Skip to main content
Debra AllenREALTOR® · Garland + DFW
Talk with Debra

Planning tool

Down payment calculator and planner

Estimate down payment, closing costs, and other cash needed.

Compare common down-payment scenarios

Compare upfront cash and estimated monthly housing costs. Available programs and required minimums depend on eligibility, property, lender, and loan type.

$
%
$
$
$
%
Down-payment scenarios and estimated monthly costs
Down paymentCash amountLoan amountMortgage insuranceEstimated monthly cost
3%$10,500$339,500$156/mo$2,801/mo
3.5%$12,250$337,750$155/mo$2,790/mo
5%$17,500$332,500$152/mo$2,754/mo
10%$35,000$315,000$144/mo$2,635/mo
20%$70,000$280,000Not included$2,270/mo
Book consultationContinue planning

Your numbers aren't saved or sent anywhere. Want a second opinion? Note your result and bring it to a consultation with Debra.

Planning estimates only. A 20% down payment often removes conventional mortgage insurance, but program rules vary. Lower-down-payment programs may have different insurance structures and eligibility requirements.

The short answer

How much should I put down on a house?

There is no single right amount. This planner compares 3%, 3.5%, 5%, 10% and 20% of the price side by side, showing the down payment, loan amount, mortgage insurance and estimated monthly payment for each, so you can see what a larger or smaller down payment changes. Which minimum you can use depends on the loan and the program, and that is your lender's call.

What this estimate includes

  • The down payment at each of 3%, 3.5%, 5%, 10% and 20% of the price.
  • The loan amount that leaves.
  • Mortgage insurance at the rate you enter, below 20% down.
  • Principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance and HOA dues.

What it leaves out

  • Whether a given minimum is available to you — that depends on the lender, the loan and the program.
  • Down payment assistance.
  • Closing costs and reserves — the closing cost calculator estimates the first.
  • Loan types that price mortgage insurance their own way.

Common questions

What people ask next

Do I need 20% down to buy a house?

No. Many loan types allow less, and programs vary. The usual trade-off is mortgage insurance and a larger loan, which this planner shows as a higher monthly payment. Which minimum applies to you is the lender's call.

Can I get help with a down payment in Texas?

Down payment assistance exists through state agencies, some cities and some lenders, each with its own rules. The programs page links to the official Texas, City of Garland, City of Dallas and Dallas County sources rather than restating their amounts.

Should I put everything I have toward the down payment?

Cash to close is more than the down payment, and the first months in a home bring their own costs. Plan for both before deciding how much to put down; the closing cost calculator estimates the first part.

Keep planning

Where this number fits

Rates, approval and the final figures come from a lender. Debra can help you read an estimate in context and know which questions to bring them.

Review it with Debra