Summary: Down payments for home buying can vary, with options ranging from 0% to 20%.

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-05-18 17:01:00

Buying a home can be confusing, especially when it comes to down payments. While 20% is often suggested, it’s not a strict rule. VA and USDA loans can be acquired with 0% down, FHA loans with 3.5%, and conventional loans with at least 5%. Putting 20% down can help avoid private mortgage insurance, which adds $125 to $375 per month. However, it may take years to save that amount, and the money is essentially “lost” until you sell or refinance. Consult a financial advisor to determine the best option for your situation.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: What You Might Be Misunderstanding About Down Payments