Down Payments

By
Services for Real Estate Pros

The Spring selling season is here.  With that brings of course buyers and buyers need information. One of the most important questions in the pre-qualification process is the necessary down payment.  As the professional, having the answers ready furthers your client's faith in you.

First time homebuyers may not have 20% to put down, does this automatically require PMI?
How mush typically is PMI? does it fall off? when?
What if the loan was split into an 80/20?
Are rates better with a bigger down payment?
Are there loan assistance programs for those with no down payment?
What are the pros & cons of smaller down payments?

Embedding a mortgage calculator into your blog post will be most helpful for buyers.

If you keep the information basic enough, this evergreen post will be an asset to your marketing for years to come.  It's great to email out to buyers when this question pops up.  

As always, create a strong call to action, linking to your website at the bottom of your post letting readers know you are available to help with their real estate needs.  Let's never forget a chance to capture potential business!

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Comments (15)

David Spencer
Keller Williams Northland - Kansas City, MO
Show Me real estate in Kansas City

Earnest money is not a requirement for a sales contract. It is not uncommon for a real estate transaction to close and never had earnest money held in an escrow account.

Apr 13, 2015 06:29 AM
Dana Hollish Hill

Interesting. In my area, even VA borrowers put down an escrow deposit. If it's not offered, we typically see it in a counter offer. 

Apr 24, 2023 08:07 AM
Glenn and Rebecca Hauer
Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. - Vernon, CT

First-time homebuyers especially have many questions, having info readily available can make the process easier.

Apr 13, 2015 10:36 AM
Dama Scott
One World Realty, Inc. - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Evergrene Resident Specialist

I like that idea - now, I've  got to figure out how to get the mortgage calculator. 

Apr 21, 2015 08:34 PM
Shahar Hillel

Dama hello.


This is where you get a free mortgage calculator widget.


http://www.mortgagecalculator.org/free-tools/


Good luck and happy thanksgiving.

Nov 24, 2016 05:40 PM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

Such a great idea.  Great post.  Thanks for sharing..

May 11, 2015 10:39 AM
Sandra Jarock
PorchLight Real Estate Group - Parker, CO

So true good to have a few excellent lenders to make people feel at ease, the whole process goes well.  

May 29, 2015 10:19 PM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

Earnest money usually accompanies an offer in North Carolina.  But as you say.  It is not required..

Jun 01, 2015 11:04 AM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

One needs reserve to account for homes that do not appraise to and overage....during a all buyers one seller situation...

Jun 09, 2015 12:43 PM
Jeremy Branum
Security Mortgage - Hollywood, FL
Offering mortgage solutions for all of Florida

As in all of real estate mortgage lending is an ever changing landscape and can often be confusing even to seasoned veterans.  I have always recommended finding a local mortgage banker with an established bank to come in and offer classes to real estate agents.  This will keep all the agents up to date on current lending practices and loan programs available.  These programs change sometimes every few months as risk tolerances within the banks change.  Often times agents miss out on opportunities because they think someone can’t qualify for the home they are wanting when a new program may have just opened.  Understanding lending practices and having a solid relationship with your mortgage loan officer can increase your business significantly. 


Sep 15, 2015 11:56 PM
Margaret Kapranos

I've partnered with a portfolio lender for my self employed, difficult to qualify folks.  I think it's important for buyers to understand the difference between portfolio and conventional lending. This alone is a good post!

Jun 04, 2016 02:43 AM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

I wrote a blog about this very topic. http://actvra.in/4KSb

Nov 05, 2015 05:54 AM
Luis Carrillo
Realty Master & Associates - Riverside, CA
Your Realtor for Life

Working with the right lender is alway the key.

Nov 18, 2015 01:45 AM
Margaret Kapranos

I'd expand and say working with the right lender per the buyer is key!  Wouldn't send a self-employed person to BofA regardless of how good the loan officer.

Jun 04, 2016 02:44 AM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

I agree with Luis.  Working with the right lender is always good..

Mar 01, 2016 05:38 AM
Anna Hatridge
R Gilliam Real Estate LLC - Farmington, MO
Missouri Realtor with R Gilliam Real Estate LLC

Nice idea!  Wish you would have included a link or details of how to 

embed a calculator into my signature line. I am not sure I know how to do that.

May 22, 2016 11:02 PM
Margaret Kapranos

Yes, how do we do that?  I want to know too.

Jun 04, 2016 02:44 AM
Shahar Hillel

As I answered to Dama.


This is where you get a free mortgage calculator widget.


http://www.mortgagecalculator.org/free-tools/


Good luck and happy thanksgiving.

Nov 24, 2016 05:43 PM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

I feel that a buyer is more committed if he puts Earnest money on the table.

Aug 16, 2016 09:16 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I'll get my lender to help me with this, thanks for the inspiration.

Sep 02, 2016 09:57 PM
Rachel Morin
Red Rock Real Estate - Saint George, UT
morin2realty

Love this!

 

Jun 13, 2021 09:58 AM