06/17/2026
When people tell us they’re not ready to buy a home, the reason is usually the same:
“I don’t have enough saved.”
And while savings are important, many buyers are surprised to learn that the down payment isn’t always the biggest expense they’re planning for.
Most people have heard they need 20% down.
On a $250,000 home, that’s $50,000.
No wonder so many people assume homeownership is out of reach.
But here’s what they don’t realize:
• Some loan programs allow as little as 3% down.
• FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down for qualified buyers.
• VA and USDA loans may offer eligible borrowers a 0% down payment option.
• Seller concessions may help reduce the amount of cash needed at closing in certain situations.
That doesn’t mean buying a home is free.
You’ll still need to plan for closing costs, reserves, and the responsibilities of homeownership.
But it does mean the number you’ve been saving toward may not be the number you actually need.
The biggest mistake isn’t having questions.
It’s assuming you already know the answer.
Before you spend another year wondering if you’re ready, find out what your options actually look like.
You may be closer than you think.
