How much cash do I really need?

Your down payment is only one part of the cash you’ll need to buy a home.

You should also plan for closing costs, inspections, your appraisal, prepaid property taxes and insurance, and any additional reserves your lender may require. Depending on the property, you may also want extra funds set aside for repairs, moving, or immediate upgrades after closing.

You also don’t always need 20% down. There are loan programs with much lower down payment options, and the right amount depends on your finances, monthly payment goals, and overall strategy.

Before you start shopping, I like to help buyers understand the full cash requirement so there are no surprises once we find the right home.