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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21783 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$619,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,510 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6666441

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home that exudes elegance and functionality! Step inside to discover a teen room, study, and a three-car garage, providing ample space for all your needs. This home offers a desirable north-south exposure and a paver driveway, adding to its curb appeal. The kitchen is a chef's delight with 42-inch regal white kitchen uppers, quartz countertops, an oversize island, and upgraded stainless steel appliances including a professional gas range. The contemporary interior design features a 6 x 35 wood tile throughout, creating a seamless and stylish look. Unwind in the primary bath's tile walk-in shower or enjoy the convenience of a kitchen pantry for storage. The upgraded paint package in agreeable gray adds a touch of sophistication! Located conveniently near Highway 24, this home is also close to dining, entertainment, and shopping options, making it a prime location for a vibrant lifestyle. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this gorgeous home, experience luxury living at its finest!

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4836 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$619,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679937

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and impressive gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry, center island, Stainless steel appliances. This home will be built with either a study and Guest suit option complete with separate living room, wet bar and separate laundry. There is also an additional bedroom and full bathroom, The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and oversized walk-in shower. A convenient laundry and covered back patio are also included. This home will also feature a 3-car garage and 10ft ceilings.

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4813 W Stargazer Place Laveen, AZ 85339

$619,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700009

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Deacon plan includes an attached RV garage, plus two tandem garage bays! Inside, a well-appointed Gourmet kitchen with a walk-in pantry is flanked by a great room and a dining room with covered patio access. You'll also appreciate an elegant primary suite with a private bathroom and ample walk-in closet space. A mudroom, a convenient laundry and a flex room.

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10515 S 47th Lane Laveen, AZ 85339

$619,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6720382

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to the charming Pomona plan. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, boasting 10' ceilings throughout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen with white shaker cabinets, quartz counters, satin nickel fixtures, with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home has stone tile throughout with carpeted bedrooms. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks. A convenient laundry, covered patio, and separate study are also included.

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10512 S 48th Glen Laveen, AZ 85339

$619,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728638

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

An inviting covered porch welcomes guests to this charming Pomona home with 10' ceilings throughout. A spacious great room is at the heart of the open layout, adjacent to a roomy nook and an impressive gourmet kitchen, 42'' white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, gas stove, with a walk-in pantry and center island. This home will be built with a space to use for a study or formal dining room. The lavish primary suite offers a generous walk-in closet, a private bath with deluxe shower #2, and double sinks. A convenient laundry and covered patio are also included.

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21726 E Lords Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$619,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6702133

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing this exquisite home featuring the interior Bermuda Linen collection features timeless 42'' white regal upper cabinetry in the kitchen perfectly complements the sleek blanco maple quartz kitchen countertops & island, making it a chef's dream. The kitchen is adorned with a subway tile backsplash, wood laminate flooring throughout the main living areas, tile in the baths. Enjoy the gourmet kitchen's built-in single oven and microwave, gas cooktop stove, and stove-pipe pyramid stainless steel vented hood. With 10-foot ceilings, this home feels open, airy, and full of natural light. The three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, study & 3-car split garage provides ample space for comfortable living. This move-in ready gem offers a north-south exposure, ideal for enjoying bright and sunny days! With amenities like a tankless water heater for efficiency and a charming paver driveway, this home harmoniously blends convenience and sophistication.

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21856 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$619,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730743

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.

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21849 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$619,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730780

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.

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17225 W Calle Lejos -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$619,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,630 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731947

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience luxury in The Pomona, located on a prime corner lot with stunning mountain views. This home features a guest suite, a three-car garage, and a gourmet kitchen featuring Quartz countertops -end appliances. Enjoy 10-foot ceilings, a deluxe primary bathroom with a massive super shower, 3 car garage, paver driveway, RV Gate and 15-foot Center meet doors that open to an oversized 8,750 sq ft lot.

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791 W Rock Needle Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$619,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,473 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730540

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. This exquisite Parklane model, priced for a quick sale and set for August completion, offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a versatile den. The chef's kitchen with a 36'' gas cooktop, wall oven, and pearl white quartz countertops is perfect for entertaining. Additional features include a 2' garage extension, 3-car tandem garage, and a luxury shower with dual shower heads in the owner's bath.

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26851 N 67th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$619,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,051 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6711432

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

READY NOW-turn key! Experience the charm of Aloravita, nestled within the scenic mountains of Peoria. This community boasts breathtaking views and is conveniently located minutes away from shopping, dining, hiking trails and more! Our popular 'El Dorado' floorplan features 3 full bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 Car-Garage and a private yard with views! Designer selected finish includes Burlap Cabinetry, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Wood Like Tile Throughout, and Plush Carpet in all the bedrooms. This beautiful home will have it all including 9' ceilings, Gourmet Gas Kitchen, Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Appliances, Blinds, Pre-Plumb for Soft Water, and Smart Home Technology. Photos and virtual tour of similar spec home, options may vary**

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6728 N 190th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$619,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,397 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739349

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the very spacious Carmona on a LARGE LOT. 3 bedrooms + study, 2.5 baths, Multi slide door perfect for entertaining off of the extended covered patio. Large walk in shower at owner's bath. Brick pavers at porch, drive, and walk. Garage service door for easy access to the backyard. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 36'' cooktop and canopy hood for the cook in the family. Slate (gray) cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers and pull out trash drawer. AZT Himalaya white granite tops in kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Novales 12x24 Astra tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms & closets. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

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