A recent home ownership survey showed that 3 times more first time home buyers than repeat buyers say they lack enough money for a down payment. Perhaps this is due to folks not truly understanding down payment requirements. Many people believe you must make a 20% down payment to buy a home. That is a myth!!
Home buyers can purchase a home with as little as 3.5% down for a FHA loan. Depending on your credit score and available cash, you may be better off going with a 5% down conventional mortgage. In certain cases, you may be able to qualify (depending on your income and geographic area) for the low interest rate, low cost mortgage insurance “HomeReady” program, for as little as 3% down. (Certain geographic areas have no income requirements.)
So what if you don’t even have 3% – 5% available for a down payment? Are there options? The first question for you is, “Do you have a relative who can give you the down payment?” If you do have a loving person who will give you the down payment, we can use that with the proper documentation. Note that the giver must be a blood relative or a spouse. Generous ex-spouses are not considered family members so they cannot provide a gift.
If you lack the available cash and you don’t have a giving relative, do you have a 401K or similar retirement account? Depending on your plan’s rules, you may be able to borrow against your account to help fund your down payment. Talk with your plan administrator for the details.
If these options are not available to you, you may need to wait and save. But the time needed to save 3% to 5% is much better than saving for the 20% many people think is required. Note that you must have 20% to avoid mortgage insurance, but if you can handle the mortgage insurance included in your monthly payment, you can buy a home with much less than 20% down.
Do you need coaching on the best loan / down payment option for you? That’s what I do! Call me at Dunwoody Mortgage. Together we will evaluate your situation, review your options, thus allowing you to make the best decision for you and your family.
