2 Major Myths Holding Back Home Buyers

Urban Institute recently released a report entitled, “Barriers to Accessing Homeownership,” which revealed that “eighty percent of consumers either are unaware of how much lenders require for a down payment or believe all lenders require a down payment above 5 percent.”

Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment”

Buyers often overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the same report:

“Consumers are often unaware of the option to take out low-down-payment mortgages. Only 19% of consumers believe lenders would make loans with a down payment of 5% or less… While 15% believe lenders require a 20% down payment, and 30% believe lenders expect a 20% down payment.”

These numbers do not differ much between non-owners and homeowners; 39% of non-owners believe they need more than 20% for a down payment and 30% of homeowners believe they need more than 20% for a down payment.

While many believe that they need at least 20% down to buy their dream home, they do not realize that programs are available that allow them to put down as little as 3%. Many renters may actually be able to enter the housing market sooner than they ever imagined with programs that have emerged allowing less cash out of pocket.

Myth #2: “I Need a 780 FICO® Score or Higher to Buy”

Similar to the down payment, many either don’t know or are misinformed about what FICO^® score is necessary to qualify.

Many Americans believe a ‘good’ credit score is 780 or higher.

To help debunk this myth, let’s take a look at Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insight Report, which focuses on recently closed (approved) loans.

As you can see in the chart above, 53.5% of approved mortgages had a credit score of 600-749.

Bottom Line

Whether buying your first home or moving up to your dream home, knowing your options will make the mortgage process easier. Your dream home may already be within your reach.

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2329 E Bowker Street Phoenix, AZ 85040

$460,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,073 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687666

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Here's a great opportunity to own a large 4 bedroom 3.5 bathroom home in an amzingly convenient Phoenix neighborhood. Features include: Tiled floors Large kitchen with tons of counter and cabinet space, Gas stove, built-in surround sound in family room, loft and patio, large covered patio, fireplace, huge master suite, Built-In BBQ area. The neighborhood features mature trees, parks, playgrounds, a basketball court and a community pool! home is located just minutes from just about anything you could want or need. There's restaurants, easy freeway access, job opportunities, golf, hiking and more just minutes away. You'll also be close to Downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor, etc. Hurry and take a look! *The sale may be subject to Court approval.

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$460,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,440 SqFt

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MLS # 6684957

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Nearly 5 acres of fenced horse property with a site built metal frame block stucco home! Home has recently been upgraded with wood-look tile flooring throughout! Spacious bright kitchen, includes all appliances & large breakfast bar w/storage overlooking living room! Primary bedrm & bath have jetted tub, remodeled vanity, walk-in & secondary closets. Guest bathrm has matching remodeled vanity. Huge laundry rm connects to primary bath w/door provides privacy. Key items include: 400' deep well & 2 neighbors pay for water usage, 45x36' concrete slab ready for supersized garage, gravel driveways, storage sheds, new water heater, watersoftner, fans thru out, full covered front patio, newer exterior paint & 7 pine trees w/irrigation. All this in quaint Hidden Valley surrounded by mountains!

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5843 W Crocus Drive Glendale, AZ 85306

$460,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,130 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686851

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Beautiful home in highly desired area featuring spacious split floorplan, large bedrooms, newer kitchen cabinets with granite, eat-in kitchen nook, formal living and dining and large family room! Newer light fixtures, ceiling fans, covered patio and a private pool for entertaining in hot AZ! Plenty of parking space, extended driveway, 10' RV gate with concrete pad for your toys and much, much more!

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854 S Cerise -- Mesa, AZ 85208

$460,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,769 SqFt

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Highly sought after 4 bedroom single level floor plan rarely on the market. HVAC replaced in 2019, Water Heater in 2023 Sstainless steel appliances plus washer & dryer convey. Neutral Two Tone Paint Throughout home. The 2 car garage has epoxy coated floor. OLD REPUBLIC Home Warranty in place & transferrable to Buyer. This home has lots of upgrades including granite kitchen counter tops, tile floors in all the right places, ceiling fans throughout, all appliances included, desert landscape in front yard & paver hardscape with synthetic grass in rear yard for easy maintenance. This is a gr spacious single level home located in a gated community within close proximity to nearby schools, city park as well as shopping, dining, medical center & easy freeway access. This is one you have to see

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