A down payment is the amount of cash a home buyer puts toward the price of a new home. It accomplishes a few things—first, it reduces the amount of money you need to borrow and it reduces the risk the lender takes in loaning the money to you. By reducing the risk, the borrower will typically get a better interest rate on the loan and increase the amount of home they can buy.
Here at Asheville Realty Group, we know there are a lot of myths out there regarding down payments on Asheville homes for sale. We’ve broken down everything about down payments so you can be fully prepared to make an offer on your dream home!
How Large a Down Payment Do You Need?
The amount of down payment needed depends on the type of the loan, the lender and the property price itself. While most of the 0% down home loans of the last decade are gone, Veterans can still purchase a home loan with no down payment. Other programs include FHA loans with as little as 3.5% down. Conventional loans typically require a 20% down payment, but some allow as little as 5%.
Is it Better to Make a Larger Down Payment?
In addition to the down payment, buying a home also requires cash for closing costs and some reserve savings to guard against unexpected financial concerns. One thing to remember though is that any financing with less than 20% down will require private mortgage insurance – a monthly payment that protects the lender in the event of default.
Talk to a Professional
The best amount of down payment should be determined in consultation with your lender, a tax professional or financial advisor, but the quick answer is “it depends.” By working with a trusted lender, explore your options and you will make the best decision for your needs.
About Asheville Realty Group
Asheville Realty Group is a boutique brokerage firm offering full-service real estate services. We have locally experienced agents who specialize in residential homes, luxury homes, country-side acreage and everything in between. We love Asheville and the surrounding mountain communities that we call home!
Get in touch with us today by filling out the form below or give us a call at 828-252-1910
Contact Form
We would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form and we will get in touch with you shortly.
Leave a Reply