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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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!

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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.

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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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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5650 S Feliz -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$849,900

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,040 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757009

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home! This stunning Toll Brothers home nestled in the desirable Cadence master-planned community. This exquisite property sits on a premium lot directly across from a park and offers five spacious bedrooms, a versatile den, a loft, and 3.5 bathrooms. Step inside to find high ceilings, elegant LPV flooring, and designer touches throughout. The open-concept great room seamlessly connects to the dining area and covered patio through retractable glass doors, creating a perfect setting for indoor-outdoor entertaining. The gourmet kitchen features beautiful cabinetry, high-end appliances, quartz countertops, and gas cooking. Enjoy resort-style living with access to Cadence's impressive amenities, including a pool, fitness center, clubhouse, sports courts, playgrounds and a resort pool.

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5508 N 83rd Drive Glendale, AZ 85305

$849,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

4,253 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761122

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Find your peace in the center of the action in Glendale, AZ! This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence spans over 4,253 sq. ft. on an expansive 18,350 sq. ft. lot, within the security of a cul-de-sac. The exterior has it all! Enjoy the private courtyard off the main entrance, a sparkling pool, and tranquil koi pond. Entertain with the built in grill, fire pit, and massive backyard. Then move inside to the Great Room with an oversized kitchen island, granite countertops, gas cooktop, and plenty of room for seating. For movie lovers, the dedicated home theater comes complete with a Klipsch surround sound system and projector, offering an immersive cinematic experience. The spacious primary suite includes a private balcony, en-suite bathroom, and 2 walk-in closets. This large, unique home also comes with a central vacuum to make everyday maintenance a breeze. Located near parks, shopping, and dining, this home perfectly combines luxury, comfort, and convenience - truly an oasis waiting for you!

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16155 E Links Drive Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$849,900

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,736 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773766

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Experience resort-style living in this updated golf villa on the 11th hole of Firerock Country Club, offering 180-degree views of the 10th Green and McDowell Mountains. This 2,736 square foot home features three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a spacious family room, and a living room, ideal for zoned living. Enjoy new luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main floor and fresh carpeting in the upper and lower bedrooms and stairs. All rooms and ceilings are freshly painted, with updated light fixtures, ceiling fans, and a stunning 24-foot stone fireplace. The kitchen is adorned with granite countertops, painted cabinets, and new hardware. Recent upgrades include a 5-ton HVAC system (July 2024), water softener (June 2024), water heater (June 2024), and water pressure valve (July 2024). Additional features include plantation shutters, an oversized two-car garage, private patios, security gates, and access to a community pool. Embrace the exceptional golf course lifestyle in this magnificent villa!

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319 E Forest Hills Drive Phoenix, AZ 85022

$849,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,600 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6763602

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled down the street from Moon Valley Country Club, this home's exclusive location offers prime access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Own with confidence as the hard work has been done and the home has been beautifully maintained and updated with modern finishes throughout. Extensive upgrading between 2018 and 2022 includes (but is not limited to): new roof; wood tile flooring; full kitchen remodel; master bathroom renovation; new exterior paint; California cabinets in master closet; expanded laundry room; new Tuff shed; and complete pool renovation with resurfaced decking, new pebbletec and new equipment! Last but not least, the nearly 15,000 sq ft lot provides ample space for outdoor living and features a garage, 26 foot RV pad/gate and privacy for your own desert sanctuary!

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