A down payment is the amount of money paid upfront when buying a home to secure a mortgage loan. The amount of the down payment can vary, but in general, a larger down payment can help you get a lower interest rate and avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI).
The amount required for a down payment is determined by the type of mortgage you want and the lender’s requirements. For example, a conventional mortgage may need a down payment of at least 3% of the price of the home, while an FHA loan may only need 3.5%.
You’ll also need to set aside money for closing costs, which are fees related to getting a mortgage and buying a house. Lender fees, title insurance, appraisals, and other miscellaneous expenses are examples of these costs. Depending on the lender and where the property is, closing costs can be anywhere from 2% to 5% of the price of the property. Additionally, if you are using a real estate agent to guide you, you will need to consider its fee as well.
There are also other costs that keep coming up when you own a home, like property taxes, insurance, and repairs. These costs can vary a lot depending on where the property is and how it is maintained, as well as your own finances.
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