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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16210 N 159th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85374

$459,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,949 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6653700

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, move in ready home on an oversized lot! Fresh paint, tile in all the right places. The large kitchen is a cooks dream with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances! RV gate.

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5245 N Grand Canyon Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$459,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,700 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659456

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PARTIALLY FURNISHED MONTECITO MODEL on PREMIUM homesite & OWNED SOLAR! 22 solar panels & sellers have not had an electric bill, only credits $$$. There is a beautiful pocket park adjacent to the home with walking paths & benches. Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath home, Den + a golf cart garage w/4 ft ext. Bay windows in Dining, Master & Guest room! Kitchen features upgraded cabinets, Gas range, SS appliances, Quartz countertops, tile backsplash, Reverse osmosis, under cabinet & pendant lighting. Large neutral tile throughout (carpet in bedrooms only). So many upgrades like the gated stucco trash enclosure at the side of the home, 2-tone paint, highly upgraded window treatments & fans in every room. Front & back of the home are professionally landscaped. This is a must see! Welcome home!

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10438 E Twilight Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$459,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,972 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6662510

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Here's the home that will fit both your lifestyle and finances. Ample opportunity to put your personal touches and imagination to make it you! Great room flows seamlessly in to the dining room, kitchen and breakfast room. Spacious Primary bedroom with patio access and updated bathroom. Large secondary bedrooms that overlook the front courtyard area. Updated guest bathroom. Additional 392 SQ FT of Bonus Rooms, ideal for home office, hobby, fitness or workshop. Use one for work and the other for play! Backyard covered patio is perfect for afternoon get-togethers after golf with friends. Very private, expansive backyard. Garage offers plenty of space for vehicles along with tons of storage. Ready to live the resort life? Come check out all this community has to offer and make the move! January 2024, All tile sections of the house and garage have had felt replaced, tiles reinstalled, broken tiles replaced and new flashings installed.

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30924 W Catalina Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$459,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,684 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673783

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore the possibilities of this corner-lot home in Tartesso, offering an assumable low-rate FHA loan for qualifying buyers. With a practical design, this 2020-built DR Horton Onyx model features 4 bedrooms plus a flex room/den and 3 full baths. All bedrooms boast walk-in closets, and the front guest bedroom has a full ensuite bath. Inside, discover wood-look tile floors, recessed lighting, 2'' blinds, and a large great room with a double slider and electric fireplace. The kitchen is very functional with white cabinets, granite counters, a center island with a breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, modern pendants, and stainless-steel appliances. The primary bedroom is spacious and directly off the main living area. The primary bath includes an extended vanity, double sinks, a separate tub and shower, and a massive walk-in closet. Huge laundry room with plenty of space for an extra fridge or freezer. Great corner lot with a backyard large enough for endless upgrades. Create your own backyard oasis in the desirable community of Tartesso!

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