Save Up to Pay Down The tradition of the down-payment is almost as old as real-estate itself, yet home loans with no money or very little money down became increasingly popular during the start of the decade. Changes in the credit market have made such arrangements all but nonexistent today, and in many cases buyers won't be considered for a loan without at least a 10% down payment waiting in the wings.
In reality, buyers who invest at least a 15% to 20% down payment will be rewarded as markets re-stabilize. A larger down payment provides the buyer with a lower interest rate, lower payments, higher equity and a stronger negotiating position when it comes to refinancing.