Do I really need 20% down to buy a home?
No. Many buyers put down 3%–5%, FHA allows 3.5%, and VA/USDA can be 0% for those who qualify. Twenty percent lets you skip mortgage insurance, but it's not required to buy.
No — this is the single biggest myth in home buying. Many first-time buyers put down 3% to 5%, FHA allows 3.5%, and eligible VA and USDA buyers can put down nothing at all.
What 20% does get you is the ability to skip mortgage insurance on a conventional loan, which lowers your payment. But waiting years to save 20% often means years of paying rent and missing out on building equity. The right down payment is the one that fits your budget while leaving you a cushion — let's find yours.
This answer is general education, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Your situation is unique — let's talk through the specifics together.