What’s the minimum down payment to buy a home?

July 6, 2022/Scott Sheldon

The Internet does a wonderful job of supplying different information about the minimum down payment you need to buy a home. Read one article you’ll have an idea of what it would take, read another article, and its completely different information. So, how do you assimilate an endless amount of online information as it relates to buying a home? Here is the reality; the minimum down payment you need to buy a home, unless you’re a military veteran, is just 3%. Here’s somethings you should give some consideration to if you’re thinking about buying a home in the near future.

With a good credit score at say 700 or better you can buy home with just as little as 3% down on a conventional mortgage with monthly mortgage insurance that you can remove in the future. That’s the minimum that you need for a conventional loan. The other loan type is an FHA loan which is 3.5% down. Both of which have PMI. PMI is called Private Mortgage Insurance which insures the lender if payment default.

PMI on a conventional mortgage can be discharged or request its removal in the future. PMI on FHA mortgages must be refinanced. That’s the main separator between those two types of loans as it related to PMI. So, if you’re tight on cash but you have good income and a good credit score an FHA loan or a conventional loan on a 30-year fixed rate might prove to be affordable channels for you and your family to go when seeking out home buying choices.

The other separator between the two types of loans is the credit score. An FHA loan will allow you to buy a home with a much lower credit score with just 3.5% down. It’s incredibly more flexible and it serves a wider range of financial situations than a conventional loan which is a little bit more specific and generally wants a 700-credit score or better. Doesn’t mean you can’t get a conventional loan with a less than 700 credit score but if you have a less than 700 credit score, you’re generally going to need for a conventional loan 5% down to work with when determining what mortgage loan program best suits your families’ financial needs.

If you’re looking to get pre-qualified to buy a home start today with a no-cost loan quote today!

Share:

Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn

Posted in: , , , , , , , , ,

RELATED MORTGAGE ADVICE FROM SCOTT SHELDON

hat Happens If Fannie and Freddie Go Private?” with two stylized house icons, a padlock, a bar chart, and a dollar sign, symbolizing housing market uncertainty and financial impact

What Happens If Fannie and Freddie Go Private?

What Happens If Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Go Private? The housing market as we…

A wallet containing colorful credit cards with a bold text overlay reading "Refinancing Strategies to Reduce Credit Card Debt and Buy a Home – Refinance" against a blue background.

Refinancing Strategies to Reduce Credit Card Debt and Buy a Home

Refinancing Strategies to Reduce Credit Card Debt and Buy a Home If you’re sitting on…

When buying a home, it’s natural to want the lowest mortgage rate possible. But sometimes, chasing a slightly better rate from another lender—especially after your offer has already been accepted—can backfire in a big way. Let’s walk through a real-world scenario. You’ve got an offer accepted on a house. You’re working with a lender who has you approved, documents in underwriting, and a 21-day close of escrow in place. Everything is moving forward. Then you hear from another lender offering a rate that’s 0.25% lower, with slightly better closing costs. It’s tempting. But before you make a jump, here’s what you need to consider. Switching Lenders Comes with Time Costs When you pivot to a new lender mid-contract, they’ll need to: Re-underwrite your entire loan, Order a new appraisal, Disclose and sign new loan documents, Submit the file for final loan approval, Schedule and fund closing—all over again. This doesn’t happen overnight. Even in ideal circumstances, the new lender is likely going to need at least 25–30 days to close. If you’re in a fast-moving or competitive market, this is a real problem. Most sellers won’t grant a contract extension just because you’re switching lenders. So, what happens next? A Contract Extension Can Jeopardize Your Deal Asking for a contract extension means the seller must agree to delay closing. But that delay introduces risk—especially if the seller has backup offers or simply wants certainty. They may not grant the extension. Or worse, they could cancel the deal outright and take another buyer’s offer. Even if the seller agrees to extend, your earnest money and negotiation power could take a hit. And for what? A slightly lower rate that might save you $50 to $75 a month? Mortgage Rates Aren’t as Far Apart as You Think Here’s the truth: all mortgage lenders get their money from the same place—the bond market. The pricing differences between lenders usually range from 0.125% to 0.25% in rate on any given day. If one lender seems to be offering dramatically better pricing, the first thing you should ask is: How? Head over to FreddieMac.com and check the average 30-year fixed rate posted weekly. This is one of the most reliable benchmarks for where rates truly stand in the market. If a lender is quoting you a rate that’s well below that average, ask for the details: Are they charging extra points? Is this a teaser rate with a prepayment penalty? Is it based on a different loan product or risky structure? Often, what sounds “too good to be true”… is. Consider the Bigger Picture Think long-term. If you’re financing $600,000, a 0.25% lower rate may reduce your payment by roughly $75/month. But what if you lose the house and have to start over? That monthly savings doesn’t mean much if you’re outbid on your dream home or lose your deposit. Also, remember: you’re not going to keep this rate forever. Today’s homebuyers typically refinance when rates drop by about 0.75% or more. So if rates fall within the next year or two, you’ll likely be refinancing anyway. Instead of paying extra points now or risking the entire deal for a minor monthly savings, it may be better to accept a slightly higher rate—knowing you’ll refinance when the time is right. The Real Risk Isn’t the Rate—It’s the Delay When shopping for a home loan, don’t just ask, “What’s your rate?” Ask: Can you close on time? Is this rate sustainable or based on hidden costs? Will switching lenders delay or jeopardize my contract? A home purchase contract is a binding agreement between you and the seller to perform within a set timeframe. If you can’t meet those dates because you're chasing a slightly better rate elsewhere, you may want to reconsider if now is the right time to buy. Final Thoughts Yes, interest rates matter. But execution matters more. Before making a switch mid-transaction, talk to your lender. Have an honest conversation about pricing, timelines, and strategy. You might find that staying the course, securing the house, and planning to refinance later offers a better path to financial security. Want to Know Your Options? Let’s compare rates and strategies the smart way—without risking your dream home. 👉 Click here to get a custom rate quote today.

The Risks of Chasing a Lower Mortgage Rate

Why Chasing a Lower Mortgage Rate Can Backfire When buying a home, it’s natural to…

A woman sitting at a kitchen table looking through documents with an American flag and framed military photo beside her, symbolizing a surviving spouse exploring VA loan options.

VA Loan Options for Surviving Spouses

Understanding VA Loan Refinance Options for Surviving Spouses Losing a spouse is one of life’s…

View More from The Mortgage Files:

begin your mortgage journey with sonoma county mortgages

Let us make your mortgage experience easy. Trust our expertise to get you your best mortgage rate. Click below to start turning your home dreams into reality today!

GET YOUR FREE RATE QUOTE NOW