Hi friend,
One of the biggest myths in real estate is that you need a huge pile of cash sitting in the bank before you can buy a home.
Schedule a Call with Jordan, http://byjoandco.com/call
I can't tell you how many times I've talked to someone who says:
“Jordan, I'd love to buy a home, but I only have $10,000… $15,000… $20,000 saved.”
And my response is usually:
“You might be closer than you think.”
The reality is that many buyers purchase homes with significantly less money than people assume.
So let's talk about it.
The Short Answer
Yes.
Many buyers can purchase a home with less than $20,000 saved.
In fact, some buyers can purchase a home with as little as 3% down—or sometimes even less depending on the loan program and available assistance programs.
Schedule a Call with Jordan, http://byjoandco.com/call
Now, every situation is different, so this isn't a guarantee.
But let's break it down.
What Money Do You Actually Need?
When buying a home, there are typically four major expenses:
1. Down Payment
Contrary to popular belief, 20% down is not required.
Many buyers purchase homes with:
- 3% Down Conventional Loans
- 3.5% Down FHA Loans
- 0% Down VA Loans
- 0% Down USDA Loans (eligible areas)
For example:
$300,000 Home
- 3% Down = $9,000
- 3.5% Down = $10,500
$400,000 Home
- 3% Down = $12,000
- 3.5% Down = $14,000
As you can see, the down payment may be much lower than most people expect.
2. Closing Costs
Closing costs typically include things like:
- Loan fees
- Appraisal
- Title fees
- Escrow fees
- Recording fees
- Prepayments of taxes and home owners insurance
In many cases, buyers can negotiate for the seller to help pay some or all of these costs.
In today's market, seller concessions are becoming more common than they were during the crazy bidding-war years.
3. Earnest Money
Earnest money is your good-faith deposit.
Typically:
- $1,000–$5,000 is common
- Often applied toward your purchase at closing
Many buyers worry about earnest money, but remember, this is usually not an additional cost—it's simply part of the money you're already bringing to closing.
4. Moving & Setup Costs
Don't forget:
- Movers
- Utility deposits
- Furniture
- Appliances (if needed)
- Repairs or updates
These expenses aren't part of the mortgage process, but they're important to plan for.
What Could This Look Like?
Let's say you're purchasing a $300,000 home.
Scenario 1
3% Down Payment
- Down Payment: $9,000
- Closing Costs: Negotiated with Seller
- Earnest Money: Applied Toward Closing
Total cash needed could potentially be well under $20,000.
Scenario 2
Builder Incentives
Many new construction builders offer:
- Closing cost assistance
- Interest rate buydowns
- Special financing programs
I've personally seen builders contribute tens of thousands of dollars toward buyer costs.
For some buyers, new construction can actually require less cash out of pocket than a resale home.
What If I Have $10,000 Saved?
You should still have a conversation with a lender.
Seriously.
One of the biggest mistakes I see first-time buyers make is assuming they can't buy a home without ever speaking to a mortgage professional.
You might qualify.
You might not.
But you'll know exactly where you stand and what steps to take next.
What If I Have Less Than $10,000 Saved?
The answer is still the same:
Talk to a lender.
There are down payment assistance programs, grants, special loan products, and financing options that many buyers don't even know exist.
The only way to know what's available to you is to have someone review your specific situation.
The Biggest Obstacle Usually Isn't Savings
This surprises people.
Many times the challenge isn't the down payment.
It's:
- Credit score
- Debt-to-income ratio
- Monthly payment comfort
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
That's why I spend so much time helping buyers understand buying power—not just purchase price.
Sometimes a lower tax rate neighborhood can make a bigger difference than another $10,000 in savings.
My Advice
If you've been telling yourself:
“I'll buy a house when I have $20,000 saved.”
Don't automatically assume that's the magic number.
You may already be closer than you think.
And if you're not quite ready, a lender can usually help create a plan that gets you there.
Need Help Figuring Out What's Possible?
I love helping first-time home buyers navigate this process.
I can connect you with trusted lenders, help you understand your buying power, explain the costs involved, and help you determine whether buying now—or waiting—is the best move for your situation.
And if you're relocating to the Houston area, I'd be happy to help you compare neighborhoods, schools, taxes, commute times, and everything else that comes with choosing the right place to call home.
Hugs, Jordan Schilleci
Schedule a Call: http://byjoandco.com/call
Look at Homes For Sale: http://har.com/jordanms
Email Me: [email protected]
My goal isn't just to be your Realtor, but your resource.
