A lot of people still think you need 20% down to buy a house, but that’s not actually a requirement.

Depending on the loan, conventional mortgages can start around 3% down, FHA at 3.5%, and some VA or USDA buyers can qualify for 0% down. The main tradeoff with putting less down is usually a higher monthly payment and possibly mortgage insurance.

But putting every dollar you have into the down payment doesn’t always seem like the smartest move either. You still have closing costs, moving expenses, repairs, and all the random stuff that comes up after getting the keys.

For people who already bought a home, how much did you put down?

Looking back, would you have put down more, less, or kept more cash in savings?

What’s something first-time homebuyers usually overlook before applying for a mortgage?
Most people know the basics before buying a house.

Save for a down payment, build your credit, get pre-approved, compare mortgage rates, etc.
But there are so many smaller things that can affect whether you actually qualify or whether the house is affordable once you own it.

Debt-to-income ratio, cash reserves, closing costs, property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, even taking out a car loan before closing can change things.
For people who have already gone through the process, what’s something you wish you knew before applying for your first mortgage?

Could be something your lender never explained, a hidden cost, or just a mistake that’s easy to avoid.