Down Payment

 

Most home loans require some sort of down payment. Depending on the terms of your loan, you may be required to make a down payment between 3% and 20% of the home's sale price. Three percent is considered a low down payment. Loans with down payments of less than 20% usually require private mortgage insurance (PMI).

 

Qualifying for a Low Down Payment

 

To be considered for a low down payment mortgage, you generally need to have the following:

Sufficient income to support the monthly mortgage payment
Enough cash to cover the down payment
Sufficient cash to cover normal closing costs and related expenses
A credit background that indicates your "willingness to pay," which is reflected by your FICO score
An appraisal value showing the value of the home is at least equal to the purchase price
In some cases, a cash reserve equivalent to two monthly mortgage payments