Reliance Financial ®
Down Payment Calculator
Estimate the cash you may need to buy a home, including your down payment, loan amount, estimated cash to close, reserves, LTV, and potential mortgage program pathways.
- Minimum down payment estimates
- Cash to close and reserve planning
- Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, bank statement, and DSCR guidance
Your Purchase Scenario
Program Intelligence
Next Step
Want the exact minimum down payment for your scenario?
Reliance Financial can compare conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, bank statement, and investor loan options so you can see the real numbers before you make an offer.
Reliance Financial ® | NMLS #309198 | CA DRE #01436097
How Much Down Payment Do You Need to Buy a Home?
Your required down payment depends on the loan program, purchase price, occupancy, credit profile, income documentation, and whether the property is a primary residence, second home, or investment property. Some qualified buyers may be able to purchase with as little as 3% down on a conventional loan, 3.5% down with FHA financing, or 0% down with eligible VA financing. Jumbo, bank statement, and investor loans usually require more cash down and stronger reserve planning.
This calculator helps homebuyers look beyond the down payment alone by also estimating cash to close, loan amount, LTV, and recommended liquidity. That gives you a more realistic view of how much money may be needed before you write an offer.
Minimum Down Payment by Loan Type
| Loan Type | Typical Minimum Down Payment | Best Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Loan | 3% to 5% | Primary residence buyers with qualifying credit and income. |
| FHA Loan | 3.5% | Buyers who may need more flexible credit or debt-to-income guidelines. |
| VA Loan | 0% | Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying surviving spouses. |
| Jumbo Loan | Often 10% or more | Buyers purchasing above conforming or high-balance loan limits. |
| Bank Statement or 1099 Loan | Often 10% to 20% | Self-employed borrowers whose tax returns may not show full cash flow. |
| DSCR Investor Loan | Often 20% or more | Real estate investors qualifying primarily from property cash flow. |
What Impacts Your Down Payment?
Credit Score
Credit score can influence eligible programs, pricing, mortgage insurance, and required down payment.
Loan Amount
Higher loan amounts may fall into high-balance or jumbo categories, which can require more reserves or a larger down payment.
Occupancy
Primary residences usually offer the lowest down payment options. Second homes and investment properties typically require more cash down.
Income Documentation
W-2 borrowers, self-employed borrowers, 1099 earners, and investors may qualify through different underwriting pathways.
Reserves
Cash reserves can matter, especially for jumbo, investor, second-home, and self-employed borrower scenarios.
Property Type
Single-family homes, condos, multi-unit properties, and investment properties may have different requirements.
Down Payment Calculator FAQs
How much down payment do I need to buy a home?
It depends on your loan program and financial profile. Some qualified buyers may be eligible for 3% down conventional financing, 3.5% down FHA financing, or 0% down VA financing. Jumbo and investor loans often require more.
Do I need 20% down to buy a home?
No. Many buyers purchase with less than 20% down. However, putting less than 20% down may involve mortgage insurance or different pricing depending on the program.
What is the minimum down payment for a jumbo loan?
Jumbo loan down payments vary by loan amount, credit score, reserves, occupancy, and investor guidelines. Some jumbo scenarios may allow 10% down, while others may require 15%, 20%, or more.
Can self-employed borrowers qualify with less down?
Possibly. Self-employed borrowers may qualify through conventional, jumbo, bank statement, 1099, or other non-QM programs depending on income documentation, credit, reserves, and overall profile.
What is cash to close?
Cash to close usually includes your down payment, closing costs, prepaid expenses, and any required reserves or adjustments. This calculator estimates cash to close for planning purposes.
What is a DSCR loan?
A DSCR loan is commonly used by real estate investors and may qualify based on the rental income of the property instead of the borrower’s personal income documentation.
Get a Personalized Down Payment Strategy
Every borrower scenario is different. Reliance Financial can help you compare programs, structure your down payment, and evaluate the smartest path before you make an offer.
