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First purchase with a planned down payment

The price you’re targeting, the cash you actually hand over at closing, and what’s left after. We look at all three together.

First purchase · First-time buyer · Published August 27, 2026 · Updated September 28, 2026

Situation

You’re buying your first property and you don’t want to empty your account on closing day.

The starting figures

Available savings
$82,000
Observed price
$425,000
Funds reserved for costs
$12,000
Reserve after purchase
$15,000

What the figures tell us

You need to keep enough cash for closing, tax adjustments, moving, and the first repairs, and I have to be able to show where each amount came from.

Options to compare

We compare two things: buying with the minimum down payment, or aiming a bit lower and keeping a reserve after closing.

The trap to avoid

A recent transfer, a gift, or an investment withdrawal usually calls for extra evidence. Talk to me before you move the money: once the trail is muddied, it takes far longer to document.

The decision to make

Set a maximum viewing price that protects your reserve. We then confirm the down payment you’ll use.