If you’re a first-time homebuyer, navigating the path to homeownership may seem daunting, especially when it comes to securing a down payment. However, did you know that almost 80% of first-time homebuyers qualify for down payment assistance, yet only 13% actually use it? This is a mission-critical gap that needs to be closed, especially if you want to achieve your homeownership dreams faster and more affordably.

Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your down payment in today’s housing market:

Amplify Your Down Payment Potential
One of the most important steps in buying your first home is ensuring you’re aware of and utilizing the various resources that can help you make your down payment. There are numerous down payment assistance programs, grants, and other options designed to help first-time buyers, and many of them are underutilized.

Loan programs like FHA, USDA, and VA loans provide significant relief to first-time buyers. FHA loans typically require as little as 3.5% down, USDA loans offer 0% down payment options for eligible rural areas, and VA loans extend 0% down payment options to Veterans and their families. Additionally, there are state and local grants and loan programs specifically designed to assist first-time buyers with down payments and closing costs.

By connecting with a trusted lender or real estate agent, you can explore these opportunities and discover the specific programs you may qualify for. Many buyers leave money on the table simply because they aren’t aware of what’s available to them. These down payment assistance programs can fast-track your home purchase and potentially save you thousands in upfront costs. Plus, the more you can put down upfront, the lower your mortgage payments will be. In some cases, a larger down payment can help you avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can add significantly to your monthly costs.

Don’t Let Headlines About Down Payments Scare You
In the media, it’s common to hear about rising down payments, and that can create unnecessary worry for first-time buyers. For instance, a recent report from Redfin highlighted:

“The typical down payment for U.S. homebuyers hit a record high of $67,500 in June, up 14.8% from $58,788 a year earlier.”

While these headlines might seem intimidating, it’s important to note that these numbers reflect choices made by homebuyers, not requirements. In other words, people aren’t being forced to put down more; rather, many buyers are choosing to put down larger sums.

There are two key reasons for this:

Offsetting Higher Mortgage Rates: With mortgage rates higher than they’ve been in recent years, buyers who can afford to are putting down more money upfront to reduce their monthly payments. A larger down payment lowers the principal on the loan, which decreases the amount of interest paid over time and makes monthly payments more manageable.

Leveraging Equity: Many of the people making larger down payments are not first-time buyers, but repeat buyers who are using the equity they’ve built in their current homes to purchase their next property. Homeowners who bought several years ago likely experienced significant home price appreciation, allowing them to sell their current home and roll that equity into a larger down payment on their new purchase. First-time buyers, however, typically won’t have this advantage, but that’s where down payment assistance comes in.

Explore Your Options
Just because headlines show an increase in down payments doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. As a first-time buyer, there are many options that allow you to put down less and still purchase a home. The key is working with a knowledgeable lender who can help you identify the right programs for your situation.

Down payment assistance isn’t one-size-fits-all, and every state and county often have unique offerings that you may qualify for based on your income, location, and other factors. The process may seem overwhelming at first, but by connecting with the right experts, you can simplify your search and unlock opportunities you didn’t even know existed.

Bottom Line
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, don’t let misconceptions about down payments deter you from pursuing homeownership. Many buyers qualify for assistance, and by working with a trusted lender, you can discover programs that suit your financial situation. Don’t leave money on the table—take the time to explore your options and get the help you need to make homeownership a reality.