Truth About Down Payments

Buying a home should be exciting, right? That dream of finding the perfect place, making it yours, and settling into a space you love is something that inspires so many of us. But then the “D” word creeps in: down payment. Suddenly the excitement fades and reality sets in.  However, he truth about down payments is far less intimidating than many believe.

“I’ll never save enough.”
“I need a small fortune just to get started.”
“I guess I’ll just rent forever.”

If any of those thoughts sound familiar, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not out of options.  Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, and his expert team have been helping buyers like you debunk myths, gain confidence, and take steps toward homeownership without the overwhelming fear of saving too much or going it alone.

TLDR: What You Really Need to Know About Down Payments

1. You do not need 20% down to buy a home.
2. Most first-time buyers put down between 3% and 9%.
3. You may qualify for loans requiring little or no down payment.
4. Thousands of down payment assistance programs exist—and most people don’t even know it.
5. Robbie English and his team at Uncommon Realty guide you through it all, using decades of experience and deep insight to your advantage.

The Myth of the “Big Down Payment”

Let’s address the most common misconception right off the bat. The idea that you need to come up with a massive down payment to even think about buying a home is simply false. Many people walk away from the idea of homeownership because they assume they need tens of thousands of dollars ready to go.

In reality, the numbers tell a very different story. While many believe that 10% or more is required, most first-time homebuyers are putting down far less. Depending on the loan program you qualify for, your required down payment might be as low as 3.5%. In some cases, such as VA loans, you may not have to put any money down at all.

So if the size of a down payment is the only thing standing between you and a home purchase, now’s the time to reconsider. The truth about down payments is that they aren’t the massive barrier they’ve been made out to be.

And Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, has helped clients just like you navigate these options with clarity, confidence, and smart strategy. Robbie’s knowledge of the industry—honed over decades of real estate practice—gives you an edge from the very beginning.

The Myth That It Takes Forever to Save

Saving can feel slow, especially when you’re not sure what the actual goal is. But if you’re aiming for a number based on a myth, you may be working toward an unnecessary target. Saving for 20% might take years, and that’s exactly what deters so many would-be buyers from even getting started.

Here’s a better approach: know what’s truly needed based on your loan options, property type, and location. Robbie and his team help clients develop real-world saving plans based on their specific goals and timelines. If a 3.5% down payment is realistic for your situation, you may be closer than you think.

What’s even more encouraging is that you don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s breaking down savings plans or leveraging tools to accelerate your journey, Robbie makes sure your preparation has purpose.

The Myth That You’re On Your Own

This one is a heartbreaker because it keeps so many capable people stuck in place. The belief that you have to fund the entire down payment by yourself is simply untrue. In fact, there are thousands of down payment assistance programs designed to help people exactly like you.

Most buyers don’t know they exist. That’s a problem. These programs can be the missing link that turns your “maybe someday” into “I’m ready now.”

Robbie English and his Uncommon Realty team work hard to make sure these resources are part of your home-buying journey. They know what’s available, how to access it, and how to ensure it aligns with your financing path. And they’ll never leave you wondering what to do next.

Robbie has dedicated his career to mastering the real estate process—not only to benefit his own clients but to elevate the industry itself. As a national real estate speaker and instructor, he trains agents across the country in the fine art of real estate. That means you’re not just working with an agent; you’re working with someone who teaches agents how to do the job right.

Why Robbie English Is the Answer to the Truth About Down Payments

Let’s be real: not all agents bring the same level of strategy, knowledge, or commitment to the table. Some show houses. Some fill out paperwork. Robbie English and his team at Uncommon Realty go far beyond that.

Robbie’s decades of experience in the real estate world are more than just a timeline. They’re a toolkit he brings to every transaction. He anticipates obstacles before they appear. He reads between the lines in contracts and negotiations. He’s guided countless clients through every type of market, and he knows exactly how to give you the upper hand.

When it comes to the truth about down payments, Robbie and his team deliver expert advice that’s grounded, relevant, and actionable. Whether you’re just beginning to explore buying or already deep in the planning phase, they provide a clear path forward.

More importantly, they do it without treating you like a number. Real estate may be a business, but Robbie knows it’s also personal. He listens to what matters most to you, then creates a plan that makes sense for your life—not just for today but for the long run.

Still Unsure? Let’s Talk

The most common thing Robbie hears from clients after helping them buy a home is, “I wish I had talked to you sooner.” That says it all. You don’t have to figure this out alone, and you don’t have to waste time chasing false assumptions.

If the only thing keeping you from becoming a homeowner is the fear of the down payment, let’s start a conversation. Chances are, the truth about down payments is far more manageable than you’ve been led to believe. And with the right professional in your corner, there’s no need to let that fear keep you from your goals.

Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, is the guide you need when it’s time to take real steps toward buying a home. He’s not only educated in every corner of the industry, but he’s educated others too. When you work with Robbie, you gain insight, strategy, and a calm, capable expert who’s already helped many others do what you want to do.

Skip the myths. Get the facts. And start your journey toward homeownership with confidence. Because the truth about down payments isn’t scary at all, it’s just misunderstood. Robbie English and the team at Uncommon Realty are here to show you how close you really are.