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Do You Have Enough Money Saved for a Down Payment?

October 13, 2020 By Tami Savage

Do You Have Enough Money Saved for a Down Payment?

One of the biggest misconceptions for first-time homebuyers is how much you’ll need to save for a down payment. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always have to put 20% down to buy a house. Here’s how it breaks down.

A recent survey by Point2Homes mentions that 74% of millennials (ages 25-40) say they’re interested in purchasing a home over the next 12 months. The study notes, “88% say they have significantly less savings than the average national down payment amount, which is $62,600.”

Thankfully, $62,600 is not the amount every buyer needs for a down payment in the United States. There are many different options available, especially for first-time homebuyers (millennial or not). That amount can also be significantly less, depending on the purchase price of the house.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), “The median existing-home price for all housing types in August was $310,600.” (These are the latest numbers available). NAR also indicates that:

“In 2019, the median down payment was 12 percent for all buyers, six percent for first-time buyers, and 16 percent for repeat buyers.” (See graph below):

2019 Median Percent Down Payment by U.S. Homebuyers: All Buyers 12%, First-Time Buyers 6%, Repeat Buyers 16%.  Source: NAR

That means if a qualified first-time buyer purchases a home at today’s median price, $310,600, with a 6% down payment, in reality, the down payment only amounts to $18,636. That’s nowhere near $62,600.

Knowing there are also programs like FHA where the down payment can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price for a first-time buyer, that up-front cost could be significantly less – as little as $10,871 for the same home noted above. There are also other programs like USDA and loans for Veterans that waive down payment requirements.

The Point2Homes study also shares how much millennials have indicated they’ve saved for a down payment. As we can see in the graph below, 39% have already saved enough for a down payment on a median-priced home. Another 47% are close to reaching that goal, depending on the purchase price of the home.

How Much Have You Saved for a Down Payment?  14% zero saved, 47% have up to $10,000, 19% have saved between $10,001 - $30,000, 8% have saved $30,001 - $50,000, 4% have saved $50,000 - $75,000, and 8% have saved over $75,000.  For a median home price of $310,600, the people who have saved over $10k have enough for a 3.5% median down payment for first-time buyers.  Somewhere in the 10k-30k savings range or more first-time buyers would have enough for a 6% median down payment.  Somewhere in the 30k-50k range or more is enough for 12% median down payment.  Source:  Point2Homes

Unfortunately, the lack of knowledge about the homebuying process is keeping many motivated first-time buyers on the sidelines. That’s why it’s important to contact a local real estate professional to understand the requirements in your local area if you want to buy a home. A trusted agent and your lender can guide you through the process.

Bottom Line

Be careful not to let big myths about homebuying keep you and your family out of the housing market. Let’s connect to discuss your options today.

Tagged With: Buying Myths, Down Payments, For Buyers, Millennials, Pricing

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