Most buyers don’t need 20% down. For move-up buyers working with equity from a home sale, the down payment calculation often looks different than it does for someone saving from a paycheck. Either way, the options are broader than the 20% figure suggests. Depending on the loan type you qualify for, you may only need 3–3.5% from savings to get started. On a $400,000 home, that’s $12,000–$14,000. The 20% number has been floating around for decades. Here’s what you need to know, by loan type, by situation, and by what’s available right now.
What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Home?
For a lot of families in both Indiana and Kentucky, the decision to build a new home starts with a question they’re almost afraid to ask out loud: “Is my credit score good enough?” Learn where the thresholds actually fall, what mortgage lenders consider beyond the number itself, and practical steps you can take to put yourself in the strongest possible position.
Why Buyers Are Choosing Essex at Berkshire in Newburgh, Indiana
⏱️ 10 min read
Last Updated: March 31, 2026
Next Update: March 31, 2027
Mortgage Myths and Facts for New Home Buyers
A surprising number of families discover that building a new home is more within reach than they ever imagined. The bigger obstacle is rarely the finances. It’s the secondhand information picked up along the way. Getting the facts straight on mortgage myths early can open doors that many assumed were closed. Here are eight of the most persistent misconceptions new home buyers encounter, and the truth behind each one.
How to Budget for Every Home Buying Cost Before You Apply
A complete home buying budget goes beyond just the down payment and the monthly mortgage payment. Knowing what to expect right from the start makes the entire process run much much smoother.
Why Buyers Are Choosing Dove Point in Alvaton, Kentucky
⏱️ 10 min read
Last Updated: March 10, 2026
Next Update: March 1, 2027
