08/27/2026
Here's what most buyers don't realize: depending on your loan type, 100% of your down payment can come from a gift. That means money from a parent, grandparent, sibling, or even a close friend could get you across the finish line.
A few things to know:
1. Your donor will need to sign a simple gift letter confirming the money doesn't need to be paid back
2. Large deposits get scrutinized during underwriting, so documentation matters
3. Pro tip: if the gift is deposited 60–90 days before you apply, it's considered "seasoned" and requires zero extra paperwork