Real Estate Expert Debunks 20% Down Payment Myth

Rexburg, ID expert Ryan Lerwill explains how modern lending programs allow buyers to enter the market with much smaller initial payments.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A HelloNation article featuring Real Estate Expert Ryan Lerwill of Countrywide Properties Group – Keller Williams Realty East Idaho challenges the long-standing belief that buyers need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. Lerwill explains that while 20% was once a standard benchmark, modern lending programs now allow buyers to enter the market with much smaller initial payments, making homeownership more accessible in Rexburg and throughout East Idaho.

Why it matters

Many prospective homeowners delay purchasing because they believe they must save 20% before qualifying for a mortgage. This misunderstanding is one of the most common down payment myths Rexburg buyers encounter, causing qualified individuals to postpone their search for years and miss opportunities to begin building equity sooner.

The details

The article outlines that several loan programs now support buyers with far lower down payment requirements. FHA loans allow purchases with as little as 3.5% down, while certain conventional mortgages accept 3% for eligible applicants. These flexible programs expand access to homeownership without increasing lender risk. Rural areas of East Idaho also offer USDA loans, which provide zero-down financing for qualifying buyers.

  • The HelloNation article was published on March 2, 2026.

The players

Ryan Lerwill

A real estate expert at Countrywide Properties Group – Keller Williams Realty East Idaho, located in Rexburg, Idaho.

Countrywide Properties Group – Keller Williams Realty East Idaho

A real estate company where Ryan Lerwill works as an expert.

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What they’re saying

“Many prospective homeowners delay purchasing because they believe they must save 20 percent before qualifying for a mortgage. Lerwill explains that this misunderstanding is one of the most common down payment myths Rexburg buyers encounter.”

— Ryan Lerwill, Real Estate Expert (HelloNation)

What’s next

The article encourages readers to speak with local professionals who can explain how each mortgage program works and what steps to take next.

The takeaway

This article highlights how understanding the mortgage options available in Rexburg and East Idaho can help buyers make informed decisions and achieve homeownership sooner than they may have thought possible, even with a smaller down payment.