You Don’t Need 20% Down to Buy a Home in Northern Michigan—Here’s the Truth

by Cynthia Wyatt

Still Think You Need 20% Down? That’s a Damn Lie.

Let’s get something straight:
You do not need 20% down to buy a home in Northern Michigan.
That myth has kept more good people stuck in overpriced rentals than any interest rate ever has.

I don’t care if your cousin told you that’s what they did.
I don’t care what that one finance influencer screamed on TikTok.
I care about your real-life situation, and what’s actually possible right now in our market.

So let’s break this down. Like, for real.

🚫 The 20% Myth Is Designed to Keep You Stuck

This outdated rule-of-thumb was true... like 30 years ago. Today?

First-time buyers can put down as little as 3%
FHA loans allow 3.5% down
VA and USDA loans? Try 0% down
And there are down payment assistance programs specific to Michigan that most people have never even heard of

If you’re sitting around waiting to save $50,000 for a $250K home, you’re not “playing it smart.”
You’re being misinformed—and it’s costing you equity, stability, and a place to call your own.

🏡 What’s Actually Happening in Northern Michigan?

Here in Northern Michigan: Whether you're looking in Traverse City, Cadillac, Petoskey, Boyne City, Gaylord, home prices are not waiting for you to catch up. They're moving. Fast.

Every month you wait thinking you “need more saved,” you're potentially losing out on:

Appreciation gains
Locked-in interest rates
Tax write-offs
Building wealth instead of your landlord’s portfolio

😤 “But My Credit’s Not Perfect…”

Cool. Most people’s isn’t.
That’s why I work with lenders who don’t just crunch numbers—they build strategies. We look at your situation, see what’s possible now, and if needed, put a short-term plan together.

And before you ask:
No, I’m not a mortgage broker or financial advisor.
But I work directly with the best in the business. My job is to be the connective tissue—I get you answers, options, and a damn good strategy based on facts, not fear.

✅ What You Actually Need to Buy a Home in Northern Michigan

A reality check done ✅
A rough idea of your credit/income
A short conversation with a lender
And a realtor (hi 👋🏼) who will walk you through it like a human being... not a commission chaser

🔥 Ready to See What’s Possible?

If the 20% down myth has been living rent-free in your brain, consider this your eviction notice. You’ve got options, and you’re a lot closer than you think.

👉 Fill out the contact form.
👉 Or Schedule a Buy a Home in Northern MI Stratage call

I’ll help you take the first step—no pressure, no shame, just clarity.

Because around here?
We don’t wait. We build.

Cindy Wyatt
#YourNorthernMichiganRealtor#CindySellsNoMi #RealTalkRealEstate #StopRenting #CindyWyattRealtor