, and any systems, such as electrical or plumbing, that will be affected and impact your costs.
Not anticipating issues. Things don’t always go according to plan. Ensure you have a buffer of funds to manage unexpected issues that may arise.
Having an unrealistic timeline. Major gut renovations can take months to design and build, which leads to higher labor costs. Can you live in your home through the renovation if it takes longer than anticipated? Do you have a contingency plan?
Not doing your research. If you want to enhance your home’s resale value, do your homework to ensure your upgrades will help you maximize your investment.
Don’t Rely on Reality TV for Ideas
Did you know that one of the most valuable home investments is adding fiberglass insulation to a home’s attic?
Probably not. But watching contractors stuff the ceiling with insulation on popular home improvement shows just isn’t as interesting as watching designers discuss the layout of a total kitchen overhaul, complete with high-end fixtures, granite countertops and top-of-the-line commercial-grade appliances.
An overly pricey, sophisticated kitchen may backfire once a home is back on the market. A minor kitchen remodel, on the other hand, such as painting the cupboards or replacing laminate flooring with ceramic tiling, not only provides a more cost-effective solution for homeowners, but may also yield a higher return on their investment. Painting kitchen cabinets is an inexpensive cost to a homeowner because they can be painted on-site instead of at a warehouse and then shipped.
Make Your Home Improvement Plan
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer with a growing family or a near-retiree looking to sell and downsize, it’s important to understand which home improvement projects make the most sense for you.
If you’re renovating with ROI in mind, consider how prospective homebuyers will view your interior, exterior, outdoor space and landscaping. Focus on projects that improve your home’s functionality and appeal to a wide range of buyers. And remember, even relatively small renovations can still increase your home’s value and equity.
Talk to a real estate agent to get their guidance on which projects may have the biggest impact on your home’s value. If you’re ready to begin your next exciting remodeling project, inquire about a home equity loan that turns your current home equity into cash. Reach out to a Pennymac Loan Expert and find the option that’s right for you.
Your first home has served you well, but now you’re ready to move on. What can you expect as a second-time homebuyer? Whether it’s been years or decades since you bought your home, you’ll find some aspects of the home buying process similar and others quite different.
With this guide, you’ll dive into the world of second-time home buying so you can feel confident taking the next step in your homeownership journey.
Defining a Second-Time Homebuyer
So, who exactly is a second-time homebuyer? A second-time homebuyer is someone who has previously owned a home and is purchasing another one. They may be moving with the desire to upsize, downsize, relocate or enhance their lifestyle. Or they may be interested in buying an investment property or vacation home.
Benefits of Being a Second-Time Homebuyer
Second-time homebuyers enjoy several advantages, including the following:
They may have a clearer understanding of the home buying process.
The sale of their current home may provide a source of down payment funds on their second home.
They may have a more established financial situation and credit history, potentially increasing their loan options.
When Are You Considered a First-Time Homebuyer Again?
It’s important to note that not all previous homeowners are considered second-time homebuyers. If you’re applying for a conventional loan, you could qualify as a first-time homebuyer if you meet the following criteria:
You have not owned a principal residence in the last 3 years.
You have not owned a home jointly as a married couple within the last 3 years (if you owned a home but your spouse hasn’t, you can still qualify).
You’re a single parent who has only owned a house with a former spouse while married.
You have only owned property prior to applying that didn’t comply with building codes.
You have only owned property that didn’t have a permanent foundation.
First-time homebuyer status could give you access to certain programs that offer closing cost aid, down payment assistance, tax benefits and other types of support.
If you currently have a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan, you may be able to take out another FHA loan for a new primary residence.
The Mortgage Process
The mortgage process for a second-time homebuyer generally follows the same steps as a first-time homebuyer. As with your first mortgage, a lender will evaluate the following during the underwriting process:
Credit score
Liquid reserves
Available funds for down payment
Proof of income
However, if you haven’t applied for a mortgage within the last 15 years, you may notice some differences:
Depending on the loan program, the credit score requirements may be more stringent.
More documentation may be required.
There may be more rigorous underwriting practices to evaluate a borrower’s creditworthiness, financial stability and ability to repay the loan.
Much of the application process can be conveniently conducted entirely online.
Potential for No Down Payment
While most mortgages require a down payment, you may qualify for a zero-down payment VA loan if you’re a veteran, service member or military family. With a VA loan, there are:
No down payment on home purchase loans*
Lower closing cost limits
Lower interest rates
Relaxed credit requirements
No monthly mortgage insurance premiums
Already have a VA loan for your first home? As long as your new home will be your primary residence, you may be eligible for another VA purchase loan.
Keep in mind that the less you put down, the greater your monthly mortgage payment will be, and you’ll be paying more in interest over the long term.
Selling Your Current Home and Buying a New One
While it is common to sell your current home and buy your new one simultaneously, you may choose to do one transaction before the other.
Selling Before Buying Pros and Cons
Most people choose to sell before buying, which offers the following benefits:
You can access the equity and any profits from your current home to buy your next home, without having to include a contingency clause.
A contingency clause in the purchase contract allows you to back out of a contract if the sale of your current home doesn’t go through within a specified timeframe.
Coordinating this can be tricky, however. If your home fails to sell, your new home closing may be affected.
You won’t be responsible for paying two mortgages at once.
You can take your time negotiating with prospective homebuyers.
There are a few drawbacks to be aware of, including:
You’ll require temporary housing and storage.
Interest rates could rise as you search for your new perfect place.
You’ll need to pay for moving costs twice, once to your temporary home and storage, and again to the new home.
Buying Before Selling
If you choose to buy your new home before selling your current one, you will:
Avoid paying for temporary housing or an expensive storage unit
Usually have up to 60 days after closing to move in, so you can take your time furnishing and remodeling
Be able to act fast when you find your ideal home
Some of the disadvantages of taking this route include:
If your current home doesn’t sell quickly, you run the risk of having to carry two mortgages at the same time.
Purchasing a new home while carrying your current loan without selling makes it extremely difficult to qualify for a mortgage. Since you are carrying two mortgages, your debt-to-income ratio can be very high.
Other home expenses, such as property taxes, utilities, homeowners insurance and often costly homeowners association (HOA) dues, will also continue until you sell.
You won’t be able to use your home’s sale proceeds for your purchase and may need other financing, such as a bridge loan or home equity loan.
Best Practices on How to Sell Your House
Whether you sell or buy first, you’ll need to get your current home market-ready. Here are some best practices and tips for home-selling success.
Research the housing market. The housing market plays a significant role in the home-selling process. It impacts your pricing strategy, potential time on the market, competition and negotiating power.
For example, in a buyer’s market, homes tend to remain listed for longer and may sell at a lower price. This is great for you as a buyer but not as a seller. You’ll want to price your house competitively, make necessary repairs and stage your home to attract buyers. You may also need to offer buyer incentives, such as paying for some closing costs.
On the other hand, during a seller’s market, strong demand for homes can create bidding-war conditions. You may attract eager buyers willing to pay a premium for your home. Plus, you may sell quickly, providing the down payment funds to purchase your new home soon.
Find a reputable and licensed real estate agent. While you may have used a real estate agent to find your first home, hiring one to sell your current house is a good idea. Selling a home involves many moving parts, and a real estate agent can guide you through the process. They are knowledgeable about market conditions, marketing, negotiating and the steps required to achieve a positive outcome.
Locate a lender. Secure an experienced lender that can help you with your mortgage once you’re ready to purchase a new home. You’ll want to find one that offers a range of loans and competitive rates, as well as a written commitment to lend you a specific amount of money, subject to certain conditions. This type of certification, such as a Pennymac BuyerReady Certification,* demonstrates that you are a serious buyer and can give you the confidence that you’ll be able to obtain the funding you need.
Deep clean, declutter and stage your home. Present your home in its best light by deep cleaning, decluttering and staging. These three steps enhance the visual appeal of your home, create a welcoming atmosphere and allow buyers to envision their belongings in the space.
Make repairs and updates. Potential buyers will be looking for a home in good condition. Make sure your exterior and landscaping are well maintained. Fix broken fixtures, give walls a fresh coat of paint and verify your plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems are all working properly. Consider getting a home inspection before putting your home on the market to identify priority projects. Your real estate agent is also an excellent resource for determining which repairs and updates you should focus on.
The Home Buying Process the Second Time Around
The second-time home buying and mortgage process is similar to that of a first-time homebuyer. You’ll need to:
Prepare financially
Search and find a property
Make an offer and negotiate
Get a home inspection
Finalize the mortgage
Close and move in
But while the process is basically the same, some other factors, such as those below, may have changed and will influence your next home purchase.
Financial Aspects to Consider
As you navigate the second-time buying process, take into account the following financial considerations:
Shifted market conditions. The real estate market might have changed dramatically since your first home purchase. For example, if you purchased your current home in a buyer’s market, you perhaps had a lot of options and negotiating power. If it’s a seller’s market now, you might encounter tight inventory. Listed homes will sell rapidly, and you may need to be prepared to pay more and forego contingencies to get the home you want.
Your financial situation. How has your financial status evolved over the years? Has your income increased? What expenses do you have now that you didn’t have when you bought your home? Your current financial health will play a role in what loans you will qualify for.
Mortgage underwriting changes. Over the past 15 years, mortgage qualifications have become more stringent and interest rates may have changed significantly. However, if your financial circumstances have improved, you may have increased financing opportunities.
Down Payments and Benefits
As a second-time homebuyer, you can take advantage of all that equity you have built over the years and put it toward your new home. After closing, you’ll receive the proceeds from your home sale minus any outstanding mortgage balances and transaction costs. You can use those proceeds, as well as any additional savings, for a down payment.
Exploring Second-Time Homebuyer Programs
While there are many programs to help first-time homebuyers, there are some that assist individuals in purchasing their second home. Visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or a local government website to explore options in your area. And remember, if you meet first-time homebuyer criteria, don’t rule out first-time homebuyer programs.
In terms of mortgages, second-time homebuyers have numerous options, including conventional, FHA and VA loans. A Pennymac Loan Expert can help you compare loans and work with you to find the one that best fits your needs.
Key Differences Between First and Second-Time Buying
The main differences between first-time and second-time home buying are typically related to mortgage considerations, market conditions and experience.
The Requirements and Challenges
As a second-time homebuyer, you will not be eligible for grants and other initiatives that aim to assist first-time buyers in obtaining down payment funds. This means that you will likely need some down payment. If you are selling your home, you can use the sale proceeds for your down payment.
Today’s stricter underwriting practices, including more stringent credit standards, are aimed at protecting consumers and the housing market. However, individuals with credit challenges may find it more difficult to qualify for a favorable home loan.
Experience Factors
You can leverage your prior experience as a second-time homebuyer. You’ve been through the home buying and mortgage process and may be familiar with the documentation required and the timeline involved. And while the process and market have evolved over the years, your knowledge can equip you with valuable insights and confidence throughout the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Check out these FAQs for answers to some of the most common questions that second-time homebuyers have about mortgages.
Can a Second-Time Home Buyer Get an FHA Loan?
Yes, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are available to qualified homebuyers who wish to put less than 20% down on their home purchase. Income, debt and credit history requirements are more flexible than conventional mortgages.
FHA loans are also a great option for borrowers who may want to put more than 20% down. They allow for a 580 credit score, whereas conventional loan pricing gets expensive the lower the credit score is.
What Are the Common Requirements for Second-Time Buyers?
Common requirements for second-time homebuyers depend on the type of loan, but a lender will consider your credit score, income, debt and down payment when evaluating your mortgage application.
Are There Specific Programs or Grants Available for Second-Time Buyers?
Yes, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans and VA loans are available to second-time buyers. States and local governments may also offer programs to help second-time homebuyers. Check the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website or your local government website to explore available options in your area.
Make the Move to Your Next Home With Confidence
Moving to your next home is exciting, but being prepared before diving into the home-selling and buying process is essential. Reach out to a Pennymac Loan Expert who will help guide you through the mortgage process, answer your questions and discuss a variety of competitive rates and loan options.
*As long as the sales price does not exceed the appraised home value.
**Customers with a Pennymac BuyerReady Certification prior to locking any Pennymac purchase loan get $1,000 applied as a discount off total closing costs and/or principal curtailment, subject to investor guidelines. Excludes Jumbo, refinance, third-party and in-process loans. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Buying a home has been a struggle for many people in recent months. A big reason boils down to the combination of expensive rates for mortgage loans, elevated home prices, and low inventory.
Of course, these factors all go hand in hand. With mortgage lenders imposing higher rates on borrowers, current homeowners don’t want to move. Doing so, for many people, will mean giving up a lower mortgage rate and swapping it for a higher one.
But because people don’t want to give up their mortgage rates, housing inventory isn’t increasing. And because the demand for homes still exceeds the available supply, housing prices have risen.
In November, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that there was a 3.5-month supply of available homes on the market. But is the inventory situation getting better? Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case.
Housing inventory shrunk in November
The NAR says that housing inventory fell 1.7% in November compared to October. That’s not a good thing when buyers are so desperate to see the opposite happen.
Now, to give November’s 3.5-month supply of homes some context, it can easily take a six-month supply of homes to meet buyer demand in full. So November’s supply represents a notable gap. Unfortunately, until mortgage rates come down to a more moderate level, real estate inventory is likely to remain stagnant.
More: Check out our picks for the best mortgage lenders
Many homeowners locked in sub-3% mortgages in 2020 and 2021. It’s hard to make the case to swap a rate like that for a rate that’s above 6.5%, which is what the typical 30-year mortgage costs today.
How to cope with a low-inventory market
If you’re trying to buy a home, you may get tripped up by today’s low inventory. And inventory may not pick up for a while. So you may have to work with what you have.
One thing you should do is make a list of your top deal-breakers — but limit it to just a few things. You may, for example, say that you absolutely will not buy a home with less than three bedrooms. Similarly, you might say that two full bathrooms is the minimum number you’ll accept.
That’s totally fine. But try not to impose too many top deal-breakers, because in a market that lacks inventory, that could mean never finding a home that meets your needs. Instead, put those less-important items on your “less important” list.
For example, you may really want a home with a finished basement. But it could pay to designate that as a less important item. If you find a home with an unfinished basement, you can finish it as time and money allow. On the other hand, it may not be possible to add another full bathroom to an existing home without doing a major overhaul that involves running new plumbing and ventilation. To put it another way, finishing a basement might be a much less exhausting and expensive project.
We may not see real estate inventory pick up for quite some time. So as a buyer, your best bet may be to identify your top deal-breakers, but loosen up on other requirements.
There are many steps to the homebuying process. If you’re taking out an FHA loan (a loan backed by the Federal Housing Authority) to buy a property, you’ll most likely need to get an appraisal to verify the value and condition of the home. Let’s take a closer look at how FHA appraisals work, what to expect, and how to prepare as a homebuyer.
Understanding FHA Appraisals
An FHA loan appraisal is an in-person assessment performed by an accredited appraiser. The purpose of the appraisal is to evaluate how much a house is worth and determine if it meets minimum safety and livability standards. The appraisal is sent to the lender for further evaluation before a FHA loan can be approved. FHA appraisals are typically required whether the borrower is buying or refinancing a home with an FHA loan. 💡 Quick Tip: Don’t have a lot of cash on hand for a down payment? The minimum down payment for an FHA mortgage loan is as low as 3.5%.1
Differences Between FHA and Conventional Appraisal
Whether a borrower is seeking an FHA loan or a conventional loan, an appraisal estimates the fair market value of a home based on the property condition and nearby home values. But FHA loans must meet the minimum standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means that FHA appraisals also consider the health and safety of the property, while conventional appraisals focus on the property’s value and condition. FHA lenders may require that any health and safety hazards be addressed before approving the mortgage.
Role of FHA Appraiser and Their Requirements
FHA appraisers follow HUD guidelines for minimum property standards. During the appraisal, they analyze and report a property’s physical and economic characteristics to provide an opinion of its value. HUD requires FHA appraisers to have state certification and meet the minimum certification criteria issued by the Appraiser Qualification Board.
First-time homebuyers can prequalify for a SoFi mortgage loan, with as little as 3% down.
How Do FHA Appraisals Work?
An FHA loan appraisal involves two steps. The appraiser will complete a site visit to inspect the property condition and perform market research for comparable homes in the area to estimate the market value of the home.
The appraiser will inspect the home’s interior and exterior to determine the property’s safety and soundness. The appraiser’s findings, plus information on the home like square footage and the year it was built, are cataloged in HUD’s Uniform Residential Appraisal Report.
To estimate the property’s value, the appraiser evaluates the selling prices for comparable homes in the same area that were recently sold. This information, combined with the property’s condition and characteristics, is used to estimate the market value.
Recommended: The Ultimate Home Inspection Checklist
What’s the Purpose of an FHA Appraisal?
FHA appraisals are required by lenders to ensure that the loan amount doesn’t exceed the market value of the property. The appraisal process is also used to determine that a property meets FHA standards for health and safety.
Differences Between Appraisal vs. Home Inspection
The appraiser only factors in readily observable conditions. A home inspection, by comparison, is much more in-depth in its assessment of a property’s need for repairs.
Besides the property value, the criteria evaluated during an FHA appraisal include the safety, security, and soundness of a home. In other words, the home should be safe for occupants to inhabit, protect the security of the property, and not have physical deficiencies or conditions impacting the structural integrity and ability to market it for future sale.
Appraisers are required to describe the property conditions, including any renovations, necessary repairs, or deterioration. Minor issues, such as missing handrails, cracked windows, or worn countertops, do not require automatic repair.
Safety and Structural Standards
In terms of occupant health and safety, the FHA appraisal looks out for exposure to hazardous materials, such as lead paint and asbestos. Mold, radon gas, and poor insulation are other potential safety risks that would be flagged in an appraisal. The overall property structure needs to be in sufficient condition to keep occupants safe. This means that damage to the foundation, structural decay, or anything that impacts the long-term integrity of the home would not meet FHA requirements.
Compliance with Minimum Property Standards (MPS)
FHA appraisals follow the Minimum Property Standards (MPS) set by HUD. The MPS establishes baseline conditions to cover aspects of a property that aren’t met by model building codes. For example, the MPS covers doors, gutters, and wall coverings to ensure the property value is not impacted by the quality of these components.
What to Expect from an FHA Appraisal
Being prepared for an FHA appraisal can help streamline the loan application and homebuying process. Here’s what to expect from an FHA appraisal:
Appraisal Timeline and Duration
The duration of an FHA appraisal site visit varies by property size and condition, but plan for it to take between one and several hours to complete. The full appraisal report is usually complete within a week.
Common Issues That Can Affect the Appraisal Outcome
There are a number of issues and property conditions that the FHA requires to be remedied for loan approval. Some common issues include:
• Roof condition or damage
• Exposed wires
• Water heater temperature and pressure relief valve
• Damaged foundation
• Peeling paint (for homes built before 1978)
Conditions That Won’t Pass FHA Inspection
It’s important to know what won’t pass the FHA inspection. Any property conditions that impact the safety and health of occupants could need to be addressed in order to get FHA loan approval. Besides the common issues outlined above, hazards, nuisances, and obstructions to property access could fail to pass FHA inspection. For example, the level of traffic or proximity to a hazardous waste site could violate FHA standards.
Factors That Can Affect Property Valuation
Property valuation accounts for the home condition, square footage, any renovations, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The appraiser must observe neighborhood characteristics and surrounding properties to make determinations that will be incorporated into the valuation of the property.
FHA Inspection Checklist and Tips
Sellers can plan ahead and fix what won’t pass FHA inspection to avoid delays and improve the marketability of their home. Here’s how to address some common issues that could cause a property to fail an FHA appraisal.
• Roof repair: Fix leaks and consider a new roof if life expectancy is less than three years.
• Chipped or peeling paint: Scrape and repaint peeling surfaces if property was built prior to 1979.
• Water heater: Ensure the water heater has a pressure and temperature relief valve and sufficient piping.
• Plumbing: Repair all toilets, showers, and sinks that aren’t in working order as leaky plumbing won’t pass FHA inspection.
Both the inspection and the home’s appraised value are critical to FHA loan approval. Sellers and their real estate agents are permitted to communicate with an appraiser to offer additional property information that can contribute to the valuation of the home. Gathering documentation beforehand on any home improvements can ensure the appraiser has everything needed for an accurate valuation.
Recommended: What Are the Most Common Home Repair Costs?
What Happens After an FHA Appraisal?
The FHA appraisal report will provide the estimated market value and outline any required repairs or alterations that need to be completed for FHA loan approval.
What to Do if the Home Sale Appraisal Comes Back Low
If an FHA appraisal comes back low, there are several possible scenarios. The seller can lower the sale price to accommodate the appraised value. Alternatively, the buyer can renegotiate to lower the price and potentially contribute a larger down payment to cover the portion of the home price that is not covered by the FHA loan. As a last resort, a buyer would be permitted to walk away from the deal if the FHA lender’s requirements can’t be met.
What to Do if the Refinance Appraisal Comes Back Low
If refinancing with a FHA loan and the appraisal comes back low, there are a few courses of action available to borrowers. First, review the appraisal report to see if an appraiser missed anything important. If so, providing the correct information to get another appraisal could result in a higher appraised value.
If disputing the appraisal isn’t an option or successful, borrowers can consider restructuring the loan to take less cash out. Finally, the loan can be denied if the terms are not beneficial to the borrower.
What to Do if the Appraiser Requests Further Repairs
The appraisal may identify repairs that need to be completed to close on the loan. Unless otherwise outlined in the purchase and sale agreement, sellers are typically on the hook for repairs. The sellers have up to 120 days to make necessary repairs and meet FHA standards if required by a lender.
Alternatively, buyers can pay for the repairs themselves. If the issues impact the health, safety, and livability of the property, they’ll need to be completed prior to closing. Other non-safety repairs can be completed after closing. Note that delayed repairs may require an extra escrow holdback for the estimated costs.
Once repairs and issues have been addressed, the property can be reassessed. Borrowers can consider a FHA 203(k) loan to finance both the purchase and rehabilitation costs through a single loan if the repairs are an obstacle to closing. Buyers might consider renegotiating their offer to reflect the repair costs being financed.
If appraisal-related issues are delaying closing, buyers can consider a mortgage rate lock to secure their interest rate for a set period. This can help buy more time for repairs to be made without losing out on favorable loan terms.
What to Do if the Appraisal Comes Back at or Higher Than the Expected Amount
The loan simply moves forward if the appraisal comes back at or higher than the expected amount, barring any request for further repairs.
How Long Is an FHA Appraisal Good For?
FHA appraisals are valid for 180 days unless it’s updated. If updated, an appraisal can be good for up to one year.
The FHA appraisal influences loan approval in two key ways. First, the appraisal evaluates the property condition and identifies if any repairs or further inspections are required for loan approval. Second, the appraised value determines the total loan amount a buyer is approved for. If the appraised value is lower than the purchase price on the contract, either a price reduction or larger down payment could fill the gap to get loan approval.
How Long Do You Have After Appraisal to Close an FHA Loan?
Repairs aside, how long can you wait after the appraisal to close on an FHA loan? It helps to understand how long an FHA appraisal is good for. Once the borrower and lender receive a copy of the FHA appraisal, it’s valid for 120 days. However, borrowers can request a 30-day extension to allow more time to close on a FHA loan.
A conditional approval from the lender will outline the required repairs to be made in order to close. After the appraisal is approved in underwriting, the loan will most likely be cleared to close. Prior to closing, borrowers will receive a mortgage closing disclosure which outlines the total funds needed to close. 💡 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.
The Takeaway
FHA appraisals estimate a property’s value and assess its condition to determine if it meets safety and livability standards set by HUD. Understanding the conditions and issues that won’t pass FHA inspection is important for buyers and sellers alike.
SoFi offers a wide range of FHA loan options that are easier to qualify for and may have a lower interest rate than a conventional mortgage. You can down as little as 3.5%. Plus, the Biden-Harris Administration has reduced monthly mortgage insurance premiums for new homebuyers to help offset higher interest rates.
Another perk: FHA loans are assumable mortgages!
FAQ
How does the appraised value affect the loan amount?
With FHA loans, the appraised value of the property determines the loan amount a borrower can qualify for.
Can you contest an FHA appraisal?
Yes, you can contest an FHA appraisal and provide additional information to inform the property valuation. However, there’s no guarantee that the appraiser will change the valuation.
What happens if the property doesn’t meet FHA requirements?
If a property doesn’t meet FHA requirements, buyers can ask the seller to make the necessary repairs. Alternatively, buyers can consider other types of home loans, such as a conventional mortgage.
Photo credit: iStock/valentinrussanov
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SoFi Mortgages Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information.
¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
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.
Philadelphia is a modern, glittering, cosmopolitan city on the east coast. Settled between massive New York and powerful Washington, D.C., Philly is a keystone of the Northeast Corridor as its state’s nickname suggests.
So as a representative major northeastern city, you would expect it as an expensive place to live. Well, not so fast. While Philadelphia stands as the nation’s sixth-biggest city by population, it’s just the 41st most expensive city in the U.S. among the top 270 largest. The cost of living in Philadelphia is pretty affordable for all you get. In fact, the city’s COL Index is a realistic 111.7, meaning it’s just 11.7 percent more expensive than the national average.
The cost of living in Philadelphia involves a number of expense factors. These include budget items such as housing, utilities, transportation, food and more.
The individual indexes range from nearly 20 percent over the national average for groceries to just 0.4 percent for health care. But regardless of category, including average rent in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love is an affordable place to live.
Housing costs in Philadelphia
With about 30 percent of a household budget going towards housing, paying for where you live will be your single highest expense no matter where that is. But how is the affordability of the literal cost of living in Philadelphia? The answer is simple — not bad.
Despite its size as the sixth most populous city in America, housing in Philadelphia is 16.8 percent more expensive than average.
In fact, the cost of living in Philadelphia for housing is only the 46th most expensive in the nation. That makes it cheaper to live than such cities as Baltimore, Stockton, Flagstaff, Denver and Portland, Maine. Compare that to New York City. Manhattan is just 70 miles from Center City, but its Housing Index is a whopping 442.3.
The average rent in Philadelphia for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,142 a month. That’s just over $500 a month above the national average of about $1,600. The cost of that average Philly one-bedroom rose just 2.52 percent from the same period last year.
Philadelphia’s least and most expensive neighborhoods
Considering there are over 300,000 rental units in Philadelphia, the average one-bedroom figure varies widely depending on where in the city you wish to live. The top four least expensive neighborhoods in Philly sit in Near Northeast Philadelphia.
Melrose Park Garden, Pennypack Woods, East Oak Lane and Burholme all rent one-bedrooms for under $1,175 on average, with Melrose Park Garden the only district in the city under a grand a month. East Falls, a popular residential neighborhood for young professionals just south of Manayunk, is the fifth least expensive at $1,226.
On the flip side, the majority of the most expensive neighborhoods surround the city’s downtown. Washington Square West, Logan Square, Avenue of the Arts South and greater Center City itself all rent a lone bedroom for over $2,300 a month.
Washington Square West, home of the Gayborhood district, is the only region in town where rents top $3,000 monthly. Graduate Hospital, just across Broad Street, saw the highest year-to-year increase in the city at nearly 55 percent.
Home values in Philadelphia
If your life path has moved you from renting to homeownership, Philadelphia is an affordable place to buy as well. The average home — a new construction house with 2,400 square feet of living area for the purposes of this survey — is priced at $426,000.
While that is $115,500 above the nationwide average, Philly ranks an impressive 50th among cities with the most expensive new homes.
Mortgage rates, which by their nature fluctuate wildly, tend to hover around 3 percent.
Food costs in Philadelphia
Compared to other large cities, the price of food in Philadelphia is reasonable but not cheap. Philly’s Food Index is just under 20 percent above the national average. The city falls 16th among all cities, cheaper than some smaller locales like Seattle, Wilmington and suburban DC.
If you know anything about Philadelphians, they are big fans of party foods, backyard barbecues and sandwiches (particularly local faves hoagies, roast pork and cheesesteaks). And as incredible as the restaurant scene is in Philly, locals love to eat at home both in the dining room and on the patio. That means residents buy a lot of family and snack food.
Unfortunately, several of these common grocery items are pricey. For example, the city is among the top five most expensive for popular party items including potato chips, pork sausage and Coca-Cola, and a loaf of whole wheat bread ranks eleventh.
Not only is Philadelphia high nationally, but it’s unsurprisingly more expensive for food than other major cities in Pennsylvania.
For nearly every food item surveyed, Philadelphia is priciest compared to Pittsburgh, Allentown, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. For example, frozen meal prices are over 30 percent higher than the average of all of the state’s population centers. A dozen eggs are nearly 30 percent higher as well and a head of lettuce is a 14.5 percent increase.
Looking for grocery bargains? They do exist. Shampoo is 5.6 percent cheaper than the state average. And both a bag of potatoes and can of peaches are 3 percent under, with the latter the cheapest in the state. While a bottle of table wine is steep at $12.11, ranked 14th and over $3 above the national average, beer is cheap.
In the town known for the “Citywide Special,” a six-pack runs 58 cents below the national average — the 64th cheapest city for beer in the U.S.
Dining out in Philadelphia
But not all food fun in Philly comes from the kitchen. Philadelphia is known as one of America’s top restaurant cities. No wonder, considering it’s home to the nation’s best pizza, best coffee shop, best chef and America’s best restaurant.
Philly folks love dining out. City households spend on average 45.7 percent of their yearly food budget on restaurants, delivery or take out. That’s 5.6 percent of the entire household budget and translates to slightly over $4,000 a year. Comparatively, that number is just under $2,500 on average statewide and $2,700 nationwide.
Is eating out affordable in Philadelphia? On average, a meal at a cheap restaurant runs about $15. That’s the same as the national price. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will leave you with a $55 check, five bucks below the national average. Even a combo meal at Mcdonald’s is the same as the rest of the country at about $8.
Transportation costs in Philadelphia
It’s no secret that commuting in Philadelphia is tough if you’re driving your own car. The city is known as the second-worst for traffic congestion, behind only New York City in the number of hours spent in the car to and from work.
But at least the cost of commuting in Philly isn’t horrifically pricey. The city has a Transportation Index of 13.5 percent, good enough for just the 29th most expensive in America.
Like in many major east coast cities, it’s expensive to own a car. Thankfully, the price of a gallon of gas (unleaded regular including all taxes) in Philly averages $2.43, just 28 cents above average. That last part is key, as Pennsylvania has one of the highest gasoline taxes — currently 58 cents per gallon.
One of the biggest auto expenses in the city is parking. In Philadelphia, monthly parking averages $275 a month. The cheapest lots, in outlying areas, run about $140 a month while lots and garages near or in Center City can run as much as $500.
And while there are no toll roads within the Philly city limits, the Pennsylvania Turnpike runs east/west just north of town. On average, the PA Turnpike charges 13 cents a mile if you pay with EZPass (and about double that without).
However, the city features four toll bridges that run to and from New Jersey: the Walt Whitman, Betsy Ross, Ben Franklin and Tacony Palmyra Bridges. All are free from Philly into Jersey but carry a toll of five dollars to return (except the Tacony Palmyra which is three).
Public transit in Philadelphia
Thankfully, Philadelphia has a robust public transportation system. The city’s transit authority SEPTA offers four subway and elevated train lines, 13 regional rail lines and dozens of bus and trolley routes. Nearly a quarter of Philadelphia workers commute via public transit. The city’s transit score is 68.
All city rapid transit, which includes trolleys, buses and trolley buses, costs $2.50 for a single trip regardless of distance or time of day. That goes down to two dollars when using the city’s new smart card program, SEPTA Key. Those are the same prices for Philly’s rapid rail lines as well, which includes the Broad Street, Market Frankford, Ridge Spur and Norristown High Speed lines subways and elevated trains. A transfer is a dollar, with the first one free.
As with most systems, prices are cheaper when purchased in bulk in advance. A weekly transit pass in Philly runs $25.50 and $96 for a monthly ride pass. Overall, this is one of the lowest prices of any city in its category (when calculated as a percent of income).
SEPTA’s commuter rail network is known as Regional Rail and operates within the city and to the suburbs as well as New Jersey and Delaware. Trains depart any of the 150 stations across the region about once an hour on average. All of its 13 lines pass through the city’s three Center City stations: Suburban, Jefferson and 30th Street (also home of the city’s Amtrak hub).
Prices for regional rail vary depending on distance and day traveling. For travel entirely within the city, a one-way ticket runs $5.25 during the week and $4.25 on the weekend and holidays.
For travel to and from the suburbs, tickets cost up to $6.75 on weekdays and $5.25 on the weekend depending on to and from which “zone” you are traveling. Pricing is higher if purchased on board with cash rather than in advance or with a smart card. Seniors and children riding with adults ride free on any mode while riders with disabilities travel at half price.
Walking and biking in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is also an eminently commutable city without requiring power transport. The gorgeous city streets are highly walkable, with an excellent walk score of 84.
As well, Philly is a haven for bikers with designated bike lanes and bike paths throughout the city and a bike score of 76.
The city also provides a convenient bicycle ride share program called Indego. The program offers over 1,000 bikes at 125 stations throughout the city. Pricing varies from four dollars for an individual half-hour to $17 a month for unlimited hour-long rides.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Hospital, founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin, is the oldest hospital in the U.S. Today there are over a dozen major hospitals in Philadelphia, along with a slew of smaller ones, a number of children’s hospitals and several cancer specialty centers. Philly is a hotbed for quality healthcare.
The Philly healthcare scene’s excellence balances by the breadth of available service. This has kept healthcare prices in the city stunningly low. The cost of living in Philadelphia for healthcare is 0.4 percent above the national average and the 111th most expensive in America.
A visit to a doctor (specifically a general practitioner) is $133 on average. This is good enough to rank 51st nationwide. Need your teeth checked? An appointment with a dentist for a cleaning is just the 141st priciest in the country, nearly 70 cents below average.
The best value in health care in Philly? Prescriptions within the survey are $88 below the national average, the 14th cheapest of all cities.
However, if your furry roommate needs attention, you might be paying a bit more. A veterinary visit (for an annual exam) is the 17th most costly in the nation.
While these numbers are promising, it is difficult to determine an average cost of healthcare overall as needs vary depending on your individual health.
Goods and services costs in Philadelphia
Most everything else that isn’t included above falls as goods and services. Goods covers everything you buy that’s not consumable or isn’t a tangible item. This could be anything from paper clips to potting soil to concert tickets. Services include most visits with professionals that don’t involve health care or your car. This is any personal business trade from dog grooming to plumbing repair, yoga instruction to landscaping.
As far as a goods and service economy, Philadelphia is incredibly affordable for its size. In fact, the cost of living in Philadelphia for goods and services is 5.6 percent above the national average. Despite its ranking as the sixth-largest city in the nation, its goods and services rank is 61st.
There are a number of items that are inexpensive in Philly. For example, a newspaper subscription averages just $14, just the 60th priciest in the nation. An average movie ticket for a first-run film ranks 61st at just $12.
Think it is expensive to get your hair done in a cosmopolitan east coast city? It’s not cheap, but a visit to a salon will run you $61, that’s just the 20th most expensive in the nation. In fact, it’s comparable to a visit to a stylist in Manhattan or Queens, about $23.50 above the national average.
Taxes in Philadelphia
The full sales tax rate in Philadelphia is 8 percent. This represents 6 percent from the state and the remaining 2 percent from Philadelphia County. The county is conterminous with the city, which has no sales tax of its own.
In general, non-sales-taxed items in the state include food (both grocery and dining), medicine and drug store items and most clothing. If you purchase $1,000 of taxable items in Philadelphia, you’ll be paying $80 in sales tax.
The city also charges a sugary drink tax. The 1.5 cents per ounce tax applies to sodas and any non-alcoholic beverage that lists sugar or any sweetener as an ingredient. The proceeds primarily benefit city education and recreation programs.
Philadelphia’s current property tax rate hovers around 1.4 percent. City income wage tax sits just under 3.9 percent. The wage tax applies to all Philadelphia residents regardless of where they work and all Philadelphia-based employees regardless of where they live.
How much do I need to earn to live in Philadelphia
The monthly rent in Philadelphia is $2,152 on average for a one-bedroom apartment. That represents a 2.56 percent increase in similar units year to year.
Experts suggest spending no more than 30 percent of your annual income on housing. Multiplying the rent on average for a one-bedroom by 12, you determine the average yearly rent is $25,824. This means you should have an annual household income of at least $86,080.
However, according to Payscale.com, the average salary in Philadelphia is $69,000. That means that a resident earning the average salaried wage would be budgeted to spend $21,000 a year or $1,750 a month on rent. That’s over $400 less than the average one-bedroom apartment.
Check out our rent calculator to see how much you can afford each month.
Living in Philadelphia
There are a number of factors to consider when moving to, within or around Philadelphia. But regardless of the category, the cost of living in Philadelphia is moderate compared to many cities its size. It’s a budget-friendly city especially when it comes to health care, housing and other channels.
No matter your budget, there’s a perfect Philly neighborhood and comfortable home waiting for you. Check out the great places to lay your head at night in the Philadelphia apartment rental listings or for homes to buy.
Cost of living information comes from The Council for Community and Economic Research.
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments in April 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
What can you do if you’re buying or living in a home that’s considered “high risk” because of its location or other factors, and you can’t find the insurance protection you need? In some states, including Florida and California, where insurers are limiting their coverage or exiting the market altogether, it can be challenging to find a renters or homeowners policy. You may even find the insurer you’ve had for years is no longer willing to provide coverage.
There’s no need to panic just yet, or give up on your efforts to get the policy you want or need. There may be options you haven’t thought about that are just a few computer taps away.
What Makes a Home, Area, or State High Risk?
There are a few different factors that can make a home, neighborhood, region, or state high risk when it comes to getting insurance coverage. Some of these factors may affect homeowners only, while others can affect both homeowners and renters.
Sometimes a home is determined to be high risk because it’s fallen into a state of disrepair. The insurance company may say, for example, that the home needs a new roof, the foundation is unsafe, or the plumbing or electricity needs updating. If that’s the case, following through on those repairs may make it easier to keep or qualify for a traditional homeowners policy.
It’s also possible that the way the home is constructed — with certain types of building materials or a roof style that doesn’t meet the insurer’s underwriting standards — is making it harder to get insurance. Or it could be that the home is in an area that makes it more vulnerable to certain crimes, such as burglary or vandalism. Sometimes, a person’s own history (a criminal background, bankruptcy, or too many past claims) could lead an insurer to cancel a policy or say no to a new one.
Increasingly, it’s the propensity for serious, damaging weather that can cause an entire region or state to be considered high-risk. In California, wildfires are one reason insurers cite for pulling out. In Louisiana, it’s flooding. And in Florida, insurers are leaving the state because of the expensive damage hurricanes and tropical storms can cause. 💡 Quick Tip: A basic homeowners insurance plan doesn’t cover floods, earthquakes, or sinkholes. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, you may want to look into supplemental coverage.
What Can You Do If You’re Denied Coverage?
Though homeowners and renters insurance policies aren’t mandated by any state or federal laws, mortgage lenders and landlords can and often do require a certain amount of coverage. Even if yours doesn’t, you may find it makes sense to get a policy to protect yourself, your home, and/or your belongings.
It can be frustrating and scary to find out you’ve been denied the insurance you want or need, or that the policy you have is being canceled. Here are a few things you can do to find protection:
Shop Around
There are many insurance companies out there, so don’t feel as though you have to give up just because the carrier you wanted won’t cover you. You may be able to find a similar or better policy online, or you could search the old-fashioned way and call around. While you’re looking, try not to limit your options based on brand names or because you have car insurance or another type of policy through a certain company.
If you’re buying homeowners insurance: Before you start shopping, consider how much and what types of coverage you need and what your lender requires. Depending on where you live, you may need to buy additional protection for flooding, earthquakes, sinkholes, etc. This coverage is usually not a part of a basic homeowners policy.
If you’re buying a home, you may want to ask the current homeowners or your new neighbors what coverage they think is necessary.
If you’re buying renters insurance: Keep in mind that even though your landlord might have insurance that covers the building you’re living in, that policy won’t cover your possessions should they be damaged or stolen. And the landlord’s policy probably won’t pay for additional living expenses if you need to move out while your unit undergoes repairs.
As you shop renters policies, it’s important to compare apples to apples, and to be sure you’re getting the renters insurance coverage you might need in a worst-case scenario. Remember: Most renters policies won’t cover damage from flooding. To be sure you’re protected, you’ll likely need to purchase a separate renters policy from the National Flood Insurance Program, which is managed by FEMA.
Use a Broker or Independent Insurance Agent
If you don’t have the time to shop for a policy yourself, you may want to hire an insurance broker or independent insurance agent to get quotes from multiple insurers for you. Before you get started in this process, it’s a good idea to be clear on how your insurance professional will be paid (fee, commission, or both), and how broad or limited the policy search will be.
Contact Your State Department of Insurance
The consumer division of your state insurance department can provide you with a list of insurers that are writing policies in your area. And they may be able to help you work with your current provider regarding a nonrenewal — that is, if the company isn’t pulling out of the state altogether.
Ask Your Current Insurance Professional for Advice
If your current insurance company is leaving your region or state and you need to change your homeowners insurance, your representative — who is familiar with your policy needs — may have suggestions for which companies you could try next.
Consider a FAIR Plan
Many states have Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plans available for homeowners who can’t get a traditional homeowners policy. FAIR insurance coverage is different for each state, but generally, these are bare-bones policies provided by a pool of insurance companies. They often do not include personal liability coverage, and you may have to make upgrades to your property to get or keep your policy.
A FAIR plan may be your last resort if you can’t get a policy anywhere else. Still, it’s important to be clear on what you are getting — and what your premium will be — before moving forward.
Look into Beach and Windstorm Plans
If you live in a coastal state that is prone to wind and hail damage, you may want to look into getting a beach and windstorm insurance plan. These plans are similar to FAIR plans and can provide coverage to homeowners in areas that aren’t insured through the voluntary insurance market.
Recommended: Renters and Homeowners Insurance Definitions
Can You Go Without Insurance If You Can’t Get Coverage?
Although you aren’t legally required to purchase a renters or homeowners policy, you may not have a choice. If you’re renting, your landlord might say it’s a must. And if you’re buying or still owe money on your home, your mortgage company will let you know how much homeowners insurance you need.
If you can’t get a policy, or if the coverage is deemed insufficient, your mortgage company might buy “force-placed” insurance for your home. With force-placed insurance, the lender typically pays upfront for the insurance, then adds the premium cost to your monthly mortgage payment. You won’t have control over the type of coverage you get, or the policy limits, and it might be more expensive than the policy you would purchase for yourself.
You also may be required to have homeowners insurance if you live in a condominium or co-op.
Recommended: Is Homeowners Insurance Required to Buy a Home?
What Are the Downsides of Going Without Coverage?
Even if you don’t have to get insurance, you may want to seriously consider the downsides of going without coverage. You might discover that the security a policy can offer is worth the extra effort or cost involved with finding coverage.
If you’re a homeowner: It’s quite likely your home is your biggest asset, and insurance can help you protect that investment and your overall financial wellness. Your homeowners policy doesn’t just cover the structure you live in; it also insures your belongings and provides liability protection in case of an injury or property damage.
If you’re a renter: Your personal property (furniture, electronics, clothes, jewelry, etc.) may be worth more than you think, and renters insurance can help you pay to replace belongings that are damaged or stolen. Renters insurance also typically includes coverage for property damage, or if a guest is accidentally hurt, or if your pet bites someone.
Worried about how much renters insurance costs and if it’s worth it? Usually, renters insurance is much less expensive than homeowners insurance, so you may want to at least check the price before passing on coverage. 💡 Quick Tip: Next time you review your budget, consider making room for additional insurance coverage. Think of it as an investment that can help protect you from a major financial loss.
The Takeaway
It can be frustrating and stressful to learn that you can’t get the insurance coverage you need for your home and belongings, or that you’re losing the coverage you thought you could count on. But just because one company won’t offer you a policy doesn’t mean you don’t have other options. You may have to spend a little extra time searching for the right policy, though, or get a little help finding the appropriate amount of coverage at an affordable price.
When the unexpected happens, it’s good to know you have a plan to protect your loved ones and your finances. SoFi has teamed up with some of the best insurance companies in the industry to provide members with fast, easy, and reliable insurance.
Find affordable auto, life, homeowners, and renters insurance with SoFi Protect.
FAQ
Is homeowners insurance required to buy a home?
While homeowners insurance isn’t required by state or federal laws, if you’re financing the home, your mortgage lender will likely require that you have a certain amount of coverage.
Is renters insurance required?
Renters insurance isn’t required by law, but your landlord or property management company may require that you purchase a renters policy.
How much renters insurance do I need?
To determine how much renters insurance you should purchase, you may want to do a quick inventory of what you own, including clothing, jewelry, electronics, artwork, furniture, etc. Then, using receipts if you have them, estimate how much it’s all worth.
How much homeowners insurance do I need?
If you’re financing your home, your mortgage lender will likely require a certain amount of insurance coverage. But you may want to purchase additional coverage based on your assets and the types of protection you want. Your insurance company can help you determine the appropriate amount of coverage.
Photo credit: iStock/svetikd
Insurance not available in all states. Experian is a registered service mark of Experian Personal Insurance Agency, Inc. Social Finance, Inc. (“SoFi”) is compensated by Experian for each customer who purchases a policy through Experian from the site.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
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.
Homeowners almost certainly have homeowners insurance. It’s just part of the deal that comes with purchasing a home. However, have you ever thought about renters insurance to cover the space you’re renting or leasing? While it’s not always mandatory to have, it’s a smart and inexpensive investment to budget for and purchase.
So, how much is renters insurance and why do you need it? We’re going to answer all of your questions and hopefully convince you to get your own renters insurance policy.
What is renters insurance and why do I need it?
Like any insurance policy, renters insurance is a way to financially safeguard yourself and your property from damage, loss or theft.
When homeowners buy homeowners insurance, they are protecting the home itself and the contents inside. While renters don’t own the building that they live in, they do have personal property inside of the apartment that has monetary value. Renters insurance is an insurance type specifically for those who rent or lease that will cover their assets.
Landlords or apartment owners will have insurance policies in place that protect and cover their buildings and physical property. But, it won’t cover the tenant’s personal belongings if something happens. That’s why renters insurance is something you’ll want to have. Here are a few scenarios where renters insurance would come in handy:
Theft: If you experience a robbery or burglary, renters insurance would cover the cost of the stolen items
Vandalism: If someone vandalizes your apartment, renters insurance would cover the damage and repairs
Fire: If there is a house fire that damages the apartment, renters insurance covers the cost of loss
Plumbing issues: If you have major plumbing issues that damage the apartment, you’d be covered
Injuries that happen in your apartment: If someone else is hurt within your apartment, renters insurance covers their medical fees
These are some, not all, of the situations that renters insurance would cover. Keep in mind that renters insurance will cover a good variety of personal possessions, but it may not cover every single item in your place. It’s a good idea to know what is and isn’t covered and to protect yourself from the worst-case scenario as things happen to everyone, including renters.
How much is renters insurance?
Okay, so we’ve convinced you that renters insurance is a good idea, but you’re wondering how much renters insurance is per month? After all, if it’s a monthly expense you’ll need to budget for it. Good news — renters insurance cost is relatively inexpensive.
While there isn’t a flat rate for all renters insurance policies, generally, it costs $15 to $30 per month or up to $360 annually. When you think about the cost of everything you own— clothes, computers, TVs and tech — $30 a month isn’t too hefty a price to protect your possessions.
Depending on the insurance company, you can either pay monthly, bi-annually or annually. Sometimes, you’ll even get a discount if you pay for the full year in full, making the month-to-month cost even cheaper.
Factors that influence the cost of renters insurance
Renters insurance costs will vary by person, place and policy. If you’re considering purchasing a renters insurance policy, you can do some comparison shopping to make sure you’re getting the best bargain.
As you’re searching for a policy that fits your needs, here are a few things to keep in mind that’ll influence your cost:
Coverage types
The two most common types of renters insurance are personal property insurance and liability insurance. If you purchase a plan with both coverage types, you’ll pay more per month.
Personal property insurance
This type of plan covers your personal property and everything inside the apartment.
Liability insurance
This type of plan covers you if an injury happens to someone in your apartment and they file a claim against you.
Location
The cost of renters insurance varies by neighborhood, city and state. Generally, if the housing market itself is more expensive in a certain area, the cost of an insurance policy will probably be higher, too.
Pets
While dogs are man’s best friend, they aren’t when it comes to getting a renters insurance policy. Unfortunately, having a pet may increase the cost of your renters insurance policy because pets can cause additional damage to the apartment.
Previous claims
If you’ve had renters insurance in the past and filed several claims, your premium will likely be higher compared to people who have never filed claims.
Credit history
Credit is king and a higher credit score will equal lower monthly payments.
Coverage limits
With a renters insurance policy, you can choose how much coverage or protection you want. For example, let’s say you took inventory of your items and assessed that they added up to $10,000 worth of goods. You’d want to get a renters insurance policy with a coverage limit that was at least $10,000 to cover your losses. As your coverage limit increases, so will the cost of your monthly payment.
How do I find renters insurance?
Almost all insurance agencies will offer renters insurance policies. If you have car insurance or another type of insurance plan, you could bundle and save by adding an additional renters insurance policy.
You can get quotes from each of them to see where you’ll get the best deal. Here are a few insurance companies to consider when looking for a policy that fits your needs:
Secure your apartment with an insurance plan
You want to feel safe and secure in your apartment and know that you’re financially protected should something happen to your home.
Renters insurance is one way to secure your possessions and safeguard yourself from an emergency. At a relatively low cost, you can save yourself thousands of dollars and lots of stress in the worst-case scenario.
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal or financial advice as they may deem it necessary.
Sage Singleton is a freelance writer with a passion for literature and words. She enjoys writing articles that will inspire, educate and influence readers. She loves that words have the power to create change and make a positive impact in the world. Some of her work has been featured on LendingTree, Venture Beat, Architectural Digest, Porch.com and Homes.com. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading and learning French.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or selling and moving into a new house, you will most likely need to take out a home loan to finance your purchase. But choosing a loan can be more complicated than simply picking one off a list — there are myriad considerations that go into selecting and getting approved for the right mortgage.
Military members and veterans can take out a VA loan, which offers advantages like 0% down and no minimum credit score requirement. Still, it’s important to look into the specifics of VA loans and cross-compare with conventional loans to determine the best option for you and whether you should shop around for the best mortgage lenders or the best VA lenders.
This guide will break down the ins and outs of VA and conventional loans, explain their differences and help VA-qualifying homebuyers decide what type of loan to choose.
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What is a conventional loan?
Conventional home loans are any type of mortgage not backed or insured by a government agency like the Federal Housing Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs. They’re offered by private lenders like banks and mortgage companies, and they typically require a down payment between 3% and 20% of a home’s sale price.
Two government-sponsored enterprises (GSE), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, set the guidelines and requirements for conventional loans. Conventional loans will usually require a strong credit history and score — as well as a certain income and stable finances — for borrowers to qualify for competitive interest rates and terms. Borrowers may have more flexibility when it comes to property type and loan amounts compared to government-backed loans.
Types of conventional loans
There are several types of conventional home loans to consider, each with its own terms and requirements.
Conforming vs. non-conforming loans
Conforming home loans have lending criteria set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These guidelines can include factors like credit and income requirements, down payment minimum, debt-to-income ratios, and more.
Conforming loans usually have lower interest rates because lenders consider them lower risk for their strict standard lending criteria. GSEs set a maximum limit on conforming loans, which can vary depending on location.
Non-conforming loans don’t adhere to the criteria established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These loans have higher maximum loan limits than conforming loans, often making them necessary for larger loan amounts. For instance, “jumbo loans” are a common type of nonconforming loan for properties that exceed the maximums set by GSEs.
Interest rates are generally higher for non-conforming loans because they are riskier for lenders, who may also demand a bigger down payment than they would for a conforming loan. Eligibility for non-conforming loans can be more flexible and they’re often underwritten manually, which means an underwriter will evaluate your documents and verify whether you’re qualified to borrow.
Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate loans
When choosing a home loan, you’ll also have to decide between a fixed-rate loan or an adjustable-rate loan (ARM). Your selection will depend on your financial situation, risk tolerance, and how long you expect to live in the home you purchase.
A fixed-rate loan (aka fixed-rate mortgage) stays the same throughout the entire term, while an ARM’s interest rate can change at designated points of a loan’s term after an initial fixed-rate period. Fixed-rate loans offer more stability, which can help you plan out your expenses and budget more easily. When interest rates are low, they allow borrowers to lock in a favorable rate for the long term.
ARMs often have lower initial interest rates, which means your monthly payments will also be lower during the fixed-rate period. However, interest rate adjustments are unpredictable, and those payments may increase, resulting in higher housing costs.
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VA loans explained
VA loans are specifically designed to provide active-duty military, veterans and eligible spouses assistance in purchasing or refinancing a home. They’re backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and offer various benefits, but you have to meet specific service requirements and provide a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA.
Key differences between a VA loan vs a conventional loan
There are a few advantages to VA loans, like a $0 down payment and competitive interest rates for eligible veterans and military personnel. While conventional loans are more widely available, you normally have to pay money down and meet more stringent criteria.
Loan eligibility requirements
Qualifying for a VA loan is primarily tied to your military service record and status. Active-duty service members, honorably discharged veterans, National Guard and Reserve members who meet service requirements and certain surviving spouses are typically eligible.
You will also need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA as proof of your service. VA loans tend to be more flexible than conventional loans regarding credit requirements, but lenders can still look into your credit history and income to determine whether you can afford the loan you’re applying for.
The home you buy with a VA loan has to meet the VA’s standards for safety and habitability, and it must be your primary residence.
Conventional loan requirements vary but are typically more strict than government-backed loans. You will usually need a credit score of at least 700 to get the best interest rates. The stronger your credit history, the more likely you are to qualify — be prepared to provide documents that show proof of income, bank statements and more to prove financial stability.
You’ll also need to meet property standards for conventional loans and pay for an appraisal to determine the property’s condition and value.
Loan closing costs and fees
VA loans require a funding fee in most cases, a one-time payment that depends on factors like service status and whether you used a VA loan in the past. The amount of your fee depends on the amount of your loan and the type of loan you get.
Conventional loan closing costs also depend on the type of loan you get, your loan amount and where you live. Closing costs typically vary between 3% and 6% of your loan amount and can include appraisal fees, attorney fees and processing fees you pay your lender to process your loan.
Down payment requirements
Minimum requirements for conventional loan down payments usually start between 3% and 5% of a home’s sale price, though paying 20% is considered ideal by many lenders and can reduce the cost of your monthly mortgage payment.
VA loans do not require any down payment, which can make homeownership more affordable for qualifying borrowers. Paying money down can, however, reduce your funding fee and decrease your monthly mortgage payment and interest.
Loan limits
Loan limits are adjusted periodically to accommodate changes in the housing market — the baseline conventional conforming loan limit in the U.S. for 2023 is $726,200, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency. It’s higher in Alaska and Hawaii ($1,089,300) because average home prices are more expensive in those regions.
The standard limit for VA loans also increased to $726,000 in 2023 for most U.S. counties.
Mortgage insurance requirements
With a conventional loan, if your down payment is less than 20%, your lender may require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for protection against default. This adds to your monthly costs but can be removed once you reach a loan-to-value ratio of about 80% or lower.
VA loans do not require PMI or any other type of ongoing mortgage insurance.
Property restrictions
The condition and characteristics of a property can impact whether you qualify for a conventional loan. Requirements vary, but typically, you must ensure the property meets specific safety and habitability standards — so if there is significant damage to the foundation or roof, you may be denied or need to make repairs before closing.
An appraisal is required to determine the property’s value and confirm that it meets lender and loan-to-value ratio requirements. Property type matters, too: Most single-family loans in sound condition qualify for conventional loans, but eligibility can vary for condominiums, townhouses or multi-unit properties.
Lenders usually require homeowner’s insurance to protect their investment, especially if the home is in a high-risk area. You’ll need to ensure there are no issues with the home’s title like outstanding liens or disputes.
Many of the same property requirements apply to VA loans, although there are some differences. The property you’re purchasing must be your primary residence and satisfy the VA’s Minimum Property Standards, which concern areas like structural integrity, roofing, HVAC, plumbing and more. You will need to have a VA appraisal to assess the property’s value and confirm that it meets the Minimum Property Standards set by the VA.
Other requirements specific to VA loans include stipulations regarding distance to military facilities and private road access. The lender may impose additional safety restrictions if you purchase a home near a military facility, such as an airfield. Properties located on private roads must be accessible year-round and well-maintained, and you will need to have a written road maintenance agreement.
Resale and refinancing
If you want to refinance with a conventional loan, lenders will evaluate your eligibility by looking at your credit score, income stability and debt-to-income ratio. In most cases, you can refinance as soon as you want, although you may have to wait several months to refinance with the same lender.
You’ll sign the new loan agreement, replacing the old one, if you are approved. There is no time requirement for reselling a home after purchasing it with a conventional loan.
Homeowners with a VA loan looking to refinance can do so with VA-backed cash-out refinance loans or the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL).
Both refinancing options require you to wait about 240 days, or six to seven payments, whichever period is longer. The VA does not impose any time requirements if you have a VA loan and want to resell your home.
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The benefits of a VA loan vs conventional loan
A VA loan can offer distinct advantages compared to a conventional loan, but only for active service members, veterans and qualifying spouses. Conventional loans typically require down payments of at least 3%, whereas VA loans do not.
Unlike conventional loans, VA loans can further reduce monthly costs because they don’t require private mortgage insurance and often have more lenient credit score requirements.
The benefits of a VA loan
No down payment required
No private mortgage insurance required
More lenient lending criteria
VA funding fee can be rolled into the loan amount, reducing upfront costs
Access to VA cash-out refinance and IRRRL loans
Low interest rates
More stringent appraisal process
Potentially longer closing timeline
The benefits of a conventional loan
Accessible to a wider pool of borrowers
Fewer property use restrictions
Competitive interest rates
Beneficial for buyers with strong credit
Diverse term options and potential for lower total interest cost
Down payment usually required
PMI requirements for down payments less than 20%
Stricter qualification requirements
Is a VA loan better than a conventional loan?
For those who qualify, VA loans can be more advantageous than conventional loans because of their low interest rates and no down payment requirement, which can mean significant long-term savings. Not having to pay any money down also makes homeownership more affordable for many people entering the market for the first time.
VA loans typically don’t require PMI, and they feature more lenient lending criteria than conventional loans, making them a better option for borrowers with a limited credit history.
Finally, including the VA funding fee in the loan, can reduce the upfront expense of buying a home.
Summary of Money’s VA loan vs conventional loans
Veterans, active duty military and some spouses can use a VA loan or a conventional loan when making a home purchase.
Conventional loans can benefit homebuyers with strong credit and enough money to make at least a 20% down payment. But with VA loans, there is no down payment or PMI requirement, which can lead to major savings on monthly mortgage payments.
VA loans aren’t as customizable as conventional loans, and it may take longer to close on a house because VA loans have a stricter appraisal process. However, the advantages of a VA loan, which typically include low interest rates and more lenient lending criteria, may outweigh these drawbacks.
Navigating the process of home inspections in South Dakota can be a daunting task for many homebuyers, especially those who are new to the real estate market. This comprehensive guide is designed to demystify the home inspection process, offering crucial insights and practical advice specifically tailored for those looking to purchase a home in the beautiful state of South Dakota. So whether you’re looking at homes in Sioux Falls or anywhere else in the Mount Rushmore State, here’s Redfin’s guide on what you need to know about South Dakota home inspections.
Why should you get a home inspection in South Dakota?
Investing in a home is a significant financial commitment, making a thorough home inspection in South Dakota a crucial step in the process. A comprehensive inspection can uncover potential issues, ensuring you make the right decision about your purchase. From finding structural issues to assessing the condition of electrical and plumbing systems, a professional inspection provides a holistic view of the property, offering peace of mind and potentially saving you from unexpected expenses down the road.
Are there any specialized inspections that South Dakota buyers should consider?
In South Dakota, buyers may want to consider specialized inspections based on the property’s unique features or location. For homes in flood-prone areas, a flood risk assessment is advisable. Similarly, properties with extensive acreage may benefit from a thorough well and septic system inspection. Mold and radon testing are also prudent in certain regions. Customizing inspections to suit the property’s characteristics ensures a more targeted evaluation, addressing potential issues specific to the South Dakota landscape and climate.
Are home inspections required in South Dakota?
While South Dakota doesn’t legally require home inspections, they are highly recommended and often considered a standard practice in real estate transactions. “Home inspections are not required in South Dakota, but 92% of all homes that are sold are inspected in South Dakota,” says Nick Gromicko, founder of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Opting for an inspection is a proactive choice that serves the buyer’s best interests. It provides valuable information about the property’s condition and can be a negotiating tool in the buying process, allowing buyers to address issues or negotiate repairs before finalizing the deal.
How much does a home inspection cost in South Dakota?
The cost of a home inspection in South Dakota varies based on factors such as the property’s size, age, and additional services requested. On average, expect to invest a few hundred dollars. While the upfront expense may seem significant, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind and potential cost savings that come from identifying and fixing issues early on.
Can you sell a house in South Dakota without an inspection?
In South Dakota, sellers are not required to conduct a home inspection before listing their property. However, many sellers opt for pre-listing inspections. This approach allows them to address potential issues beforehand, presenting the property in the best possible light and potentially speeding up the selling process. While not mandatory, a pre-listing inspection can be a strategic move for sellers looking to be transparent and build buyer confidence.
Any other information or advice for South Dakota residents regarding home inspections?
Brad Banks of Black Hills Professional Home Inspections, based in Rapid City, recommends getting an independent home inspection from someone who doesn’t work with your realtor to get an unbiased opinion. “Your inspector should be working for the buyer, not the sale,” he says.
South Dakota home inspection: the bottom line
Regardless of where you choose to live, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of a home before buying. That’s what makes South Dakota home inspections so important. By having the important elements of your potential home looked at by professionals, you can eliminate the guesswork and avoid extra expenses.
Are you searching for high-paying jobs that require no prior job experience? If you’re looking for high-paying jobs with no experience, it is possible to find them. There are many entry level jobs that you can start if you want to make a good income. Starting a new career path or entering the workforce for…
Are you searching for high-paying jobs that require no prior job experience?
If you’re looking for high-paying jobs with no experience, it is possible to find them. There are many entry level jobs that you can start if you want to make a good income.
Starting a new career path or entering the workforce for the first time doesn’t have to mean taking a low-paying job. In fact, there are many high-paying jobs that don’t require a ton of experience or an advanced degree.
26 Best High Paying Jobs With No Experience
There are 26 high-paying jobs with no experience listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:
Flexible way to freelance from home – Proofreading
Work from home as your own boss – Blogging
Make passive income – Sell printables
High paying customer-oriented job idea – Car salesperson
High paying travel job idea – Flight attendant
Is it really possible to land high paying jobs with no experience?
Yes, it is possible to find high-paying jobs even without prior experience.
So, you’re on the hunt for high-paying jobs but haven’t yet gathered a ton of experience? You’re not alone! Many people find themselves in this very situation, and the good news is, there are opportunities out there to make income even if you are brand new.
However, just because a job doesn’t require experience doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. In fact, it might be quite the opposite. These roles usually demand a quick learning curve and a can-do attitude.
So, while the entry requirements might be minimal and you may be able to learn as you go, the effort you put in can still be a lot.
Below are high-paying jobs with no experience.*
1. Bookkeeper
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: There is a free workshop from Bookkeeper Launch that can help you get started with becoming an online bookkeeper.
Salary: $45,860 per year
You can become a bookkeeper with little to no experience. A bookkeeper is a person who tracks the finances of a business, handles billing and payments, makes spreadsheets, etc., but that doesn’t mean you need to be an accountant or have any related experience.
Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs
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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
2. Blogger
Degree or education requirements: None
Training requirements: On-the-job training and How To Start A Blog FREE Course
Salary: There is no average. I have earned over $5,000,000 blogging over the years, but I also know others who have not earned income.
Blogging can be a fun way to make money from home, and you don’t need any previous experience. In fact, this is one of my favorite top-paying jobs with no experience.
When I started my blog, I had no idea what I was doing and simply learned as I went.
As a blogger, you have the freedom to write creatively and share your thoughts or expertise on any given subject. Your income will depend on blog traffic, advertising, and sponsored content.
Recommended reading: How To Monetize A Blog: How I Grew A $5 Million Blog
3. Proofreader
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: Proofread Anywhere has a free training on How To Become A Proofreader
Salary: $45,410 per year
As a proofreader, your job is to scrutinize written materials and correct typos, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Not even the best writers are perfect. They still make grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, and that’s why professional proofreaders are such a huge help.
Proofreaders proofread books, articles, blog posts, student papers, emails, advertising content, medical documents, and more.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
4. Freelance writer
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $73,150 per year
I know many, many people who have found freelance writing jobs with no experience (myself included!). You don’t need a background in writing or a degree in English or creative writing. I, myself, was a freelance writer for many years, and I enjoyed it a lot. This is one of the best high income jobs with no experience out there.
A freelance writer is someone who writes for a number of different clients and across different types of content. They may write articles for magazines or blog posts, web copy, resumes, technical manuals, social media posts, books, and much more.
Freelance writers write blog posts, content for a company’s sales page, press releases, SEO content for a business, ebooks, essays, emails, newsletters, and more.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs – (Start With No Experience!)
5. Virtual assistant
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: I recommend taking an online workshop such as Free workshop 5 Steps To Become a Virtual Assistant.
Salary: $44,080 per year
Several years back, I worked as a virtual assistant. I didn’t have any experience before, but I learned as I went along. That’s why I believe it’s one of the best jobs to start with because it was my first job too!
A virtual assistant helps businesses and entrepreneurs with tasks like managing an email inbox, data entry, scheduling appointments, and customer service.
A virtual assistant is someone who works for a person, company, or business owner doing administrative and business tasks to help the business run smoothly. Think of VAs as the online version of an in-person assistant. You work online from home rather than inside someone’s physical business.
Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
This free training shows you how to become a virtual assistant and work from home.
6. Flight attendant
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: Flight attendants get on-the-job training from the airline they work for.
Salary: $63,760 per year
If you want to travel and work, then this is one of the most fun high-earning jobs with no experience (as an employee of an airline, you typically get free or very discounted flights too!).
As a flight attendant, you have the opportunity to travel and assist passengers during flights. Flight attendants have two main jobs: they do regular tasks like serving food and drinks, and they also know what to do if something goes wrong, to keep passengers safe and comfortable during a flight.
No experience is usually required, but you will need to complete a training program with the airline.
Learn more at How To Become A Flight Attendant.
7. Insurance claims adjuster
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: On-the-job training which can last several months
Salary: $72,040 per year
An insurance claims adjuster investigates and settles insurance claims in the insurance industry. Claims adjusters are like investigators for insurance. They check if an insurance company should give money for a claim, and, if they should, they decide how much.
They determine whether the insurance policy covers the loss claimed, decide the appropriate amount the insurance company should pay, make sure that claims are not fraudulent, and more.
8. Construction worker
Degree or education requirements: None
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $39,520 per year
Construction laborers have a hands-on role on construction sites. They do physically demanding tasks like cleaning up and getting sites ready, putting up structures, and moving construction materials, among other things.
There is a lot of job growth expected for this career too!
9. Police officer
Degree or education requirements: Ranges from a high school diploma to a college degree (such as a degree in criminal justice or law enforcement)
Training requirements: Training academy as well as on-the-job training
Salary: $69,160 per year (the average annual salary depends on many things, such as the city in which you work)
As a police officer, your duty is to protect and serve communities. This is a job that you will definitely need training for, but you can start with no experience.
Police officers do a variety of important tasks. They go to both urgent and less urgent calls, drive around neighborhoods to watch them, stop vehicles for checks, and even carry out warrants, among other duties.
10. Graphic designer
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or bachelor’s degree
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $57,990 per year
Graphic designers many times learn as they go while on the job.
Graphic designers create visual concepts for branding, advertising, and other projects. Graphic designers use digital illustration and editing software to create designs, such as logos, images, brochures, advertising, and more.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer
11. Web developer and web designer
Degree or education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $80,730 per year
Web developers design and create websites. This includes making sure the website loads fast and can handle a lot of visitors. They also take care of the technical parts to keep the website running smoothly.
12. Dental laboratory technician
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $41,180 per year
Dental lab technicians create dental prosthetics like crowns and dentures.
Dental laboratory technicians receive work orders from dentists and form material for dental prosthetics. They also may repair damaged prosthetics.
13. Bartender
Degree or education requirements: None
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $29,380 per year
Bartenders mix and serve drinks while providing excellent customer service. While, yes, you may have to work your way up through a restaurant before you can become a bartender, this is a job that you mostly learn through on-the-job training.
Bartenders have jobs in places like restaurants, hotels, and places where people eat and drink. When it’s really busy, they need to work fast and get drinks to customers as quickly as possible.
Depending on where you bartend, you can make a lot more money too. For example, bartenders in touristy areas may make $10,000+ each month.
14. Roofer
Degree or education requirements: None
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $47,920 per year
Roofers install and repair roofs on buildings, and this is a job that you learn as you do it. A roofer’s responsibilities may also include inspecting roofs, installing ventilation, cutting roofing materials, and more.
15. Plumber
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: Apprenticeship
Salary: $60,090 per year
Plumbers install and repair water and gas pipes in buildings. They also prepare estimates, read blueprints, follow building codes, inspect and test systems, and more.
16. Car salesperson
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $72,782 per year
Car salespeople help customers find the perfect car while earning a commission. They talk with customers, follow up with leads, go on test drives, and handle paperwork.
This is a job that you can start with no experience. In fact, my husband was randomly offered a job as a car salesman and took the job. He saw lots of success with it!
17. Sell printables
Degree or education requirements: None
Training requirements: There is a free workshop: Earn Money Selling Printables
Salary: There is no average salary, but you may be able to make a couple hundred to several thousand a month.
Selling printables online can be a great way to make money without needing any prior experience.
Creating printables can also be quite passive because you just need to create one digital file per product, which you can then sell an unlimited number of times. Because you only need a laptop or computer and an internet connection, it can be quite affordable to start.
Printables are digital products that customers can download and print at home. Some examples are bridal shower games, grocery shopping checklists, budget planners, invitations, printable quotes for wall art, and patterns.
Recommended reading: How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
18. Commercial truck driver
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma, professional truck driving school training, and commercial driver’s license
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $49,920 per year
A commercial truck driver transports goods across the country. Tractor-trailer drivers usually do long-distance driving. They handle trucks that weigh more than 26,000 pounds when you count the vehicle, passengers, and cargo. These drivers transport goods on routes that can stretch across multiple states.
19. Tree trimmer
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $47,080 per year
Tree trimmers prune and cut trees, maintaining their appearance and safety. This is a job that you will learn by watching others and through on-the-job training.
20. Real estate agent
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: On-the-job training, as well as pass real estate courses and a licensing exam.
Salary: $52,030 per year
Real estate agents assist clients with buying, selling, and renting properties. Their tasks may also include advising on market conditions, making a list of properties for sale or rent for their clients, hosting open houses, presenting purchase offers, managing negotiations between a buyer and seller, and more.
This role may require you to pass a licensing exam, but it doesn’t necessarily need prior experience. With an average salary range starting at a decent scale, real estate brokerage is one of the high-income jobs available with little-to-no initial experience.
21. Sales representative
Degree or education requirements: None
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: Depends on what you’re selling. Could be anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000+ per year
Sales representatives sell products or services to clients, and you usually learn through on-the-job training after you are hired.
Successful salespeople come from various backgrounds and often start their careers with no relevant experience. What matters most is your ability to communicate, negotiate, and build relationships. The high earning potential makes it an appealing career choice for many.
22. Travel agent
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $46,400 per year
As a travel agent, you help plan vacations for clients. Travel agents help people choose where to go, plan out the details of the trip, and take care of all the travel bookings for their clients.
Travel agents figure out what customers want and book a trip that matches their preferences and budget. They may plan honeymoons, day trips, family vacations, cruises, find flights, and more.
23. Masonry worker
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: Learn masonry either through an apprenticeship or on the job, working with experienced masons
Salary: $49,490 per year median pay
Masonry workers build structures with bricks, stones, and concrete, and they typically learn the job through an apprenticeship with no prior work experience needed.
24. Tutor
Degree or education requirements: Depends on the topic you are tutoring on
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $36,680 per year if done as a full-time job
With tutoring jobs, you can start if you don’t have any prior experience. You will need to be knowledgeable on the topic, though, and many people on your job search may even want to see a bachelor’s degree.
There are many different kinds of tutoring jobs, from tutoring students with their homework to helping a college student pass a major exam. Tutors might spend 30 minutes teaching a lesson, a few minutes answering questions online, or work one-on-one with a student in a video lesson.
Recommended reading: 11 Best Places To Find Online Tutoring Jobs (Make $100+ an hour)
25. Bake dog treats
Degree or education requirements: None
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: Depends on if it’s part time or full time
Dog treat bakers make dog treats, cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more.
With a dog treat bakery business, you may be able to earn an extra $500 to $1,000 a month or more on the side. Or, you can turn it into a full-time business and make much more.
Recommended reading: How I Earned Up to $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!)
26. Hazmat removal worker
Degree or education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
Training requirements: On-the-job training
Salary: $46,690 per year
Hazmat removal workers clean up hazardous materials like asbestos, mold, and lead.
Training for hazmat removal workers usually involves two parts: learning in a classroom and working in the field. In the classroom, they learn about safety rules and how to use protective gear. When they’re on a job site, they get hands-on experience with tools and materials, and they’re guided by someone who has a lot of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Paying Jobs With No Experience
Below are answers to common questions about how to find high-paying jobs with no experience.
What entry-level jobs pay the most?
Some of the highest-paying entry-level jobs include positions such as web developer, car salesperson, and bookkeeper.
How can I find a job that pays well without prior experience?
To find a good-paying job without any prior experience, you may want to focus on skills that can be used in different jobs and highlight your personal strengths, like communication, problem-solving, or adaptability. Use job search websites that are designed for beginners, and look for job listings that mention “no previous experience needed.”
Are there any fun, well-paying entry-level positions?
Yes, definitely! Many on the list above can be considered fun. My most favorite is becoming a blogger.
What careers offer high pay with short training periods?
Some careers that have high pay with short training periods include bookkeeper, insurance claims adjuster, bartender, car salesperson, and more. These roles may require specialized training or certifications.
How can I make a good income without a degree?
There are many jobs that pay well without requiring a college degree, such as being a construction worker, freelancer, and real estate agent.
How can I make $20 an hour without a degree?
Jobs that pay around $20 an hour without requiring a degree include proofreading, bookkeeping, plumbing, and more. Many on the list above do not require a college degree.
What jobs pay $80,000 with no experience?
Though a little more difficult to find, some jobs that may pay $80,000 or more with no prior experience include positions in sales and real estate.
How to make $150,000 a year without a degree?
Earning $150,000 a year without a degree can be challenging but is achievable in certain fields, such as running your own business, working as a real estate agent, and in sales.
What should I include in my CV when I have no experience?
Even without prior job experience, you can still make a good resume. You should put in any skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for, like things you learned in classes or volunteering. Also, remember that skills you use in everyday life, like solving problems, working on a team, or talking with others are important too.
Should I consider additional form of education for these jobs?
Getting more education can be helpful, but it’s not always a must. For some jobs, taking classes, getting certifications, or attending workshops can make you stand out.
How To Find High Paying Jobs With No Experience – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to find high-paying jobs with no experience.
Some high-paying jobs with no experience may surprise you, while others may seem more attainable. But one thing they all have in common is that they value different skill sets and backgrounds. So don’t worry if your resume is lacking in years of experience or a specialized degree, because these opportunities are out there waiting for someone like you to apply for them.
I hope you are able to find a high paying job that requires no previous experience that works best for you.
What high paying jobs with no experience would you add to the list above?
*Salary and data for the jobs is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).