Mortgage Myths: Here’s Why You Don’t Need a Full 20 Percent Down Payment

If you’re just getting into the real estate market, you may have heard that 20% down is the ideal percentage in order to lower your monthly payments and get your mortgage application approved. However, while 20% is often suggested, many people struggle to come up with this amount of money. If you’re staving off home ownership, here are some reasons you may not need to hold off as you long as you thought.

Minimizing Your Insurance Costs

Putting down 20% of the total purchase price of your home is often suggested, but it doesn’t definitively mean that your application won’t be approved if you don’t. If you have a good credit score and are in good financial standing, putting less than 20% down means you’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI); however, it can be worth paying the extra funds in order to get into the real estate market sooner and start paying into your most significant investment.

Mortgage Programs For Less Than 20%

It may seem less possible to buy a home if you only have 5 or 7% of the purchase price, but there are many programs in the United States that enable those with limited funds to apply for a mortgage. From the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, there are many lenders that can offer you mortgage programs that will work for your situation. While higher rates come in tandem with a lower down payment, there are options out there for those who haven’t saved quite enough.

Why Put Down 20%?

Putting down 20% is not a necessity for mortgage approval or purchasing a home, but it can be a great means of saving money in the long run and reducing your interest rates. If you’re raring to get into the real estate market and don’t want to wait for the bills to stack up, that’s OK, but if you want to hold off and save up additional funds before diving in, this can mean more money and a more solid investment in the future.

The magic number is often 20% when it comes to a down payment on a home, but you don’t require this percentage of your home’s price in order to get approved for a mortgage. If you’re currently considering diving into home ownership and would like to know more about the opportunities in your area, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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6734 N 9th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85013

$935,483

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,045 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6707142

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to Ocotillo Lane! Step into this contemporary, single-level new home with thoughtfully designed exterior architecture. Once inside you will be impressed by the vaulted ceilings and 16-foot sliding glass door in the great room, creating a perfect space for entertaining. The centerpiece is the gourmet kitchen, equipped with gas appliances, including a luxurious 42'' built-in refrig, quartz countertops, upgraded stacked cabinetry for extra storage and tiled backsplash to compete this modern look. Luxury extends into every corner of this home, from the LVP wood and tiled floors to the tiled showers in all bathrooms. Spray foam insulation and a tankless gas water heater contribute to an impressive HERS score of only 43. Visit this beautiful home today! *Pics are of Model home*

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8556 E Sage Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85250

$935,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,378 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757061

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Complete remodel down to the studs in 2023, all done with permits and licensed contractors. This tastefully done home is 2378 SQ FT with 4 beds/3 baths. Downstairs you have an open concept kitchen w/ quartz Island & peninsula. Large living area w/ electric fireplace. One of the master bedrooms is downstairs w/ a beautiful master bath, walk in shower with tub inside. 3 bedrooms on the second floor and 2 baths. Out back there is a fire pit with ample seating and artificial turf for low maintenance. Plenty of room should you want a pool. Home is located in prime location, minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, Talking Stick Resort, Parks, and Green Belt.

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2211 E Camelback Road Unit 505 Phoenix, AZ 85016

$935,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,077 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763306

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

This stunning BILTMORE condo blends sophisticated design with practical living. As you step inside, expansive views of South Mountain greet you framed by large windows that bathe the great room in natural light. Picture crafting gourmet meals in the chef's kitchen, featuring top-tier appliances, granite countertops, and custom cabinetry. The master suite serves as your personal sanctuary, boasting a spacious walk-in closet and a spa-like bathroom with double vanities and a soaking tub. The building itself offers a wealth of amenities, including 24-hr Security, Valet, Clubroom, Fitness Center, and a breathtaking rooftop pool where you can enjoy panoramic city and mountain views. Welcome to 2211--a prestigious oasis that harmonizes luxury and convenience for an extraordinary lifestyle!

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7732 N 181st Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$935,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,052 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769266

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful Tuscan Villa with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in the wonderful Waddell countryside. Block walls and custom steel gates enclose this home in front of nearly 2 acres of land waiting for your horses or 4 wheel toys. Travertine floors run throughout the living room and kitchen to the bedrooms. Kitchen has been remodeled and updated cabinets and quartz counter tops. Center Island opens to the great room with eat in kitchen. The back of the home there is the Arizona Room which opens up to the sparkling clear swimming pool, decorative pavers and firepit and outdoor shower, Fruit trees, including 8 citrus (lemon. orange and lime), 1 fig tree, 2 Pakistanki mulberries, 3 palmegranite, 2 grapevines and 1 dwarf peach tree. The pasture is fenced off and there is a raised garden.

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21655 N 56th Avenue Glendale, AZ 85308

$935,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,990 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776748

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Serene waterfront and mountain views will relax you from the moment you step inside. The living/dining room features large windows looking out to the tranquil waters. This split plan features a primary suite w/fresh paint/carpet on one side and a relaxing en suite bdrm on the other. The 3rd bdrm is currently an office but could be converted to a bdrm. Love to entertain? Step out to the back patio and enjoy the B/I BBQ and private boat dock! Or, splash around in the sparkling pool. No matter what, this home is a livable oasis - you won't want to leave! (PS The 3rd car garage is also a drive-through w/a slab behind!)

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32771 N 70th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85266

$935,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,902 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6768606

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

One of Terravita's most popular floor plans, this sought-after Vallis+ casita backs to the 14th fairway, offering stunning mountain & golf course views in this guard gated country club community. Entering through the charming courtyard, you'll immediately notice how light, bright & open this home is w/direct views of the golf course. Kitchen boasts S/S appliances, plenty of cabinet space, and cozy breakfast nook. Spacious great room w/ inviting fireplace opens to den/sitting room, & offers both golf and mountain views. Primary bedroom w/large walk-in closet, overlooks golf and mountain views. Secondary bedrooms features walk-in closets, with the casita being perfect for visiting family and guests. Home features updated wood-like flooring. Backyard features a covered patio, extended patio space, and low-maintenance synthetic grass, perfect for enjoying outdoor living. Located near shopping and dining, Terravita offers a resort styled living with golf, tennis, pickleball, heated pool/spa and plenty of walking paths.

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11938 E Del Timbre Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$935,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,410 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6773167

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Stonegate! Great opportunity to own this beautifully maintained 1 story home in the heart of Scottsdale. This ''resort style'' guard gated community, features world class amenities. You can enjoy tennis, pickleball, or go for a quick swim in the full sized Olympic pool. To go along with these features Stonegate also has a children's playground and several walking trails. The home is light and bright with vaulted ceilings and a great kitchen. Relax and enjoy dinner and cocktails in the inside and outside spaces surrounded by the desert landscape and mountain views. The home is nestled in a premium lot with a large backyard that is great for entertaining your guests. This home and community are close to the 101 freeway, several private golf courses, restaurants and shopping.

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720 W Thunderbird Road Phoenix, AZ 85023

$935,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,644 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763965

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Updated - Resort-style living — Mountain Views— Golf Course/Country Club — No HOA! — Large bedrooms —Multi Family Rooms —STORAGE — Entertainer's dream — Low Taxes —Few Neighbors — Natural Gas! Delightful property nestled on over a quarter acre near the Moon Valley Country Club, abutting the golf course. Lived in and loved, modern finishes are incorporated into the home's mid-century charm and custom floor plan. Natural light floods the living areas and kitchen with thoughtful window placement minimizing harsh summer rays. Tastefully updated throughout, the home brims with additional potential in the second backyard, spacious laundry, and storage room. Mountain sunsets are viewed from the pool and patio, reminding you of why this is THE house. Sizable secondary bedrooms are full of natural light. The laundry room has attached cabinetry & counters for convenience. The resort-like backyard offers a cozy covered deck, pavers & artificial turf, a natural gas fire pit, an open patio, and a pebble-tec pool. You'll also find a large side yard through the RV gate allowing multiple-vehicle parking. This beauty has an extraordinary view of the Moon & Shaw Butte Mtns and the Moon Valley Golf Course. You won't find another like it!

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5238 E Libby Street Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$935,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,713 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6751799

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

One of the larger back yards that you will find in Triple Crown. Master and 3 other bedrooms upstairs and office/5th bedroom on main level. Community Greenbelt an easy walk down the street. Quiet interior location on N/S facing lot. Maple cabinetry and granite countertops. Fenced pool with grassy play area. Built in outdoor grill. Fenced in Pebblefinish pool and spa/ Hard to find combination of 5 bedrooms and 3 car garage.

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21921 S 197th Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$934,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,890 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731788

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a must see Julia- 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom with oversized extended patio and gourmet chef's kitchen, perfect for entertaining. You will also discover 10' ceilings in this airy open floorplan. 15, 027 sq ft lot size, extremely hard to come by. West Park Estates features all single-story homes. Don't wait on this one.

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19655 E Estrella Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$934,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,580 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730647

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning RV garage home! This home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms as well as an oversized study. You will find a beautiful gourmet kitchen off the great room featuring an oversized multi slide door that leads to the exterior patio. Upgraded tile, quartz countertops, cabinets are more! Amazing oversized lot with an attached 43' RV Garage. This home is currently under construction.

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19539 E Estrella Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$934,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,890 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6734418

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The ranch-style Julia plan greets guests with a charming covered front porch. Once inside, an extended entry leads to an expansive kitchen with a center island, large walk-in pantry, breakfast nook, great room for entertaining formal dining room with adjacent covered courtyard off to the side of the home. This plan offers two additional bedrooms and a bath and a 3 car garage plus storage. Beautifully upgraded with multi-slide doors to the extended covered patio, a gourmet kitchen, 42'' white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, tile in all traffic areas. Currently under construction. Estimated completion-Fall 2024

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