Your down payment, how much can you afford? – Troy Bank & Trust Company, Inc

The Down Payment

The amount you have available for a down payment will affect what types of loans for which you can qualify. Down payments typically range from 3 to 20 percent of the sales price for the property.

Tips for Accumulating a Down Payment

Save
Look for ways to reduce your monthly expenditures to save toward a down-payment. You could enroll for an automatic savings plan at your bank to have a portion of your payroll automatically transferred into savings. Most people save a couple of years for their down payment.
Borrow the down payment from your retirement plan
Check the provisions of your retirement plan. You may be able borrow funds from a 401(k) plan for a down payment or make a withdrawal from an Individual Retirement Account. Be sure you understand the tax consequences, repayment terms and/or possible early withdrawal penalties.
Make a deal with the seller
In some circumstances, it is appropriate to ask the seller to carry a second-mortgage to cover your down payment. Typically, you will pay a slightly higher rate for this second mortgage.
Sell some investments
Get a second job and save your earnings
Skip a year's vacation
Gift from Family
Parents and other family members are often anxious to help children buy their first home and may have the means to give you a gift of money for a portion or all of your down payment.

Alternative Sources

No-down and low-down Mortgages
- FHA Loans
  The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), plays a significant role in helping low- to moderate-income families qualify for mortgages. FHA assists first-time buyers and others who would not qualify for a conventional loan, by providing mortgage insurance to private lenders. Interest rates for an FHA loan are usually the going market rate, while the down payment requirements for an FHA loan are lower than conventional loans. The required down payment can be as low as 3 percent and the closing costs can be included in the mortgage amount.
- VA Loans
  VA Loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Service persons and veterans can qualify for a VA Loan, which usually offers a competitive fixed interest rate, no down payment and limited closing costs. While the VA does not issue the loans, it does issue a certificate of eligibility required to apply for a VA loan.

Documenting Your Down Payment

Documenting that the down payment comes from your savings and that you will have savings and/or assets over and above the down payment gives the lender confidence in your strength as a borrower and your ability to repay the loan.

Take extra care to document the sources for any monies to be used for the down payment or closing costs.
Acceptable Down Payment & Closing Costs Sources
- Cash in a bank account
- Mutual funds / stocks / IRA / 401K
- Proceeds from the sale of another property
- Gift from an immediate relative
Click here to learn more about verifying your down payment, closing costs, income and debt.

MEMBER FDIC

Rates vary daily and are subject to change without notice.

All loans are subject to credit approval, verification, and collateral evaluation. Initial decision is subject to you meeting specific underwriting requirements and final approval will be based upon you satisfying those requirements. Loans originated by Troy Bank and Trust Company.

This information is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute an application. This notice does not guarantee loan approval, nor is it an offer or commitment to make a loan to you on the above terms. The APR, fees, and closing costs are all estimates based on Troy Bank and Trust Companys normal and customary fees and typical tax and insurance costs in the stated property's vicinity.