Do You Need 20% Down? Travis Egan Busts the Biggest First-Time Buyer Myth

The Myth That Keeps Buyers on the Sidelines

Travis Egan says the biggest myth he hears from first-time buyers is that they must put twenty percent down to buy a home. In reality, most buyers never do. Believing the myth can lead people to delay their purchase for years while they chase a number they may not actually need to reach, and that delay can carry real costs of its own. Many would-be buyers are more ready than they think.

What the Typical Buyer Really Puts Down

The typical first-time buyer puts down around eight percent, and plenty of good loans ask for far less. Many conventional loans allow three percent down, FHA loans allow three and a half percent, and VA and USDA loans offer zero down for borrowers who qualify. For veterans and active duty service members, the VA loan can be an especially powerful option. Eligibility, pricing, and terms vary by program and borrower, so it helps to review the details for your situation with a lender who can lay out each option clearly.

How Mortgage Insurance Fits In

Putting down less than twenty percent usually means paying mortgage insurance for a while. On a conventional loan, that insurance falls off once you build enough equity in the home, so it is not a permanent cost. Many buyers find the temporary expense is a fair trade for getting into a home sooner and starting to build equity earlier.

Waiting Can Cost More Than the Insurance

Spending years saving for a full twenty percent can end up costing more than the mortgage insurance ever would. During that time, you keep paying rent instead of building equity, and home prices and interest rates may change. The cost of waiting is easy to overlook, but it is real, and it deserves a place in the math.

Ask a Smarter Question

Rather than asking whether you can reach twenty percent, Travis encourages buyers to ask how much they can put down while still keeping a healthy emergency fund. Cash in reserve after closing protects you from unexpected repairs and expenses, and that safety net matters as much as the down payment itself. Draining your savings to hit a bigger number can leave you exposed right when you become a homeowner.

Let’s Look at Your Options Together

If you are thinking about buying a home, reach out to Travis Egan so you can review your down payment options together and find the loan program that fits your budget and goals. He is here to help. Semper Fi.

Sources

NAR.realtor
ConsumerFinancialProtectionBureau.gov
Fanniemae.com
HUD.gov
VA.gov