Is the idea of saving for a down payment holding you back from buying a home right now? You may be eager to take advantage of today’s  low mortgage rates, but the thought of needing a large down payment might make you want to pump the brakes. Today, there’s still a common myth that you have to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. This means people who could buy a home may be putting their plans on hold because they don’t have that much saved yet. The reality is, whether you’re looking for your first home or you’ve purchased one before, you most likely don’t need to put 20% down. Here’s why.

According to  Freddie Mac:

“The most damaging down payment myth—since it stops the homebuying process before it can start—is the belief that 20% is necessary.”

If saving that much money sounds daunting, potential homebuyers might give up on the dream of homeownership before they even begin – but they don’t have to. If you are looking to purchase a home in Marlboro Township, I can put you intouch with a lender to help you, especially to understanding the down payment!

Do I Really Need a 20% Down Payment to Buy a Home? | Keeping Current Matters

Data in the 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) indicates that the median down payment actually hasn’t been over 20% since 2005, and even then, that was for repeat buyers, not first-time homebuyers. As the image below shows, today’s median down payment is clearly less than 20%.

What does this mean for potential homebuyers in the Marlboro NJ Market?

Especially regarding the down payment?

As we can see, the median down payment was lowest for first-time buyers with the 2020 percentage coming in at 7%. If you’re a first-time buyer and putting down 7% still seems high, understand that there are programs that allow qualified buyers to purchase a home with a down payment as low as 3.5 %. There are even options like VA loans and USDA loans  with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants.

It’s important for potential homebuyers (whether they’re repeat or first-time buyers) to know they likely don’t need to put down 20% of the purchase price, but they do need to do their homework to understand the options available. Be sure to work with trusted professionals from the start to learn what you may qualify for in the homebuying process.

Bottom Line

Don’t let down payment myths keep you from hitting your homeownership goals. If you’re hoping to buy a home this year, contact a local real estate professional to review your options.

If you are thinking of purchasing a home in Monmouth County and would like to speak with a fabulous mortgage rep, please reach out. I would be more than happy to put you in touch with one! It really may give you a much clearer picture of what you can and can NOT afford, and exactly what type of down payment you will be look at! You can email me always at [email protected] or text me at 732 213 0325.

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ABOUT ME

If you think Monmouth County could be the perfect place to find your new home, let’s get together and answer any questions you may have.  Cori Dunphy & RE/MAX Central have been selling in the area for over 35 years and are dedicated to your satisfaction. 

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, investment property, condominium or other Real Estate allow “me” to help make it a pleasant (and successful!) experience.

Whether you’re in the market to buy a home or sell one, contact me so I can answer your questions and be your guide to the local real estate market.