NAR: Media shouldn’t say buyers need 20 percent downpayments

WASHINGTON – Jan. 6, 2009 – Don’t believe everything you read, says NAR.

There is some misinformation in the media lately about the required size of a downpayment for a mortgage in today’s market, and the blog world is abuzz with misperceptions. Not all so-called experts are knowledgeable in this area, and some experts are being misunderstood.

The facts:

1. An individual may be required to put down 20 percent based on that person’s financial situation – but that is not an across-the-board requirement for all borrowers.

2. A borrower who puts down less than 20 percent is required to obtain mortgage insurance.

3. Even in a declining market, a borrower is required to make at least a 5 or 10 percent downpayment.

4. FHA requires a 3.5 percent downpayment by borrowers, so long as they meet a 31 percent housing cost-to-income ratio. In other words, anyone who stays within their budget and who can afford a 3.5 percent downpayment (even with family help) can become a homeowner.

FHA market share has grown roughly tenfold in the past year to an estimated 30 percent of new mortgage originations.