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.

What’s Your Home Worth?

Search for Your New Home

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

701 S Reynolds Lane Show Low, AZ 85901

$462,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,534 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6638533

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Adorable home and amazing location! Gorgeous vaulted ceilings, 3bed/2bath split floor plan, large open kitchen and living space. Get cozy during the winters next to the beautiful stone gas fireplace, enjoy the springtime and summers on one of the large front or back decks and oversized fully fenced backyard! Spacious master bedroom includes large walk-in closet, double vanity, and jetted tub. This home is located in town nearby the hospital, grocery stores, and shopping all while being surrounded by tall pines and views throughout the neighborhood. Show Low Bluff Trail/Show Low Creek is only two minutes away, and you can even hear when the Elk are bugling! Whether you are searching for your primary home, or vacation home this is a MUST SEE! *Mounted coat rack, and TV Mount do not convey

View Property

16420 N Thompson Peak Parkway Scottsdale, AZ 85260

$462,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,338 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6673472

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Unique end unit with Camelback & City lights views! Split floor plan, windows across the back to capture light and those McDowell mountain views. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths - split floor plan. 1 car garage. Gated neighborhood. New flooring throughout (2022), new granite kitchen & bathroom countertops, frameless shower door in primary bathroom. All new appliances (2017). Kitchen breakfast bar updated and lowered! Great room floor plan with fireplace w/ accent wall to the ceiling and plenty of room for your sectional and dining room table. High ceilings. Perfect for a full-time resident or someone looking for a lock and leave property. 1 car garage, no other parking for an owners second car in the development (only guest parking). Only mins to Westworld entertainment/events, fine dining, golf, hiking trails, and much more. Award-winning McDowell Mountain Ranch has a large range of luxury amenities within the community and nearby including two recently renovated community parks, community center featuring pickleball, heated pool and spa, splash pad, basketball court, large grass area, and tennis courts. McDowell Sonoran Preserve and trail system, McDowell Mountain Golf Club, City of Scottsdale Aquatic.

View Property

17713 W Granite View Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$462,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689381

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You've just found the perfect home! This beautiful cul-de-sac abode features 3 beds, 2 baths & DEN (Den can easily converted to a 4th bdrm), &.. a 2-car garage! Well-maintained interior showcases an open floor plan graced with abundant natural light, wood-like tile flooring, and neutral paint throughout. Stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, granite counters, recessed & pendant lighting, ample white cabinets with crown molding, subway tile backsplash, and a practical island with a breakfast bar complete this spotless kitchen. Serene primary bedroom includes plush carpet, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. PLUS! You'll have a dedicated den/office. With its covered patio and pavers, the backyard is perfect for unwinding or stargazing! This rare find won't disappoint. Newer Super cute & clean home that is absolute turn key!! Compare VS new construction and SAVE$$$$ big time! Low maintenance landscaping - lock and leave easy living. The Pride of Homeownership shows in this one..! Surrounded by majestic mountains and wide-open desert vistas, life in Estrella is a masterpiece of harmonious balance dynamic-yet serene offering young couples, families and retirees a resort-inspired lifestyle with state-of-the-art amenities.

View Property

6521 S 43rd Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

Open House

$462,500

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,169 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6676880

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Sharp FORMER MODEL 3BR/3BA plus den shows beautifully. Lots of upgrades including spacious island kitchen overlooking family room, complete with upgraded cherry cabinets, granite, and stainless steel appliances. Upstairs features Primary bedroom, guest room with en-suite bath, and open den/loft area with built-in cabinets/desk. One full bedroom/bath downstairs as well. Upgraded plank-style wood flooring, custom window coverings, upgraded bay windows in dining & kitchen complete the interior of this wonderful home. Double French doors lead to spacious backyard complete with covered patio, gazebo and mature landscaping. All of this, and cllose to Cesar Chavez park, schools, shopping and restaurants. This home shows very well and will NOT disappoint! Welcome home!

View Property