• Financial Blog
• Podcast
• Financial Tips
• Buying a Home
• Refinancing a Home
• Saving for College
• Saving for Retirement
• Preparing for Taxes
• Starting a Family
• Building Good Credit
• Investing
• Auto - Buying and Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Safeguarding Your Financials
• Financial Organization, Planning, Budgeting
• Internet and Mobile Banking

Buying a Home

Plan for a Down Payment

The mortgage crisis has dramatically affected the mortgage lending business. The down payment required to qualify for a favorable interest rate loan is substantially higher than it was several years ago. To get the best rate possible you will likely need to put 20% down. While FHA loans often require as little as 3% down, and 10% down payment loans are possible using conventional financing, rates and private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums will be higher. If you want the best terms possible, plan to put a significant sum down – or consider purchasing a less expensive house, so the money you have saved will make a bigger impact as a down payment.