Myth vs. Fact: "I need 20% down to buy a home." 🏡💡 ❌ Myth: it isn't possible without 20%. Anything less is too risky. You'll never be approved. A smaller down payment means settling for a worse home. ✅ Fact: you don't need 20% down to buy a home. Many loan programs allow as little as 3 to 5% down, you can still build equity with a smaller down payment, and there are options for different financial situations. Nationally, the median down payment for first time buyers is around 10%. Putting less down does come with tradeoffs, like mortgage insurance and a higher monthly payment. And in the Bay Area, higher prices can mean larger loan amounts with different requirements. The right strategy depends on your goals, your finances, and your loan program. Want to see what you actually qualify for? Send me a DM and I'll connect you with a lender I trust. 🤝 💬 Which myth did you believe? 👇 Linh Tran | Real Estate Advisor | eXp Realty | DRE #02312746 Not financial advice. Loan programs and requirements vary. Talk to a licensed lender about your situation. #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #DownPayment #HomeBuyingMyths #MythVsFact #HomeBuyingTips #BayAreaHomeBuyer #SouthBayRealEstate #SanJoseRealEstate #MortgageTips #RealEstateTips #FirstTimeBuyer #BayAreaHomes #HomeownershipGoals #SiliconValleyRealEstate #SanJoseRealtor

Buy Your Home with as Little as 3% Down, No 20% Needed

Myth vs. Fact: "I need 20% down to buy a home." 🏡💡 ❌ Myth: it isn't possible without 20%. Anything less is too risky. You'll never be approved. A smaller down payment means settling for a worse home. ✅ Fact: you don't need 20% down to buy a home. Many loan programs allow as little as 3 to 5% down, you can still build equity with a smaller down payment, and there are options for different financial situations. Nationally, the median down payment for first time buyers is around 10%. Putting less down does come with tradeoffs, like mortgage insurance and a higher monthly payment. And in the Bay Area, higher prices can mean larger loan amounts with different requirements. The right strategy depends on your goals, your finances, and your loan program. Want to see what you actually qualify for? Send me a DM and I'll connect you with a lender I trust. 🤝 💬 Which myth did you believe? 👇 Linh Tran | Real Estate Advisor | eXp Realty | DRE #02312746 Not financial advice. Loan programs and requirements vary. Talk to a licensed lender about your situation. #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #DownPayment #HomeBuyingMyths #MythVsFact #HomeBuyingTips #BayAreaHomeBuyer #SouthBayRealEstate #SanJoseRealEstate #MortgageTips #RealEstateTips #FirstTimeBuyer #BayAreaHomes #HomeownershipGoals #SiliconValleyRealEstate #SanJoseRealtor

Linh Tran REALTOR® Area served: San Jose, Santa Clara County, CA, Milpitas, Santa Clara County, CA, Fremont, Alameda County, CA, Newark, Alameda County, CA, Santa Clara, CA, Cupertino, Santa Clara County, CA Expertise: FHA Financing, First-Generation, Fix-and-Flip Investor, First-Time Buyer, Tech Relocation

September 30, 2026

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Do You Need 20% Down to Buy a Home? | Linh Tran