The down payment is one part of the buyer's funds.
The down payment is the portion of the purchase price not financed by the loan. The amount and permitted sources depend on the program, property, occupancy, transaction, and lender requirements. A general website cannot determine the required amount for a specific application.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains the relationship between available funds, loan choices, and other upfront costs in its official down payment guide.
Cash to close brings several categories together.
Cash to close is the net amount a borrower is expected to provide for settlement. It can include the down payment, lender and third-party closing costs, prepaid interest, insurance, initial escrow funding, and transaction adjustments. Eligible deposits and credits can reduce the amount due.
The Loan Estimate presents an early estimate. The Closing Disclosure provides the final accounting for many consumer mortgage transactions. Compare the sections carefully rather than assuming the down payment is the final total.
Deposits and credits must be reflected accurately.
A purchase contract may require an earnest money deposit or other deposit. If the deposit is eligible to be credited at closing, the lender and settlement provider need evidence of the source and payment so it can be reflected correctly.
Seller, lender, or other credits may be permitted, but they are subject to the contract, program limits, documentation, and the actual eligible charges. A credit is not a substitute for confirming the final amount due.
For help understanding Texas earnest money, option fees, and the contract deadlines tied to them, read the Texas earnest money and option-period guide from Velvet Realty Group. Velvet Realty Group, brokered by LPT Realty, LLC, is separate from REV Mortgage. Readers may choose any brokerage and any lender. Using one is not required to use the other.
VA zero-down eligibility does not erase cash-to-close items.
A qualifying VA purchase may permit no down payment, but the borrower can still have a VA funding fee unless exempt, other closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, escrow funding, deposits, or a price and appraised-value gap. VA treats ordinary closing-cost credits differently from VA-defined seller concessions, which have a separate 4% cap. The official VA funding-fee and closing-cost guidance was reviewed July 20, 2026. Review the current rates, exemptions, fee financing, and credit rules in the VA funding-fee and costs guide.
The source of funds matters.
The lender may verify that funds come from an acceptable source and are available for the transaction. Requested documentation can include account records, transfer evidence, sale proceeds, gift documentation, or other source records. Large or unusual deposits may require explanation.
Do not move funds, accept a gift, liquidate an asset, or borrow money for closing without first asking how the source and transfer should be documented for the requested loan.
Verify the final delivery instructions independently.
Real estate transactions are targets for wire fraud. Confirm settlement instructions using a trusted telephone number obtained independently, especially if an email claims that instructions changed. Do not rely on a reply to the message that delivered new instructions.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's closing review guide explains common warning signs and protective steps.