It’s no secret that one of the biggest obstacles to buying a house is coming up with the down payment. For many people, it can seem like an impossible feat. But is a down payment always required? The answer may surprise you.
In some cases, you may be able to buy a house with no down payment at all. If you’re a veteran or active service member, you may be eligible for a VA loan. These loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and don’t require a down payment. You may also be eligible for a USDA loan if you’re buying a home in a rural area. These loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and don’t require a down payment either.
There are also some conventional loans that don’t require a down payment. However, these loans typically come with stricter requirements, such as having a higher credit score or income level. Additionally, these loans usually come with Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which increases your monthly payments.
If you are able to make a down payment, it can open up more loan options and potentially give you access to lower interest rates. A down payment also shows lenders that you’re serious about buying a home and can afford to do so. If you’re not sure how much of a down payment you can afford, there are plenty of online calculators that can help you figure it out.
The bottom line is that there are numerous loan programs available and each has its own set of requirements. So even if you think you can’t afford to buy a house, it’s worth investigating your options to see if you could qualify for one of these programs. With the help of a qualified real estate professional, anything is possible!