Who this article is for
This article is for:
Homebuyers planning their down payment
Borrowers comparing Nestwise with other lenders
Anyone unsure how much they need to put down for a Nestwise loan
What is the minimum down payment for a Nestwise loan?
The minimum down payment for a Nestwise mortgage is 5%.
This minimum applies to primary residence purchase loans under standard Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines.
Borrowers must also meet:
The minimum 620 credit score
Standard income and asset documentation requirements
Loan qualification under conventional rules
Down payment requirements by property type
Nestwise follows standard agency requirements, which vary depending on the type of home you are buying.
Primary Residence
Minimum down payment: 5%
Borrowers must meet credit, income, and documentation guidelines
Second Home
Minimum down payment: Typically 10% or more
Requirements depend on credit, reserves, and overall profile
Second homes do not qualify for the 5% minimum
Investment Property
Minimum down payment: Typically 15%–20%
Exact requirements depend on occupancy type, loan structure, and agency rules
Investment properties also require stronger credit and reserves
Do down payment requirements change for refinances?
Yes, refinances work differently:
Rate-and-term refinance
No down payment is required
You must meet equity requirements based on loan-to-value (LTV) limits
Cash-out refinance
You must have enough equity in your home to take cash out
Agency guidelines limit the maximum LTV, which affects how much cash you can access
Why does Nestwise require a 5% minimum?
Nestwise uses conventional loan guidelines, which set the minimum down payment at 5% for most primary residence loans.
Nestwise does not offer:
FHA loans
USDA loans
VA loans
Non-QM or specialty low-down-payment products
This ensures all loans meet established, standardized underwriting rules.
What if I don’t have 5% saved yet?
Borrowers who don’t meet the 5% minimum may consider:
Waiting to save more
Exploring gift funds from eligible family members
Looking into seller credits or closing cost support
Considering Doorly™, our sister company, for more flexible financing
Doorly may be able to support borrowers who:
Have lower savings
Have credit or income challenges
Don’t fit into traditional mortgage requirements
Learn more at www.godoorly.com.