Published May 30, 2025

đź’° Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a Home?

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Written by Mary Elizabeth Crabbs

đź’° Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a Home? header image.

Spoiler Alert: Nope. Not even close.

If you've been dreaming of owning a home but feel like you're miles away from a 20% down payment—you’re not alone. And even better? You don’t need 20% down to buy a home in today’s market.

That old rule of thumb is one of the biggest myths holding people back from homeownership. Let’s bust that myth wide open and talk about what it really takes to buy your first home.


âś… The Truth About Down Payments

Here’s what most people don’t know:

  • FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down

  • VA loans and USDA loans offer 0% down options for qualified buyers

  • The actual median down payment for first-time buyers is just 9%

So that scary 20% number? It’s not the standard anymore—and for many buyers, it’s not even necessary.


đź’ˇ There’s More Help Out There Than You Think

Here’s a jaw-dropping stat: Nearly 80% of first-time homebuyers qualify for down payment assistance, but only 13% actually use it. That’s a massive amount of free money being left on the table.

Depending on where you live and your financial situation, assistance programs can offer up to $17,000 or more to help cover your down payment or closing costs—and yes, some programs can even be stacked.


🏡 Don’t Let Outdated Info Hold You Back

You don’t need perfect credit. You don’t need a huge savings account. And you definitely don’t need 20% down.

What you do need is the right guidance, and someone to help you explore your options—and that’s where I come in.


📲 Ready to Learn What You Qualify For?

Let’s connect and talk about what’s actually possible for you. Whether you're just starting to think about buying or ready to take the next step, I’m here to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Send me a message or schedule a quick chat—let’s see what doors could open for you.

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