06/15/2026
Nobody told you this: you do not need 20% down.
That number has been the single biggest myth keeping buyers on the sidelines for years.
At median income in San Francisco, saving a 20% down payment takes roughly 14 years. In Columbus, Ohio? Under 4 years.
But here is what actually matters: most loan programs require far less than 20%.
FHA: 3.5% down. Conventional: as low as 3% down. VA: zero down. USDA: zero down. And there are down payment assistance programs that can cover part or all of that depending on where you live and what you earn.
The myth of the 20% down payment has kept millions of qualified buyers renting for years longer than they needed to.
If you are waiting until you have 20% saved: please, let us show you what you actually need.
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Source: Zillow Research and ATTOM Data Solutions.
downpayment | housingmarket | homebuying | realestate | savingmoney | downpaymentassistance | mortgagemyths