Survey: 5 In 10 Millennials Still Consider Downpayment A Barrier

91% Millennials Want To Own A Home

Most renters would like to take the next step toward homeownership. They just don’t think they can — yet.

In fact, 91 percent of Millennials stated in a recent survey that they want to own a home.

This group, roughly age 25-34, represent the majority of potential first-time home buyers, according to Ellie Mae, the loan software company that conducted the survey.

The problem — or perceived problem — for many potential homebuyers is the downpayment.

Inability to raise the necessary downpayment was stated as a common barrier to owning a home, cited by 45 percent of respondents.

The other major challenge, according to twenty-nine percent of survey takers, is the inability to qualify for the mortgage.

But in today’s market, buyers can achieve homeownership with little or no downpayment, and sometimes without a credit score.

Knowing about these loan products and downpayment options will fast-track your homeownership goals, even if perceived barriers have kept you from trying.

Downpayment: Will It Take Eleven Years To Save Up?

A common home buying myth is that it takes a 20 percent downpayment to buy a home.

For a $300,000 home, that’s sixty thousand dollars.

Fortunately, this myth doesn’t hold water. Most would-be buyers are around 30 years old. Not many of these Millennials have that type of cash stashed in savings. They will someday, but not yet. Not with student loan debt obligations still in play.

Of course, if you want to save that 20 percent downpayment you can. Just save $12 every day and you’ll have your downpayment banked sometime around 2027.

That’s way too long. Home prices will likely outrun efforts to save up 20 percent of your future home’s purchase price.

Knowing your flexible mortgage loan options is your first move. From there you are just a series of small actionable steps away from making homeownership happen.

What Are My Home Loan Options?

There is no universal mortgage guideline that all applicants must adhere to. Mortgages come in a variety of formats to meet a wider population of home buyers.

From low downpayment requirements to credit score leniency, there’s a loan type for most home buyers today.

1. FHA loans

The popular FHA home mortgage program requires just a 3.5% downpayment. This financing type is also more flexible for those lacking an extended employment history — like fresh college grads — and those who have experienced a credit hiccup.

Speaking of credit, these loans also allow a borrower to have no credit score at all. Many young people have never had so much as a credit card. According to written FHA rules, lenders are not allowed to deny a loan application based on lack of credit history.

Rather, the FHA lender should help the applicant establish a credit score and history via utility payments, cell phone bills, car insurance, and rent history.

2. VA home loans

VA mortgages require no downpayment or mortgage insurance. Credit guidelines are lenient, and, like FHA, accept non-traditional credit history.

Active military personnel need only 90 days of service to be eligible for the VA home loan program. If you are a veteran or qualified serviceman you should explore this option first, as it comes with unmatched advantages.

3. Conventional loans

Conventional loans make up around 60 percent of the market. Most assume conventional loans – those backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – are ultra-conservative and reserved for only the best applicants.

Yet conventional loans now offer three-percent-down (97% LTV) financing through the Conventional 97 program as well as HomeReady^TM, the latter accepting non-borrower household income to qualify.

The HomeReady^TM mortgage is perfect for multi-generational households, home buyers with a history of living with roommates, and non-married individuals buying a home together.

4. USDA Rural Development loan

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers this loan to home buyers in suburban and rural areas to promote economic development in these regions.

USDA loans require no downpayment and a credit score minimum of just 640.

They are available from most lenders in the U.S., rather than directly from a government agency. Furthermore, these mortgages come with very low mortgage rates, which lowers the monthly payment, and further increases chances of qualifying for new buyers.

Creative Ways To Raise A Downpayment

Sometimes, buyers choose to make a downpayment, even if it’s a small one.

The cash doesn’t always have to come from a bank account into which you have made years of deposits. The following are ways to come up with a downpayment — ways that new home buyers don’t often consider.

1. Your 401(k)

The IRS allows 401(k) home buyers to borrow as much as $50,000 from the vested portion of their accounts.

Many times the payments are deducted from your employment pay check every month. The interest rates are usually favorable too.

2. IRA funds

The IRS allows for a maximum one-time, penalty-free distribution per person of $10,000 for a first-time home purchase or for building a home.

The IRS exemption guidelines for a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA are a bit different though. Consult with an accountant about tax implications.

4. Downpayment gifts from family

Your immediate family members and even more distant relatives or godparents can contribute to an downpayment.

Be prepared to document the gift funds thoroughly, including proof of donor’s ability to give, which generally requires the gift giver to provide a bank statement.

5. Saving automation

Deposit your tax refund directly to a downpayment fund or redirect a small portion of your paycheck there. Some banks will even round up to the nearest dollar with every purchase, depositing the difference into your savings account.

Minimize your temptation to tap that fund by refusing checks and debit cards for the account.

6. Bridal registry

Would you prefer a kitchen gadgets or downpayment money for your first home? FHA allows for a bridal registry to be used toward your downpayment.

Consult your loan officer on how to document it and you could be well on your way to a solid downpayment by the time you get home from the honeymoon.

Downpayment Assistance Programs

More than 2,300 homebuyer programs are available nationwide and nearly 80 percent of first-time buyers could qualify for a program of some sort.

Who offers these programs?

• Housing finance agencies in various states
• Nonprofit agencies
• City and local development authorities
• Employers

Homebuyers should investigate these downpayment assistance options upfront. They add time to the mortgage loan process so getting started on this path early is strongly advised.

What Are Today’s Rates?

Mortgage rates are low and it’s a perfect time to apply to purchase a home. Traditional challenges to homeownership should not stop today’s home buyer from applying.

Get a rate quote and check your eligibility to buy a home. Quotes are free, quick, and require no social security number to start.