In Utah, common down-payment options are: VA 0% (for eligible veterans), FHA 3.5%, and conventional 3%–5%. USDA offers 0% down in eligible rural areas. The right down payment depends on your goals, available savings, mortgage insurance costs, and loan program — not a one-size-fits-all rule.
Common Utah down-payment options
- VA — Often 0% down for eligible Utah veterans, active-duty, Guard/Reserve, and some surviving spouses.
- FHA — As little as 3.5% down with flexible credit guidelines.
- Conventional — Often 3%–5% down for qualifying buyers; 20% down avoids mortgage insurance.
- USDA — 0% down in eligible rural Utah areas with income limits.
The honest takeaway
The right down payment depends on your goals, available savings, and loan program. A buyer with healthy cash reserves and a high income may prefer to put 20% down to avoid PMI. A first-time buyer with a tight reserve cushion is often better off putting less down and preserving liquidity.
Run the numbers both ways
Tres will model your scenario at multiple down-payment levels — total monthly payment, mortgage insurance, cash-to-close, and break-even — so you can choose with eyes open instead of by default.