A starter guide to low down payment mortgage loans

by Teri Bruinsma 02/10/2025

A starter guide to low down payment mortgage loans featured image

Perhaps one of the most challenging things about buying a home is saving for the down payment. Many buyers think they need more than they actually do to buy a home; however, the down payment doesn’t have to be a barrier on the road to homeownership.  

Low down payment mortgages

Fortunately, there’s many low down payment mortgage options available for homebuyers. Reasons for needing to pay a lower down payment may include having a small amount of savings, or wanting to invest the savings you have into home repairs or other projects. 

Mortgage options offering lower down payment options may come with higher interest rates and mortgage insurance, which adds up over the lifespan of the loan. However, the convenience of a lower mortgage may be what’s needed to start the journey to homeownership. 

FHA Loans

FHA loans are among the most popular types of home loans, as they offer flexibility to homebuyers of diverse financial backgrounds - with a down payment of about 3.5 percent. The requirements are simple, and you don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify. 

A major positive aspect of this loan type is your credit score doesn’t have to be stellar for you to qualify. Some lenders approve FHA loans with credit scores as low as 580.  

One drawback to an FHA loan is that you cannot cancel the monthly mortgage insurance that comes along with it unless the home is refinanced. Traditional mortgage insurance is canceled when you have built up 20% equity in the property, but this isn’t the case with FHA loans. 

VA Home Loans

Buyers who have current or former military service status can qualify for this zero down mortgage. While no downpayment is required, buyers may put down any amount they wish, coinciding with their homebuying goals. 

If you need assistance with finding the right loan type fitting your needs, consider working with a mortgage loan officer to explore your options.


About the Author
Author

Teri Bruinsma

Real Estate is my PASSION! Let me be your personal assistant to help you buy or sell your next home. 

Having 35+ years in sales I know what it takes to be successful in purchasing your new home. TIMING is a HUGE factor. If you are a first-time home buyer and are unsure of what it takes to buy a home, give me a call and I'd be happy to meet with you in person and walk you through the buying process. 

Do you want TOP DOLLAR for your home sale?! I will help you stage your home to appeal to the most amount of Buyers. Thus, generating multiple offers and getting you a higher price for your home. Many Realtors offer this service, however, they charge to have a stager help you. I AM the stager, and this service is included when you work with me. On average, a STAGED home sells for 6-8% more than a vacant or unstaged home.