Twenty percent is standard, but an FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan can be as low as 3.5%, with a minimum credit score of 580. Further, Department of Veterans Affairs loans require zero down payment. As for closing costs, according to Bankrate’s latest survey, the national average for closing costs for a $200,000 mortgage is $2,084. Expect to save at least 10% of your mortgage for these fees. Don’t let these numbers get you down. Start saving and do some research, because you can find down payment assistance online, and it’s more readily available for first- time home buyers. If you’re searching for your first home in a buyer’s market, you can also likely have the seller pay a portion of the closing costs as part of your negotiations. Don’t forget to build up your regular savings account — not just for a down payment, but for a little “cushion.” This will not only improve your chances of being approved for a loan — lenders like to see that you have money set aside and aren’t just living from paycheck to paycheck — but will also ensure that you can pay your mortgage in case of job loss or major unexpected expense. A savings account can also help with maintenance and repair costs on your home. According to Bankrate.com, “a good rule of thumb is to assume that you’ll spend 2.5 to 3% STEP 3: BUILD UP YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT
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