Tetra Images | Tetra Images | Getty ImagesPutting 20% down is 'definitely not required'One way to reduce your monthly mortgage payment is by putting down more money and borrowing less.
But for many households, trying to get a higher down payment can be challenging, said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com.
While a lower down payment is one way to "attack affordability challenges," it can be a "mixed bag," Hamrick said.
With a lower down payment, you will need to borrow more from your lender, which raises the monthly cost of your mortgage, Hale said.
A smaller down payment can also mean you don't qualify for a lender's best -available interest rate.
Persons:
Danielle Hale, there's, SurveyMonkey, Hale, It's, Hamrick
Organizations:
CNBC, Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S . Department of Agriculture, Federal Housing Association
Locations:
U.S