Mortgage Myths: Here’s Why You Don’t Need a Full 20 Percent Down Payment

If you’re just getting into the real estate market, you may have heard that 20% down is the ideal percentage in order to lower your monthly payments and get your mortgage application approved. However, while 20% is often suggested, many people struggle to come up with this amount of money. If you’re staving off home ownership, here are some reasons you may not need to hold off as you long as you thought.

Minimizing Your Insurance Costs

Putting down 20% of the total purchase price of your home is often suggested, but it doesn’t definitively mean that your application won’t be approved if you don’t. If you have a good credit score and are in good financial standing, putting less than 20% down means you’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI); however, it can be worth paying the extra funds in order to get into the real estate market sooner and start paying into your most significant investment.

Mortgage Programs For Less Than 20%

It may seem less possible to buy a home if you only have 5 or 7% of the purchase price, but there are many programs in the United States that enable those with limited funds to apply for a mortgage. From the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there are many lenders that can offer you mortgage programs that will work for your situation. While higher rates come in tandem with a lower down payment, there are options out there for those who haven’t saved quite enough.

Why Put Down 20%?

Putting down 20% is not a necessity for mortgage approval or purchasing a home, but it can be a great means of saving money in the long run and reducing your interest rates. If you’re raring to get into the real estate market and don’t want to wait for the bills to stack up, that’s OK, but if you want to hold off and save up additional funds before diving in, this can mean more money and a more solid investment in the future.

The magic number is often 20% when it comes to a down payment on a home, but you don’t require this percentage of your home’s price in order to get approved for a mortgage. If you’re currently considering diving into home ownership and would like to know more about the opportunities in your area, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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1993 E Georgia Ruth Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$453,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,435 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678708

Property Type Single Family Residence

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New Construction!! Nestled perfectly in the sought after city of San Tan Valley. Adorable 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home with a 2 car garage plus storage. Our Ashton Woods Artisan Collection, spacious owner's suite, stainless steel appliances, granite kitchen countertops and shaker style cabinets makes this a place to call home. Conveniently located off of Combs Rd and Schnepf Rd. As with all of our homes, this one is also constructed as ''Energy Star'' for remarkable comfort, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability!

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3180 W Juniper Canyon Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083

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$453,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,232 SqFt

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MLS # 6692863

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Below Market Financing Available!!!!!!!!!! This single-level home showcases a spacious open floorplan where the Great Room, kitchen and dining room share a footprint that helps maximize the low-maintenance interior. Three bedrooms provide comfort and privacy for household members and overnight guests. Among those bedrooms is the luxurious owner's suite, which features a restful bedroom, en-suite bathroom and a walk-in closet. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home.

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2245 E Flower -- Phoenix, AZ 85016

$453,900

3 Beds

1 Bath

1,511 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6664508

Property Type Single Family Residence

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ANOTHER GREAT CORNER LOT PROPERTY THAS IS BEEN REMODEL WITH NEW PAINT EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR!!!!NEW TILE FLOORS THROUGH OUT,NEW KITCHEN CABINETRIES,NEW COUNTER TOPES,CEILING FANS AND MORE. COENER LOT WITH RV GATE AND POSSIBILITY TO BUILT A GUEST HOUSE

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17382 W El Caminito Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$453,870

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,040 SqFt

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MLS # 6649053

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Single Story, 2-Car Garage, 3 BR, Den w/Double Doors and Tile, 3 Bath, 36'' Skylar Shale Cabinets, White Ice Quartz Countertops, Under Cabinet LED Kitchen Lighting, 6 x36 Oceanside Cottage Tile Flooring, Bit of Gray Carpeting, Faded Grey Interior Paint, SS Gas Range Double Oven Slide-In Appliance Package, ,Holiday Pkg, Laundry Room Cabinets with Sink, Soft Water Pre-Plumb, Gas Stub for future BBQ, Ext Color Scheme #7

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