Buying a Home with Less Than 20% Down? You're Not Alone.
Let’s clear something up: you do not need 20% down to buy a home. Not even close, in most cases.
I hear it all the time—buyers waiting, saving, stressing—thinking that 20% down is the golden ticket. And while that used to be the standard, today’s market looks a little different.
Most Buyers Don’t Put 20% Down—And That’s Okay
These days, many homebuyers are using loan programs that require:
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3% down for conventional first-time buyer programs
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3.5% down for FHA loans
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0% down for those who qualify for VA or USDA financing
Yes, you read that right: zero down is still possible. The trick isn’t just how much you’re putting down—it’s understanding how that decision affects your:
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Monthly mortgage payment
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Mortgage insurance costs
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Approval odds
Getting this right can mean the difference between feeling stretched thin and feeling confident in your purchase.
Waiting for 20%? You Might Be Waiting a While…
Especially in a city like Portland, saving up 20% down can take years—and that's assuming home prices don't rise while you wait. In fact, by the time you save that much, the house you want may have gotten more expensive.
To put it in local terms: saving 20% might take longer than a Portland construction project, and if you’ve ever waited on one of those... you get it.
One Pro, Two Hats: Real Estate + Mortgage Advice
Here’s the good news: I offer both real estate and mortgage services, which means you can skip the back-and-forth between agent and lender. If you’re curious about what’s possible with your current savings—or how to make the most of your buying power—let’s run the numbers.
Shoot me a message or text anytime. No pressure, just real info tailored to you.
