The truth is, you may need less than you think.

Many home buyers assume they need 20% down, but that’s not required.

Conventional loans can allow as little as 3% down. FHA loans can go as low as 3.5%. VA and USDA loans may offer zero down payment options for qualified buyers.

The right amount depends on your credit, income, and loan type. If you’re unsure what you qualify for, Haven Real Estate Agents work closely with experienced lenders who can review your situation and help you understand your best options clearly and simply.

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on information you provide. It gives you a rough idea of what you might afford.

Pre-approval is stronger. It involves verifying your income, credit, and financial documents.

Sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously because it shows a lender has reviewed your file. If you're shopping for homes for sale, pre-approval gives you a real advantage in a competitive market. Our Haven team partners with trusted lenders who can help you get fully pre-approved quickly and confidently.

Your credit score plays a big role in your interest rate.

Higher scores usually mean lower rates, which can save you thousands over the life of your loan.

Lower scores don’t mean you can’t buy a home, but they may impact your payment.

Even a small difference in rate can change your monthly cost. If you’re unsure where you stand, our lender partners can review your credit and show you clear next steps to strengthen your buying power.

Closing costs are the fees required to finalize your home purchase.

These can include lender fees, appraisal costs, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaid taxes or insurance.

Most buyers can expect to pay between 2% and 5% of the home’s purchase price in closing costs.

In some cases, sellers may contribute toward these expenses as part of negotiations. Haven agents are skilled negotiators and can guide you through strategies to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

On average, once you go under contract, it takes about 30 to 45 days to close.

That includes inspections, appraisal, final loan approval, and paperwork.

If you’re just beginning your search for homes for sale, the timeline may vary depending on market conditions and how quickly you find the right property. Our Haven team helps buyers move efficiently while protecting their best interests every step of the way.

Yes, you absolutely can.

Self-employed buyers or those with variable income may need to provide additional documentation, such as two years of tax returns or profit-and-loss statements.

Lenders look for consistency and overall financial health.

It may feel more complex, but it’s very doable. Haven works with experienced mortgage professionals who understand self-employed income and can help structure a loan that fits your situation.

Your monthly payment usually includes four main parts: principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance.

If your down payment is less than 20%, it may also include private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Some homes may have HOA fees as well.

When you’re exploring homes for sale, it’s important to look beyond just the purchase price and understand the full monthly payment. Our lender partners can break this down clearly so there are no surprises.

A 2-1 buydown is a temporary interest rate reduction for the first two years of your loan.

In year one, your rate is reduced by 2%. In year two, it’s reduced by 1%. By year three, it returns to the full fixed rate.

This lowers your monthly payment early on, giving you breathing room as you settle into your new home. It can be a powerful tool in today’s market to improve affordability.

Most often, the seller funds the 2-1 buydown as a concession during negotiations.

In some cases, builders or lenders may offer promotional programs.

Buyers can also choose to fund it themselves, though that’s less common.

Haven agents are experienced in negotiating creative solutions like buydowns to help buyers secure the best possible terms. Our trusted lending partners can walk you through whether this strategy makes sense for your goals.