Part 1: The Down Payment
Your initial investment in your home, which varies based on your loan type and financial situation.
Conventional Loan
3% - 20%+
Flexible options. A 20% down payment avoids PMI. First-time buyers may qualify for as low as 3%.
FHA Loan
3.5%+
Government-backed loan popular with first-time buyers due to its low down payment requirement.
VA Loan
0%
For eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses. No down payment required in most cases.
USDA Loan
0%
For homes in eligible rural areas. Offers 100% financing, meaning no down payment is needed.
Part 2: Closing Costs
Fees for services required to finalize your mortgage, typically 2-5% of the loan amount.
Lender Fees
- Origination Fee (optional)
- Underwriting Fee (optional)
- Processing Fee
- Discount Points (optional)
- Credit Report Fee
Third-Party Fees
- Appraisal Fee
- Title Search & Insurance
- Home Inspection
- Survey Fee
- Attorney Fees
Prepaids & Escrow
- Homeowners Insurance (1 year premium)
- Property Taxes (2-14 months)
- Prepaid Daily Interest
Putting It All Together: Total Cash to Close
This is the total amount of money you'll need to bring to the closing table.
The Simple Formula
Down Payment
$20,000
+
Closing Costs
$8,000
=
Total Cash to Close
$28,000
*Example based on a $400,000 home with 5% down.
Visualizing Your Costs
- Down Payment
- Closing Costs

