Down Payments are Climbing
Down Payments Are Climbing!
Here’s What You (and Your Clients) Can Do About It
The average U.S. down payment has hit a jaw-dropping $30,250...and the median? Over $54,000. That’s not a luxury-home stat. That’s what your average buyer is now facing.
But here’s the good news: local down payment assistance programs (DPAs) are stepping in to keep deals moving. And if you work with a mortgage strategist like me, we can help clients get in before funds run dry.
Why Down Payments Are Up, and What It Means for Buyers
Today’s down payment surge is driven by three key factors:
High home prices: The market’s staying strong, and with it, the minimum down needed keeps rising.
Cash-rich competition: Investors and high-net buyers are skipping financing...and raising the bar for everyone else.
More cautious lenders: Bigger down payments help buyers stand out, even when not required.
Bottom line? Plenty of qualified buyers can afford the monthly payment...but don’t have the upfront cash. That’s where I come in.
What I Can Do as Your Mortgage Strategist
If you're a real estate agent, here's how we partner to turn “almost” buyers into actual homeowners:
Local DPA access: I stay dialed into regional programs like FHLB’s Downpayment Plus® or WHEDA Capital Access...so your buyers don’t miss out.
Fast qualification checks: I help buyers get pre-qualified for assistance before they shop, so we can move quickly.
Layered financing strategies: I can combine grants, forgivable loans, and even seller credits to create a smooth path to closing.
Real-time updates: Many DPA programs close fast. I track the funding windows so you don’t waste time on expired options.
Custom coaching: I break down income limits, documentation needs, and strategy per buyer...no guesswork required.
Work with me and your clients get strategy, not just paperwork.
Programs Are Limited, And They’re Going Fast
Take WHEDA’s Capital Access Program. It paused applications mid-year due to funding shortages. Demand is real. Timelines are tight. The window is closing.
If you're waiting until your client is under contract, you're too late.
How to Talk to Buyers About DPA...Now!
For Agents:
Make DPA part of the first conversation.
Let me pre-screen clients for eligibility early.
Use DPA as a competitive edge...especially in lower-income or first-time buyer segments.
For Buyers:
Don’t disqualify yourself. You don’t need $50K in the bank.
Ask me early about local and state programs.
Act fast—these funds go quickly and require paperwork upfront.
Why Strategy Matters More Than Ever
Real estate has always been about relationships, but now it's about relationships + readiness. Buyers need trusted teams who understand how to work with the system...not just around it.
As a mortgage strategist, I don't just pre-approve. I plan, problem-solve, and structure. And in today’s market, that’s what moves the needle.
The Bottom Line
The national solutions are still stalled in Congress. The local programs? They’re active, powerful, and evaporating fast.
If you're a realtor, this is the moment to partner with a mortgage strategist who knows how to work these tools...before your buyer gets priced out.
Let’s team up and turn complexity into opportunity.
