Do You Need a 20% Down Payment to Buy? Not Always In Today’s Market…

When I meet with buyers for home buying consults, one of the questions I ask is if you are pre-approved. I will also ask how much of a down payment you are planning to put down. This is especially pertinent if you are purchasing a condo. (Want to see what condos just got listed in Boston today? Check them out.)

The in depth details of obtaining a pre-approval are really best answered by a good mortgage professional or by attending one of our Home Buyer Seminars.

But I can and will give you a brief overview of financing available:

There are loans out there for as low as 3% down (Mass Housing) and 3 ½% down (FHA financing).

There area also 5% down payment products and several loans that will work with anything between 5% and 20% down. (You can of course put more down if you are in that position.) There are too many home mortgage products available to detail, but just about any amount of down payment option is available. I’m happy to talk more about your specific needs.

When it’s not possible to put less than 20% down

The reason I ask if you are putting less than 20% down is the fact that there are condos that you will not qualify to buy without this minimum. Part of my job is making the best use of your time.

Some examples of this condition:

• The condominium must be at least 50% owner occupied.
• Even if it meets the 50% rule, below 70% owner occupied will need a full condo review.
• No more that 15% of current owners can be more than 30 days in arrears on their condo fee.
• No more than 20% of the condo complex can be commercial property.

Want to Take a Look at Condos with Susan? Contact her today!