05/11/2026
A lot of buyers still assume 20% down is automatically the smartest move.
But when you actually look at the numbers, it gets interesting fast.
On a $400,000 home, the difference between 20% down and 3% down is $68,000 upfront.
That is a huge amount of cash to part with at closing.
Meanwhile, the monthly payment difference in this example is only about $57.55 per month.
For some buyers, tying up an extra $68,000 just to save around $58 a month may not feel like the best move.
Because that money could stay in your account.
It could go toward updates after closing.
It could help cover repairs, furniture, moving costs, or extra reserves once you get the keys.
That is why this conversation matters.
This is not one size fits all advice.
But it is a reminder that a bigger down payment does not always mean a better strategy.
Comment GUIDE and I’ll send you a simple buyer checklist to help you think through your next steps.
— Cathy Wilson Realtor
• low down payment mortgage options
