Let’s bust a big myth right now: You do not need 20% down to buy a home. I hear it all the time—people put their dream of owning a home on hold because they assume that 20% down is the standard. For most buyers, especially first-timers, that number sounds impossible.

But here’s the good news: It’s just not true.

In fact, there are some amazing down payment assistance (DPA) programs available that could get you into a home with far less—sometimes as little as zero down. Yes, really.

What is Down Payment Assistance?

Down payment assistance is money that helps cover the upfront costs of buying a home—like your down payment or even closing costs. These programs come in the form of:

• Grants (free money you don’t have to repay)

• Forgivable loans (that disappear after a few years if you stay in the home)

• Deferred payment loans (you don’t pay them back unless you sell or refinance)

• Matched savings programs (some programs match what you save, up to 4:1!)

These are designed to make homeownership more achievable—especially for first-time buyers, moderate-income households, veterans, teachers, healthcare workers, and other essential professionals. If you’ve been thinking, “The down payment is what’s holding me back,” then this is what could finally open the door.

Who Can Qualify?

Every program is a little different, but most have a few things in common:

✅ You’re a first-time buyer (or haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years)
✅ You meet basic credit score and income guidelines
✅ You take a short homebuyer education course
✅ The home will be your primary residence

Even if you’ve owned before, you still might qualify—so don’t count yourself out!

What Can These Funds Help With?

Depending on the program, DPA can cover:

• Your down payment

• Closing costs

• Escrow or reserves

• Even lowering your interest rate

Some buyers are able to stack programs together to reduce their out-of-pocket costs even more.

Let’s Clear Up a Few Myths:

🚫 Myth: You need 20% down
✅ Truth: You can often buy with 3%–5%, and some loans (like VA or USDA) require zero down

🚫 Myth: DPA is only for low-income buyers
✅ Truth: Many programs are for moderate-income families, or are profession-based (think: teachers, nurses, first responders, etc.)

🚫 Myth: These programs take forever
✅ Truth: When you have the right lender and agent (hi, that’s me! 👋), it doesn’t slow things down at all

Why This Matters Right Now

With home prices and rates where they are, every dollar counts. Down payment assistance might be the difference between waiting and finally owning your own home.

If you’ve been sitting on the fence, unsure of what’s possible—let’s talk. You may be closer to owning a home than you think.

🎯 Let’s run the numbers together!
Schedule your free home buying consultation and walk away with a real plan that fits your budget. No pressure, just answers.

[📅 Book Your Free Consultation Here. 30 Min with Sheri