5% Down for First-Time Buyers

A middle ground — lower PMI than 3% down and the standard for second homes.

Down Payment %

On a $400K Home

$20,000

Loan Amount

$380,000

Sample Price

$400,000

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Get Pre-Approved in 5% Down for First-Time Buyers

5 minutes · No cost · Soft credit pull only

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NMLS# 1859012 · Equal Housing Lender

5% Down · First-Time Buyers

5% Down for First-Time Buyers in Florida

For first-time buyers, 5% down is usually about pairing the loan with Florida assistance. First-time buyers qualify for Hometown Heroes and SHIP help, which can cover most of the cash to close, and a soft-pull pre-approval makes your offer credible. We line both up before you tour homes.

Five percent down is the comfortable conventional middle ground. You put a bit more in, your PMI runs lower than at 3% down, and your monthly payment drops. It is also the typical minimum on a second home.

On a $400,000 home, 5% down is $20,000. The extra two percent over the 3% floor meaningfully lowers your monthly PMI and shrinks the loan balance, so your payment is easier to carry. For buyers who have saved a little more, it is often the sweet spot between cash out of pocket and monthly cost.

Five percent is also the entry point for second homes and works on most conventional loan sizes. We model 3% versus 5% versus 10% so you can see exactly what each extra dollar down saves you each month.

5% Down at a Glance

✓Lower monthly PMI than a 3% down conventional loan.

✓Standard minimum down payment on a second home.

✓Smaller loan balance means a lower monthly payment.

✓Works across most conventional loan amounts.

Read the full 5% down guide, or compare other loan types: FHA · Conventional · Florida.

5% Down Snapshot

5%Down Payment %

$20,000On a $400K Home

$380,000Loan Amount

$400,000Sample Price

How It Works

Apply Online

5 min · soft credit pull only

Match Program

We shop lenders + assistance

Processing

Our team handles paperwork

Typically 14–21 days

FAQ

5% Down for First-Time Buyers Questions

Is 5% down good for first-time buyers in Florida?

Yes. First-time buyers can pair 5% down with Hometown Heroes (up to $35,000) and county SHIP grants, which often cover most of the cash needed. We map your exact cash to close and get you pre-approved first.

Is 5% down worth it over 3% down?

For many buyers, yes. The extra 2% lowers your PMI rate and your loan balance, which can save a noticeable amount each month. If saving the larger down payment delays your purchase in a rising market, 3% down may still win. We run both.

Can I buy a second home with 5% down?

Often yes. Five percent is the common conventional minimum for a second home that you will occupy part of the year, as long as it is not a rental. Investment properties need more. We confirm the occupancy rules for your situation.

Keep Going

5% Down Guide 5% Down · FHA 5% Down · Conventional 5% Down · Florida All Down Payment Options Apply for Pre-Approval

5% Down for First-Time Buyers?

A licensed Florida mortgage broker who shops the loan and the assistance for you — 5-minute pre-approval, honest numbers.

(561) 300-0380

Figures are illustrative only and based on a sample purchase price. APR, payments, and assistance amounts vary by credit score, loan amount, income, and market conditions. Subject to credit approval. Not a commitment to lend. NMLS# 1859012. Equal Housing Lender.