Smart Choice Mortgage, LLC - NMLS# 1371507

05/27/2026

A common homebuying myth is that you need 20% down to buy a home.

While a larger down payment may help lower your monthly payment, reduce mortgage insurance costs, or improve financing options, many buyers purchase a home with less than 20% down.

The amount needed can depend on the loan program, lender requirements, property type, and your overall financial profile. FHA, VA, USDA, conventional loans, and down payment assistance programs may offer different options for eligible buyers.

If you’re thinking about buying a to-be-built home or a quick move-in home, it’s worth asking what down payment options may be available based on your situation.

©2026 Smart Choice Mortgage, LLC, headquartered at 8911 N. Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 4300G, Austin, TX 78759. NMLS #1371507. www.SCDisclaimers.com

05/21/2026

05/21/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Kasey Hampton by Kimberly L G - Kasey was very commun throughout the process. She answered all my questions.

Click to see all 49 reviews of Kasey Hampton, Residential Mortgage Loan Originator | NMLS #275537

05/18/2026

We’ve spent the last few weeks talking about credit and financing basics. Now it’s time to move our discussion more towards homebuying basics and mortgage readiness. So, if you’re thinking about buying a home, a good first step is understanding your budget, credit, monthly expenses, and available down payment. The more prepared you are upfront, the easier it is to move through the homebuying process with confidence. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

©2026 Smart Choice Mortgage, LLC, headquartered at 8911 N. Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 4300G, Austin, TX 78759. NMLS #1371507. www.SCDisclaimers.com

05/15/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Kasey Hampton by Stephen R G - The level of communication from Kasey was more than I expected . I knew what was happening at every stage of the process.

Click to see all 48 reviews of Kasey Hampton, Residential Mortgage Loan Originator | NMLS #275537

05/07/2026

05/05/2026

Does requesting my credit report hurt my credit score?

As part of our Credit & Financing Basics series we’ve been talking a lot about your credit report; however, you may wonder if checking your credit report hurts your credit score? We can settle that with one word. No. Requesting your credit report does not hurt your credit score. Checking your own credit report is not an inquiry about new credit, so it has no effect on your score. In fact, reviewing your credit report regularly can help you make sure the information the credit reporting companies share with lenders is accurate and up to date. You can review your credit report online for free once a week, from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). You can also request a copy of your credit report by mail once every 12 months from each of the three companies.

Additional information can be found on the CFPB website: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/does-requesting-my-credit-report-hurt-my-credit-score-en-1229/

©2026 Smart Choice Mortgage, LLC, headquartered at 8911 N. Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 4300G, Austin, TX 78759. NMLS #1371507. www.SCDisclaimers.com

Requesting your credit report does not hurt your credit score.

05/04/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Kasey Hampton by Arthur Z - Very good communication. Also, the portal system was easy to use. Very professional and helpful through the process.

Click to see all 47 reviews of Kasey Hampton, Residential Mortgage Loan Originator | NMLS #275537

05/04/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Kasey Hampton by James W R - Kasey was awesome .. when I told her I had a competing offer . She said .. let me call you back in 2 minutes .. and she did with a better offer

Click to see all 46 reviews of Kasey Hampton, Residential Mortgage Loan Originator | NMLS #275537

04/30/2026