Traditionally, you need to have a down payment of between 10 to 20 percent of your home costs saved up before you purchase a home. Mortgage lenders did this to protect themselves because it indicated that you were more responsible with their money. It also protected them because they did not loan out the full value of your home, and if you were to default on the loan, they were more likely to make full recovery from the loss.

However, in recent years things have changed. Many people would take out two loans in order to avoid PMI and still not have a down payment on their home. Some banks also offer one hundred percent financing for a home. Other couples may qualify for an FHA loan, which eliminates the need for a large down payment. Banks have begun offering mortgages with easier qualifications, but this might not be the best option.

It is better to save up a down payment on your home if possible. There are several reasons that this is a better approach to buying a home. One reason is that it proves that you are financially ready and responsible enough to buy a home. When you purchase a home, you are responsible for all of the maintenance costs related to the home. You will need to pay for repairs and homeowners insurance. Saving up a down payment proves to yourself and the bank that you are in a position to make those sacrifices.

Often your mortgage is going to be more than you are paying in rent, and it demonstrates to yourself that you are ready to be responsible financially.

Another reason to have a down payment is that it protects you in case you need to move, and the housing market has dropped. Many people can’t sell their homes because they bought the home without a down payment when housing prices were at their peak, and now they owe more than their home is worth.

There is no pretty way out of this situation. Either you will lose lots of money or you will ruin your credit, or you will do both. So many people are hanging onto their homes hoping that the situation will improve. Using a down payment does not completely prevent this from happening to you, but unless your home value falls more than twenty percent, you are in a much better situation.

Another reason is that you do not want to regret buying your home. In addition to showing that you are financially prepared to purchase a home, saving up for a down payment will allow you to purchase a home that you will like and you will not regret buying. The down payment can increase the size of home you can afford, and it can help you a home in a better location. Essentially, it gives you more choices because you will still qualify for the same amount on your mortgage, the down payment is additional money that can increase your purchasing power.

When mortgage rates are low, you may be feeling the pressure to purchase now, so that you can save money in interest over the life of your loan. It is true that you may save money, but you cannot see the future. You do not know if the house prices are going to rise or if they take a fall again.