Resource-information notice: This article summarizes general, publicly available information about mortgage programs. It is not legal, tax, financial or lending advice. Mortgage requirements and availability can change. Many people believe they must put 20% down to purchase a home. Although a 20% down payment can have benefits, it is not required for every mortgage program. Why Is 20% Commonly Mentioned? With many conventional mortgages, putting at least 20% down generally me
When you’re buying a home especially a newly constructed home there are a lot of things to think about. The floor plan. The neighborhood. The HVAC system. The windows. The insulation. The monthly payment. But there’s another part of a home’s construction that most buyers will never actually see: How much air leaks through the home’s exterior envelope. That’s where a blower door test comes in. As a REALTOR®, part of my job is helping my clients understand the home buying proce
