Who sets the down payment on a house?

Asked by: Oda Gerlach  |  Last update: October 11, 2025
Score: 5/5 (17 votes)

Your minimum down payment depends on the type of mortgage, the lender and your finances. Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page.

Who determines the down payment on a house?

It's important to note that down payment requirements aren't solely determined by lenders. In many cases, the down payment requirement is set by the entity backing the loan, which may be the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Does down payment go to lender or seller?

Your down payment is due at the time of closing and is the amount of money the lender requires to be paid from your own funds. The down payment is paid to the seller. Some state and federal programs could provide a grant or financing for your down payment and/or closing costs.

Does down payment go to bank or dealership?

A down payment is a sum of money you give to the dealer upfront before buying a new car.

What is a 20% down payment on a $400,000 house?

Putting down this amount generally means you won't have to worry about private mortgage insurance (PMI), which eliminates one cost of home ownership. For a $400,000 home, a 20% down payment comes to $80,000. That means your loan is for $320,000. You can start shopping for a mortgage right away.

What's the Best Way to Save for a Mortgage Downpayment?

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What credit score is needed to buy a $400,000 house?

For a $400,000 home, you'll likely need a good to excellent credit score: 740+: Best rates and terms. 700-739: Slightly higher rates.

Why do dealerships push for down payment?

Lenders often want you to make a down payment to show your commitment to paying back the loan and to get some compensation for the car upfront.

Can I use my debit card for a down payment?

Because the money is coming straight from an already populated account, most dealerships will accept a debit payment, but it's always good to check. Also, you may want to let your bank know ahead of time that you're about to make a big payment.

Can I write a check for a down payment?

Payment: This can be a bank or credit union check for a pre-approved loan, or it can be a cashier's check, personal check or even a credit card payment for a down payment when the financing is done at the dealership.

What if I can't afford closing costs?

Government Assistance

For example, California has the CalHFA program available to qualified low-income buyers. The program provides grants and loans to eligible borrowers, and the money can either directly subsidize part of a down payment, or cover the entire thing, depending on certain factors.

What is a good down payment on a house?

First-time home buyers have long considered a down payment of 20% on a mortgage the standard amount. But this initial payment can sometimes be set as low as 5% for a conventional loan—and buyers always have the option of paying more than 20% of the purchase price.

Can I lose my down payment on a house?

Your earnest money deposit is a show of good faith that you seriously intend to purchase the home. You could lose it if you walk away from a sale for a reason not covered by contingencies in the contract.

Does the down payment go to the seller or bank?

“The down payment is typically paid at closing,” says Ailion. “The settlement agent or loan officer will combine these funds with lender funds to pay the seller the purchase price.” Remember, too, that your earnest money is usually considered to be part of your down payment.

How much of a down payment do I need for a $300,000 house?

How much down payment for a $300,000 house? The down payment needed for a $300,000 house can range from 3% to 20% of the purchase price, which means you'd need to save between $9,000 and $60,000. If you get a conventional loan, that is. You'll need $10,500, or 3.5% of the home price, with a FHA loan.

What are the four C's of credit?

Character, capital, capacity, and collateral – purpose isn't tied entirely to any one of the four Cs of credit worthiness. If your business is lacking in one of the Cs, it doesn't mean it has a weak purpose, and vice versa.

What is a traditional normal down payment on a house loan?

Conventional wisdom says the minimum down payment is 20%, but most buyers put down less — 15% is far more common. Younger buyers and first-time homebuyers, especially, often put down far less and some home loans allow you to finance 97% or even 100% of the home's cost.

Do dealers take cash for down payment?

Most dealerships will work with you to get a down payment that works for your budget. Cash, personal checks, and debit cards are typically preferred for down payments, although there are times when a credit card may be wiser.

Can I pay $10,000 with my debit card?

Yes, banks have debit card limits for how much you can spend or how much money you can withdraw at an ATM. Daily purchase limits can range from $300 to $10,000. Daily withdrawal limits for debit cards can vary from $200 to $5,000.

Is $5000 a good down payment for a car?

In general, you should strive to make a down payment of at least 20% of a new car's purchase price. For used cars, try for at least 10% down. If you can't afford the recommended amount, put down as much as you can without draining your savings or emergency funds.

Do dealerships make money off financing?

Dealers make money off in-house financing because they mark up your offered rate. For example, if you could qualify for a loan at 7 percent through a bank, you may receive an offer of 9 percent through dealership financing.

Where does my down payment go?

The down payment funds then move to an escrow account managed by a real estate attorney or settlement officer. This third party disburses the funds to the seller, who ultimately receives the down payment.

Is a 900 credit score possible?

What is the highest credit score possible? To start off: No, it's not possible to have a 900 credit score in the United States. In some countries that use other models, like Canada, people could have a score of 900. The current scoring models in the U.S. have a maximum of 850.

What should your salary be to buy a 300k house?

In summary, here's what we found: You need to make at least $54,000 per year to afford a $200,000 house. You need to make at least $81,000 per year to afford a $300,000 house. You need to make at least $109,000 per year to afford a $400,000 house.

What is the 28/36 rule?

According to the 28/36 rule, you should spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing and no more than 36% on all debts. Housing costs can include: Your monthly mortgage payment. Homeowners Insurance. Private mortgage insurance.