Expert Down Payment Advice for Home Buyers

A home buyer writing a gift letter for mortgage

Buyers Gift Letters for Mortgage: Create Yours Now With Our Free Tool

Create lender-approved gift letters for mortgage down payments in minutes with our free online tool. Learn the rules and who can give a gift.

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Buyers Earnest Money Calculator

Estimate your deposit with our earnest money calculator. See typical amounts and tips for buyers before making an offer.

Buyers House Down Payment Calculator

A down payment calculator can help clarify your home budget and demystify down payment requirements. Here’s how — and why — to use one so you can get started!

An image of a family signing documents to represent what a down payment is and how it works

Buyers What Is a Down Payment and How Does It Work?

How much money do you need to buy a house? We’re clearing up everything you need to know: what is a down payment, what’s private mortgage insurance, and more.

down payment assistance programs for fha loans

Buyers FHA Loans and Down Payment Assistance: Making Homebuying Affordable

Find out how to pair down payment assistance with your FHA loan to make the dream of homeownership possible.

A building used to get a down payment grant.

Buyers The 7 Best National Down Payment Assistance Programs for Buyers

Down payment assistance programs are shown to save home buyers an average of $17,700. Experts walk through how to take advantage of down payment grants.

an image of a house purchased using earnest money

Buyers Earnest Money vs. Down Payment: What’s the Difference?

Learn the difference between earnest money and a down payment, when each is paid, and how much you may need with simple calculators.

calculator and paper used to figure when down payment is due

Buyers When Is a House Down Payment Due and How Much Do I Need?

When is the down payment due on a house, and how much do you need? Get all the facts before you decide what to put down.

Buyers Is There Actually Such a Thing As a Typical Down Payment on a House?

Depending on whether you’re a repeat buyer or a first-time buyer, the typical down payment ranges from 0% to 20% – or even higher.

Image of a Home for Buying a House with Your 401(k)

Buyers Can I Use My 401(k) to Buy a House? (What Might Be Changing)

Can you use your 401(k) to buy a house? Learn what’s allowed today, what might change, and the risks buyers should weigh before tapping retirement savings.

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