Daniel Greer · September 17, 2026

Your down payment matters more than you think

Mortgage Market Update

Daniel Greer

Daniel Greer

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Your down payment matters more than you think

Hi there. This week I want to walk you through something that shapes your whole mortgage picture: how your down payment affects the loans available to you.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.76%

FHA 30-Year

6.82%

VA 30-Year

6.71%

Rate trend

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED

Rates shown are national averages and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and market conditions. Please contact us for a personalized rate quote.


Loan Programs

What your down payment size actually unlocks

Your down payment does more than just reduce what you borrow—it shapes which loan programs you qualify for, what your interest rate looks like, and what your monthly costs will be. A bigger down payment can open doors to better terms. A smaller one doesn't disqualify you; it just means different options and different math. The key is understanding what you're actually working with right now. Whether you're saving toward a purchase or thinking about what's possible with what you have, knowing your down payment range helps us find the real path forward for you—not the one that sounds good in theory.

Let's talk about what your down payment situation means for your next move.

Tip of the Week

Replace weatherstripping around exterior doors every few years. It's one of the cheapest ways to improve energy efficiency.

Tips for Homeowners

USDA Loans: A Zero-Down Option for Rural Buyers

1.

USDA loans offer 100% financing (no down payment) for eligible properties in USDA-designated rural and suburban areas. The USDA's eligibility map may include areas closer to cities than you'd expect.

2.

USDA loans have income limits — typically 115% of the area median income. Both the property location and borrower income must qualify.

3.

There's an upfront guarantee fee (1% of the loan) and an annual fee (0.35% of the balance). These are lower than FHA mortgage insurance and can be rolled into the loan.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Daniel Greer team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

D

Daniel Greer

Daniel Greer

Daniel.greer@homesimply.com

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