A down payment is the amount of cash a home buyer puts toward the price of a
new home. It accomplishes a few things; first it reduces the amount of money you
need to borrow and it reduces the risk the lender takes in loaning the money. By
reducing the risk, the borrower will typically get a better interest rate on the loan
and increase the amount of home they can buy.
How Large a Down Payment Do You Need?
The amount of down payment needed depends on the type of the loan, the
lender and the property price itself. While most of the 0% down home loans of
the last decade are gone, Veterans can still purchase a home loan with no down
payment. Other programs include FHA loans with as little as 3.5% down.
Conventional loans typically require a 20% down payment, but some allow as
little as 5%.
Is it Better to Make a Larger Down Payment?
In addition to the down payment, buying a home also requires cash for closing
costs and some reserve savings to guard against unexpected financial concerns.
One thing to remember though is that any financing with less than 20% down will
require private mortgage insurance – a monthly payment which protects the
lender in the event of default.
The best amount of down payment should be determined in consultation with
your lender and your tax or financial advisor, but the quick answer is “it depends.”
By working with a trusted lender, explore your options and you will make the best
decision for your needs.
