: While 20% is the traditional standard to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), many 2026 programs allow as little as 3% for conventional loans or 3.5% for FHA loans.
: Budget an additional 2% to 5% of the purchase price for legal fees, taxes, and appraisals. 2. Essential Documentation what do i need to buy a home
: Aim for a DTI at or below 43%. This is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward paying debts. : While 20% is the traditional standard to