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The amount you need for a down payment depends on the type of loan and your financial situation. While 20% is a common benchmark, many buyers put down less—some conventional loans allow as little as 3%, and FHA loans require just 3.5%.

Your monthly mortgage payment typically includes principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowners insurance (often abbreviated as PITI). Depending on your loan, it may also include private mortgage insurance (PMI), homeowners association (HOA) fees, or other costs.

A 2-1 buydown is a type of mortgage financing that temporarily lowers your interest rate for the first two years of the loan. In the first year, your rate is reduced by 2%, and in the second year, it's reduced by 1%. After that, your rate adjusts to the original agreed-upon rate for the remainder of the loan.

The cost of a 2-1 buydown can be paid by the buyer, seller, or lender, depending on the agreement. Often, sellers offer to pay for the buydown as an incentive to attract buyers, especially in a slower market. Buyers can also choose to pay for it themselves if they want lower initial payments.

Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing your home purchase, including loan origination fees, title insurance, appraisal fees, and more. They typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price. Some costs may be negotiable, and in certain cases, sellers may agree to cover part of them.

Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your mortgage rate. A higher score typically qualifies you for lower interest rates, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. If your score is lower, you may still qualify for a loan, but at a higher rate.