Galen Elise Call, CRMP. Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional Monterey California

  • Home
  • Just the Facts Please
    • Due and Payable Timeline
    • Reverse Mortgage Facts
    • One Step at a Time
    • Adult Children
    • Trusted Advisors
    • Government Guarantee
    • History of Reverse Mortgages
  • News You Can Use
    • What You Need to Know After Closing
    • What do I do when my loan is due?
    • NRMLA Reverse Mortgage Self-Evaluation
    • NRMLA Home Toolkit
    • CFPB Reverse Mortgage Guide
  • Realtors
  • Blog
  • About Galen
  • Contact Galen
  • Call 831-645-1164

galencall December 26, 2013

Pitfalls And Warning Signs Of Making A Down Payment

Pitfalls And Warning Signs Of Making A Down PaymentWhen you already have a home, you may be interested in determining if a refinance is a good option. You will not have to worry about restrictions on down payments or some of the problems that can occur with a down payment.

However, if you are considering purchasing a home in  the surrounding communities, understanding down payment restrictions is important. A Reverse Mortgage Purchase has its particular  down payment requirements as well. Call or email me for details.

Gifting Of A Down Payment

There are some programs that will allow you to use a gift for your home down payment. However, before you assume this, make sure you talk to your loan officer. Generally speaking, the lender will require the person making the gift to provide a letter stating the money was a gift and does not require repayment.

Windfalls Of A Down Payment

When people hit the lottery or come into money through an inheritance, one of the first things they may consider is buying a new home. However, it is important to keep in mind that lenders will typically want to know exactly how you came up with your down payment.

Borrowers still need to show a “trail” of how they came into money. If your down payment amount has not been “seasoned” the lender may not accept your loan.

What Is A Seasoned Down Payment?

Generally speaking, your loan officer will want a “paper trail” to document your down payment. Most lenders require down payment funds to be at a minimum six months old.

For example, let’s assume a borrower did win the lottery: If they deposit the funds into their checking account and leave it there for six months or more, the funds would be considered seasoned.

Lender restrictions on down payment funds are fairly common. If you are uncertain if your funds meet the lender’s criteria, talk to your loan officer. In most cases, a lender will require at least one-half your down payment fall into the category of seasoned funds.

Some borrowers may use their retirement account or other savings to make their home down payment.

Don’t wait until the last minute to discuss your down payment with your loan officer because you may wind up disappointed. Keep in mind, every lender has different requirements and these rules may not apply to your lender.

Filed Under: Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Down Payment, Home Buyer Tips, Mortgage Payments

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • Next Page »

GALEN ELISE CALL, CRMP


Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional

Call Today: 831-645-1164
gcall@apmortgage.com

NMLS #226129 | DRE #00908338
APMC DRE #01215943 | APMC NMLS #1850

APM Reverse Mortgage Group

  • Reverse Mortgage Facts
  • Adult Children
  • One Step at a Time
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Privacy Policy
  • NMLS Consumer Access

Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the CRMLA

California zip codes served: 93940, 93901, 93905, 93908, 93921, 93933, 93943, 93950, 93953, 93955, and 93962

Not available in New York.

Copyright © 2025 American Pacific Mortgage Corporation. For informational purposes only. No guarantee of accuracy is expressed or implied. Programs shown may not include all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies are subject to change without notice. This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to underwriting approval. Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity.

3000 Lava Ridge Ct. Suite 103
Roseville, GA 95661

Branch NMLS #150590

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2025 Galen Elise Call, CRMP. Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional Monterey California. All rights reserved.   Log In