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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

3417 E Wildwood Drive Phoenix, AZ 85048

$849,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,319 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6774659

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Lake house N/S exposure on one of the best lots on the lake & close to park!! Selling below value! Spent $200K remodeling home! Shade in backyard all afternoon! Pebble tech pool w/ waterfall, new $12K hot tub, new $40k kitchen, new bathrooms, new floors, new garage door, new appliances, newer a/c units and newer roof!! Boat dock in backyard, walk in closets, new cabinets, granite countertops, new flooring, stone paver walk ways, jetted tub, gas stove / HVAC & gas fire pit in backyard !! Great neighborhood!! Lakewood is the largest residential lake in metro Phx. Super nice quiet neighbors. VERY low hoa fee's! All the furniture / decor / artwork / Tv's, etc can be included ($58k value) for ONLY $9,995 outside of escrow. ATTN: Investors, there are Canadian snow birds who want to rent this house for $9K a month (December thru April of every year ) that will rent from you if you want them.

View Property

4818 E Hamblin Drive Phoenix, AZ 85054

$849,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,074 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6776163

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully remodeled Desert Ridge home with a 3-car garage, open floor plan, 12' ceilings, 8' doors, tons of windows and an entertainer's backyard that was completely redone in 2021 featuring a heated saltwater pool & spa with an automation system, gas firepit, travertine and artificial turf. Through the front door, you'll step into a large living room that is open to the kitchen, separated only by a natural quartzite peninsula with waterfall end, newly installed white shaker cabinets and a large dining area that includes a built-in bar. The master has a large bathroom with a dual sink vanity, makeup counter and soaking tub. The guest bedrooms both have large closets and share a freshly remodeled full bathroom. The house remodel was just completed in September of 2024 ... the backyard pool/spa was built in 2021. New HVAC unit installed in 2020. New water heater installed in 2022. Whole house water filter/softener installed in 2023. Double oven/range, microwave, undercounter wine & beverage refrigerators installed in 2024. Refrigerator, dishwasher, laundry washer & dryer installed in 2020. Garage door motors replaced in 2020.

View Property

20489 S 199th Place Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$849,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,250 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755928

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home to the Gated Community of Cielo Noche in Queen Creek, Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Plus an Office & Bonus Room, Large Corner Lot, Kitchen Area w/ Large Island, Granite Counters, New Wolf Gas Cooktop, Double Ovens, New 4 Door Refrigerator, New Dishwasher, New Microwave, Large Primary Bedroom, Primary Bath w/ Tiled Walk-in Shower, Garden Tub & 2 Walk-In Closets, NEW Pergo Flooring in Bedrooms, NEW Tiled Guest Bathroom Shower, Laundry Room w/ Sink, 3 Car Tandem Garage w/ Mini-Split HVAC System ($10K) & Ceiling Storage Racks, Tesla Powerwall Unit and OWNED Solar System ($37K), EV Charging Station, NEW North Side Dual Zone HVAC SYSTEM (2022), FRESHLY Painted Exterior , Large Backyard Space w/ Heated Pool & Spa and Extended Patio Area that is Great for Entertaining.

View Property

2729 E Bridgeport Parkway Gilbert, AZ 85295

$849,900

6 Beds

4.5 Baths

4,316 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688114

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in the desirable Vincenz subdivision of Gilbert, AZ! This stunning residence boasts 6 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and room for the entire family to enjoy. The kitchen is a culinary enthusiast's delight, featuring a breakfast bar, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and contemporary cabinets. Experience the tranquil retreat in the cozy courtyard area, perfect for unwinding or hosting gatherings with friends and family. Private Movie Theater Room and Game Room (or Office) to indulge in your favorite entertainment activities without leaving the comfort of your own home. Don't miss out on this gem, with endless possibilities for creating your own private oasis in the heart of the East Valley.

View Property

406 N Pine Island Drive Payson, AZ 85541

$849,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,720 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6710709

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICE ADJUSTED! WONDERFUL !What a fabulous way to own at Chaparral Pines, premier guarded/gated luxury golf course community AND this section provides lock and leave low maintenance! This home has been beautifully updated and lovingly maintained for true move in condition. Walk in the great room space with soaring tongue and groove ceiling, dramatice floor to ceiling stone fp, cooks kitchen, all new stainless appliances and access to the back deck. Dine, relax and enjoy the wind in the tall pines overlooking Pine Island pond/waterfall! Home has 3 ample bedrooms, organized closets and 2 sizable baths (one completely reimagined) plus solid knotty alder doors thruout. Main bedroom opens to the back deck. Upgrades in documents. OVERSIZED GARAGE FOR TRUCKS, GOLF CARTS! Ahh listen to the pines!

View Property

13282 W Golden Puma Trail Peoria, AZ 85383

$849,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,414 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6721607

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spectacular views from every angle of this oversized 9000 sqft elevated lot located in a cut-de-sac. Stunning 22' David Weekly single story home featuring 4 bed 3 full baths open floorplan 12' ceilings in Living room & Kitchen private en-suite open bonus room natural lighting throughout. Chef's kitchen is designed w/ stainless appliances, oversized cabinets, granite w/ a large island. Well designed & spacious master-suite offers a super sized walk-in shower, dual shower heads, dual sinks + oversized walk-in closet. Breathtaking outdoors whether you are out back or enjoying your views of the valley from the private courtyard. 360' views from this unique lot in the Northpointe Community. State of the art community center offers many amenities to incl. pool, playground + more.

View Property

4055 Miners Spring Way Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$849,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,365 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753327

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience desert living at its finest in this exquisite 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with a 3-car garage, nestled in the serene oasis of Wickenburg. The stunning curb appeal is enhanced by brand new landscaping, welcoming you into a home that is a true canvas for your dreams. Situated on a spacious 1/2 acre lot, there's ample room to add an RV garage, pool, or even a casita. The outdoor kitchen is perfect for entertaining as you enjoy breathtaking sunsets and mountain views. Inside, the kitchen is a chef's delight with satin-finished granite countertops, soft-close cabinets and drawers, a gourmet cooktop, and a chimney hood. Additional features include an owned security system and a water softening system. As a resident of Wickenburg Ranch, you'll also enjoy access to a wide range of resort- style amenities including clubhouse, 2 golf courses, 3 restaurants, 14 miles of paths and trails, fishing, salon and classrooms. Property backs to land preserve owned by Wickenburg Ranch. Another plus! Sellers have paid for exterior painting to be completed in November and landscaping has been pre-paid through December 2024. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

View Property

29224 N 146th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$849,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,389 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730322

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP! Immaculate & peaceful North Scottsdale horse property w/ tons of natural light on 1.25 acres w/ pool, incredible mountain views & high producing shared well. This nearly 2400 sq ft home features an open floor plan w/ 4 bedrooms, 2 upgraded baths, plantation shutters throughout, stone gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen w/ granite countertops, stainless steel appliances & kitchen island, large master bedroom w/ beautifully upgraded master bath including tiled shower, soaking tub & dual vanities, highly upgraded second bath w/ tile shower and tub & large secondary bedroom w/ dual closets. Exterior features include large garage with plenty of storage, covered front patio and extended covered back patio, pool w/ incredible views and horse set up including riding arena & stall

View Property

25037 S Ribbonwood Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$849,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,631 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732045

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

GORGEOUSLY REMODELED, CUSTOM Borgata model (3 Bedroom PLUS DEN & 2 Bath) w/ PHENOMENAL GOLF COURSE VIEWS in the GATED, ADULT COMMUNITY OF IRONWOOD! You'll be delighted with all of the LUXURIOUS UPGRADES throughout this home like: Wood-Look tile, designer lighting, plantation shutters, neutral colors, NEWER HVAC SYSTEMS & 2-car plus GOLF CART GARAGE. The GREAT ROOM is open to the Chef's kitchen w/ QUATRZ, MASSIVE ISLAND, NEW APPLIANCES & HUGE WALK-IN PANTRY. The AMAZING MASTER SUITE has a SITTING ROOM & HUGE WALK-IN CLOSET. BOTH BATHROOMS ARE REMODELED! 2 OVERSIZED GUEST BEDROOMS & A DEN TOO! EXPANSIVE PAVER PATIO W/ GREAT GOLF COURSE VIEW & LOW MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPING. ALL OF THIS & Community amenities like: golf, tennis, pickleball, pools/spas, fitness center, clubs & restaurants!

View Property

2522 W Brisa Drive Phoenix, AZ 85085

$849,900

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,536 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738844

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath home with a recent price reduction is a rare opportunity! Situated on the largest lot in the subdivision, it provides exceptional value, size, and functionality, perfect for family living and entertaining. The home features easy access to I-17 and the 303 corridor. The spacious primary suite is located downstairs and includes dual walk-in closets, a large shower, garden tub, and separate vanities. For remote work, there's a dedicated office complete with quartz countertops and built-in cabinets. Comes with a washer & dryer upstairs and an additional hook-up in the garage for added convenience. Outdoors, enjoy a low-maintenance pool with water features and smartphone controls, alongside a vast entertainer's backyard with a covered patio and ample room for gatherings. A 70-foot concrete utility pad with gated access provides extra parking for a boat, UTV or utility trailer. The 12KW owned solar system ensures low utility bills, complemented by a whole-house humidifier, water softener, and reverse osmosis system. Don't miss the chance to make this beautiful home yours!

View Property

16611 S 9th Street Phoenix, AZ 85048

$849,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,969 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6749591

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning Model Home in Ahwatukee's newest gated community of Palma Brisa awaits new owners! With every added detail and upgrade you will love the design and layout of this bright, open home. This beautiful 3 bed, 3 bath home has top of the line stainless steel appliances, a large island and living room, custom finishes throughout with a split floor plan and a convertible space to add an office or bonus room. With quick freeway access this property sits just 15 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix Premium Outlet Mall, Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, Chandler Village, and so much more. With nearby hiking trails and bike paths and close proximity to both Foothills Golf Club & Whirlwind Golf Club you will love the lifestyle this home provides!

View Property

28352 N 124th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$849,900

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,438 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6752527

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICED TO SELL! Welcome to Luxury Living with OWNED SOLAR on an oversized CORNER LOT boasting 2 bedrooms plus den, 2.5 bathrooms and 2,430+ sq. ft. Featuring 10ft ceilings and PLANTATION SHUTTERS throughout. A chef's dream kitchen featuring stainless-steel appliances, dual kitchen islands, GAS COOKTOP and under cabinet lighting! Benefit from 34 fully OWNED SOLAR panels. HUGE PRIMARY SUITE with access to back patio, bath w/dual sinks, shower, soaking tub, and 2 WALK-IN CLOSETS. The backyard is truly a PRIVATE OASIS with neighbors only on 1 side. Soak in your PRIVATE POOL and enjoy the mature landscaping. Sip your morning coffee on the pergola covered courtyard and experience beautiful sunsets on the large, covered patio with sensor motorized sunscreens. The 3-car tandem garage provides ample space for vehicles, with built-in storage cabinets. This home has been meticulously maintained, a MUST SEE! All of this is located within the award-winning 55+ Community of Trilogy at Vistancia, that offers resort style living at its finest.

View Property