As you set out to [buy a home](https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/09/30/why-buying-a-home-may-make-more-sense-than-renting-infographic/?a=713258-9a8342bcf821027012880bf1d7cccbf7), saving for a down payment is likely top of mind. But you may still have questions about the process, including how much to save and where to start. If that sounds like you, your down payment could be more in reach than you originally thought. Here’s why. #### The 20% Down Payment Myth If you believe you have to put 20% down on a home, you may have based your goal on a common misconception. _Freddie Mac_ [explains](https://myhome.freddiemac.com/buying/down-payments-and-pmi): > ###### _“. . . nearly a third of prospective homebuyers think they need a down payment of 20% or more to buy a home. This myth remains one of the largest perceived barriers to achieving homeownership.”_ Unless it’s specified by your loan type or lender, it’s typically not required to put 20% down. According to the latest [_Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers_](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers) from the _National Association of Realtors_ (NAR), the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since 2005. There are even loan types, like [FHA loans](https://www.hud.gov/buying/loans), with down payments as low as 3.5%, as well as options like [VA loans](https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/index.asp) and [USDA loans](https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-rural-home-loans-offer-100-financing-and-no-down-payment) with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants. This is good news for you because it means you could be closer to your homebuying dream than you realize. For more information, turn to a trusted lender. #### Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Be a Game Changer A professional will be able to show you other options that could help you get closer to your down payment goal. According to latest [_Homeownership Program Index_](https://downpaymentresource.com/homebuyer-resource/homeownership-program-index-highlights-programs-for-community-heroes/) from _downpaymentresource.com_, there are over 2,000 homebuyer assistance programs in the U.S., and the majority are intended to help with down payments. A recent article [explains](https://downpaymentresource.com/homebuyer-resource/5-ways-you-can-benefit-from-down-payment-programs/) why programs like these are helpful: > ###### _“These resources can immediately build your home buying power and help you take action sooner than you thought possible.”_ And if you’re wondering if you have to be a [first-time buyer](https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/06/29/homeownership-could-be-in-reach-with-down-payment-assistance-programs/?a=713258-9a8342bcf821027012880bf1d7cccbf7) to qualify for these programs, that’s not always the case. According to an article from [_downpaymentresource.com_](https://downpaymentresource.com/professional-resource/more-homebuyer-assistance-programs-introduced-as-affordability-declines-in-most-u-s-counties/): > ###### _“It is a common misconception that homebuyer assistance is only available to first-time homebuyers, however, 38% of homebuyer assistance programs in Q1 2022 did not have a first-time homebuyer requirement.”_ There are also location and profession-based programs you could qualify for as well. ### Bottom Line Saving for your down payment is an important first step on your homebuying journey. Let’s connect today and make sure you have a trusted lender to help explore your options.
