How Much is a Down Payment on a House?

Conventional Mortgages

A conventional mortgage is a type of home loan that is not backed by the federal government. Instead, they are offered by private lenders like banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. Conventional mortgages come in two forms: conforming and non-conforming. Conforming mortgages adhere to specific loan limits set by government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These loan limits vary by location and are updated annually. Non-conforming mortgages, on the other hand, exceed these loan limits. This type of home loan is best suited for borrowers who have a strong credit history and can afford a sizable down payment. Lenders typically require a higher credit score and a down payment of at least 5% to 20% of the home’s purchase price. Having this higher credit score and a larger down payment can help borrowers secure better interest rates and loan terms.

Fixed-Rate Mortgages

A fixed-rate mortgage is a type of home loan where the interest rate remains constant throughout the entire duration of the loan. This means that the interest rate and monthly payment remain the same over the life of the loan, providing borrowers with stability and predictability.

With a fixed-rate mortgage, borrowers can expect their monthly payments to be nearly the same every month. However, it is important to note that fluctuations in property taxes or insurance rates may cause slight variations in the monthly payment.

These mortgages are typically available in terms of 15 or 30 years, although some lenders may offer other term lengths. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage allows borrowers to pay off the loan faster, resulting in higher monthly payments but substantial interest savings over the life of the loan. On the other hand, the 30-year term spreads out the payments over a longer period, resulting in lower monthly payments but higher interest costs.

Fixed-rate mortgages are considered beneficial for individuals that plan to stay in their homes for at least 5-7 years or more. This is because the stability of the interest rate and monthly payment provides financial certainty and allows borrowers to budget effectively over the long term. It can also be advantageous when interest rates are low, as borrowers can lock in a favorable rate that will not change regardless of market fluctuations.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

Unlike fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages have interest rates that can fluctuate over time based on market conditions. Instead of a constant interest rate, adjustable-rate mortgages offer an initial fixed rate for a certain period at the beginning of the loan term and then transition to a variable rate for the remainder of the term.

The initial fixed rate of this type of home loan typically lasts for a few years, commonly either 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. During this period, the interest rate remains unchanged and provides borrowers with a predictable monthly payment. However, once the fixed-rate period ends, the interest rate adjusts periodically based on market conditions. Although these adjustments typically occur annually, the frequency may vary.

Adjustable-rate mortgages are usually offered as 30-year loans, similar to fixed-rate mortgages. The main difference lies in the variable interest rate after the initial fixed-rate period. This allows borrowers to benefit from potentially lower initial interest rates and monthly payments, particularly if market rates are low at the time of taking out the loan.

Adjustable-rate mortgages are a great option for individuals who do not plan on staying in their homes for an extended period, typically less than 5-7 years. They can be especially attractive to first-time home buyers looking to purchase a starter home before moving to their forever home. However, it is important to note that these loans come with a level of risk. After the fixed-rate period ends, the monthly payment can fluctuate significantly based on market conditions.

Jumbo Loans

Jumbo loans are typically used for mortgages that exceed the borrowing limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). These limits, also known as conforming loan limits, determine the maximum loan amount that can be guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises. Jumbo loans fall outside of these limits and are used for financing higher-priced properties. Jumbo loans are more common in areas with high housing costs. They are best suited for individuals looking to buy a house with a selling price above the latest conforming loan limits. Jumbo loans provide the necessary financing to purchase higher-priced properties that may not be eligible for conventional loans. However, this also means that they often come with different lending requirements, including stricter credit score and down payment requirements, as well as higher interest rates.

FHA Loans

FHA loans, which are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), are a type of mortgage that offers several advantages for borrowers. They are particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have the funds for a large down payment or a pristine credit history.

One of the notable benefits of FHA loans is that they typically offer competitive interest rates. The FHA works with approved lenders to provide insurance on loans, which reduces the risk for lenders and enables them to offer favorable rates to borrowers.

They are a great option for individuals who do not have a substantial down payment or do not meet minimum credit score requirements for other loan types. The minimum credit score required for an FHA loan is 580, and borrowers can qualify with a down payment as low as 3.5%. If a borrower has a credit score of at least 500, they may still qualify for an FHA loan, but a higher down payment of at least 10% is required.

However, one important aspect of FHA loans is that they require mortgage insurance premiums. There is an upfront fee often rolled into the loan amount, as well as an annual fee paid with the monthly mortgage payment.

VA Loans

Another type of government loan is a VA loan. These loans are part of a mortgage program that offers flexible and low-interest loans exclusively for active-duty military personnel and veterans. They provide several benefits and advantages to those who have served in the military.

One significant advantage of VA loans is that they do not require a minimum down payment. This means that eligible borrowers can finance the entire purchase price of their home without making a down payment. This feature makes VA loans highly accessible for military personnel and veterans who may not have substantial savings for a down payment.

Another key benefit is that VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance. This helps reduce the overall cost of the loan and saves borrowers from having to make monthly PMI payments. Additionally, VA loans do not have a specific credit score requirement.

However, VA loans do charge a funding fee. The funding fee is a percentage of the loan amount and is paid upfront at closing or rolled into the overall cost of the loan.

USDA Loans

USDA home loans are a type of mortgage program designed to assist moderate- to low-income borrowers in purchasing homes in rural areas. They provide affordable financing options and come with certain benefits.

USDA loans are particularly beneficial for borrowers looking to buy a home in rural areas. These loans aim to promote rural development by making homeownership more affordable and accessible to individuals in these areas.

One significant advantage of USDA loans is that some of them do not require a down payment. This means that eligible borrowers may be able to finance the entirety of the home’s purchase price without investing any money upfront.

However, USDA loans come with additional fees, including an upfront fee of 1% of the loan amount at closing. Additionally, there is an annual fee, which is paid as part of the monthly mortgage payment. The amount of the annual fee is based on the loan balance.