$55,640! That’s the average down payment on a house in 2024, up by 24.1% from 2023. This indicates that homebuyers are putting a larger down payment.
Down payment is an upfront cost of homeownership that you pay in a real estate transaction. A larger down payment leads to lower monthly payments. Plus, it demonstrates that you are a serious buyer and can get you favorable loan terms.
However, to determine your down payment, you need a mortgage pre-approval. A pre-approval gives you an estimate of your loan amount and monthly payments.
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What Is a Down Payment?
A down payment is a percentage of the total loan amount you pay to a lender upfront. It typically ranges between 3% to 20% of the home’s purchase price.
The amount you need to put down depends on the type of mortgage, type of property, and the terms set by your lender.
How Does a Down Payment Work?
A down payment covers a part of your home’s price, and the mortgage covers the rest. The amount you put down determines your Loan-To-Value ratio (LTV) and equity in the property. For example:
- If you put down $15,000 on a $500,000 house, your LTV will be 97%, and your equity will be 3%.
- If you put down $100,000 on a $500,000 house, your LTV will be 80%, and your equity will be 20%.
You deposit the down payment into an escrow account. Upon closure, a real estate attorney or settlement officer pay the seller from the escrow account.
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Down Payment?
Pros of a Larger Down
- Reduces the total mortgage amount, lowering monthly payments
- Decreases the amount of interest paid over the life of the loan, resulting in long-term savings
- Increases chances of securing better loan terms, such as lower interest rates
- Allows you to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) when putting down 20% or more, cutting monthly expenses
- Builds home equity from the start, providing a stronger financial position
Cons of a Larger Down
- Requires a higher upfront cash amount, which can strain personal savings
- May limit available funds for other financial goals or emergencies
- Could delay the home purchase while you save for a larger sum
- Risk of reducing liquidity, making it harder to manage unexpected costs
Pros of a Smaller Down
- Allows you to buy a home sooner, potentially avoiding rising market prices
- Preserves more cash for emergencies, investments, or other financial priorities
- Makes homeownership accessible with programs like FHA loans, which require as little as 3.5% down
- Reduces the upfront financial burden, making it easier to enter the housing market
Cons of a Smaller Down
- Increases the loan amount, resulting in higher monthly mortgage payments
- Often leads to higher interest rates, raising overall loan costs
- Requires private mortgage insurance (PMI) if the down payment is below 20%, adding to monthly expenses
- Builds equity at a slower rate, potentially impacting long-term financial growth
How to Save for a Down Payment?
Here are some ways you can save on your down payment:
- Know Your Target Amount: Use a mortgage calculator to understand your loan amount and monthly payments. This can help you set a target of how much you need to save.
- Open a Separate Savings Account: This will help your keep your funds secure and reduce the temptation to use the money elsewhere.
- Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your account to your savings account each payday.
- Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Reduce discretionary spending to free up money to save.
- Increase Your Income: A side job or freelance work can also help you reach your savings goal faster.
- Reduce Debt: Pay off high-interest debt to reduce monthly obligations.
You can also avail of down payment assistance to save for a down.
What Is Down Payment Assistance?
Down payment assistance is designed to help first-time buyers, veterans, or those with low to moderate incomes.
These programs offer grants or low-interest loans to cover your down payment. Check with local housing agencies or your state’s housing finance agency for options.
How Much Down Payment Do You Pay?
Down payments typically from 3% to 20% of your home price. However, the ideal down depends on your financial situation and the terms set by your lender.
A larger down payment reduces your monthly payments and saves money in the long run. You can look for properties that fit your budget to save even more on your mortgage. Browse homes for sale now!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How not to pay a down payment?
Government-backed loans such as USDA loans and VA loans offer no-down-payment loans.
Why do mortgage lenders require a down payment?
Lenders require a down payment is that it lowers the risk of borrowers defaulting on payments. A larger down payment means lower principal and interest.
How much is an average down payment on a house?
On average, a home buyer pays a 3% to 20% down payment.
