06/03/2026
One of the biggest myths in real estate is still alive and well:
“You need 20% down to buy a home.”
The truth?
Many buyers qualify with far less.
And in some cases, putting 20% down may not even be the smartest move financially.
There are buyers right now using:
• 3% down
• 5% down
• 10% down
• rate buydown programs
• mortgage insurance payoff strategies
…while still maintaining comfortable monthly payments and preserving more cash in the bank.
The real question is not:
“How much SHOULD I put down?”
It’s:
“What creates the strongest financial position for me long term?”
There’s a huge difference.