The Truth About Down Payments

The Truth About Down Payments

If you plan to buy your first home, saving up for all the costs involved can feel daunting, especially regarding the down payment. That might be because you've heard you need to save 20% of the home's price to put down. Well, that isn't necessarily the case.

Unless specified by your loan type or lender, it's typically not required to put 20% down. That means you could be closer to your homebuying dream than you realize.

As The Mortgage Reports says:

“Although putting down 20% to avoid mortgage insurance is wise if affordable, it’s a myth that this is always necessary. In fact, most people opt for a much lower down payment.”

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment hasn't been over 20% since 2005. In fact, for all homebuyers today, it's only 15%. And it's even lower for first-time homebuyers at just 8% (see graph below):

The big takeaway? You may not need to save as much as you initially thought.

Learn About Resources That Can Help You Toward Your Goal

According to Down Payment Resource, there are also over 2,000 homebuyer assistance programs in the U.S., many of which are intended to help with down payments.

Plus, there are loan options that can help, too. For example, FHA loans offer down payments as low as 3.5%, while VA and USDA loans have no down payment requirements for qualified applicants.

With so many resources available to help with your down payment, consulting with your loan officer or broker is the best way to find what you qualify for. They know about local grants and loan programs that may help you out.

Don't let the misconception that you have to have 20% saved up hold you back. If you're ready to become a homeowner, lean on the professionals to find resources to help you realize your dreams. Putting your plans on hold until you've saved up 20% may cost you in the long run. According to U.S. Bank:

“. . . there are plenty of reasons why it might not be possible. For some, waiting to save up 20% for a down payment may “cost” too much time. While you’re saving for your down payment and paying rent, the price of your future home may go up.”

Home prices are expected to keep appreciating over the next five years – meaning your future home will likely go up in price the longer you wait. If you're able to use these resources to buy now, that future price growth will help you build equity rather than cost you more.

Bottom Line

Remember that you don't always need a 20% down payment to buy a home. If you want to move this year, let's connect to discuss your homebuying goals.