If you’ve been saving homes on Zillow but keep thinking,
“I can’t buy yet — I don’t have the money,”
you’re not alone.
Most St. Louis buyers don’t stop because of income.
They stop because they think they need a huge down payment.
Here’s the truth most people don’t hear early enough 👇
The Truth About Buying With $0 Down
You don’t need 20% down.
You don’t always need any down payment at all.
There are real, legitimate programs in Missouri that allow buyers to purchase a home with $0 down or very close to it.
The problem?
Most buyers never learn about them until they’ve already talked themselves out of buying.
How $0 Down Buying Actually Works in St. Louis
1️⃣ $0 Down Doesn’t Mean “No Planning”
$0 down simply means:
No money toward the purchase price
Strategic use of loan programs and assistance
Sometimes very low out-of-pocket costs
It’s not a gimmick — it’s about knowing what stacks together.
2️⃣ Common $0 Down Options in Missouri
Here are the most common paths buyers use in the St. Louis area:
USDA Loans
0% down
Many areas qualify (even ones people assume don’t)
VA Loans (if eligible)
0% down
No mortgage insurance
Extremely strong option
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Grants or forgivable loans
Often paired with FHA or conventional loans
Can cover down payment and part of closing costs
👉 The key isn’t just the program — it’s choosing the right combination.
3️⃣ “But I Don’t Make Enough…”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
I regularly see buyers qualify who:
Don’t have perfect credit
Are currently renting
Have average income
Thought they were “years away”
Most people aren’t underqualified — they’re under-informed.
What This Looks Like in Real Life
Example 👇
A renter paying around $1,400–$1,500/month
Looking at homes between $180k–$230k
They assume they need $15k+ saved.
In reality:
Down payment: $0
Closing costs: partially covered
Total cash needed: far less than expected
This happens more often than people think.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before talking to an agent, buyers often:
❌ Wait to save without checking options
❌ Assume programs won’t apply to them
❌ Let credit myths stop the process
❌ Rely on Google instead of local guidance
❌ Delay conversations that bring clarity
The biggest mistake?
Not asking early enough.
My Perspective
I’m Khalil Henry — a licensed Realtor and investor here in St. Louis.
My job isn’t to push people into buying.
It’s to help you understand:
What you actually qualify for
What’s realistic in today’s market
Whether buying now makes sense for you
Sometimes clarity is the win.
Sometimes clarity leads to keys.
What Makes Sense as a Next Step?
No pressure — just options:
✅ Get a quick homebuyer readiness checklist
✅ See what you qualify for with a short strategy call
✅ Attend a free first-time homebuyer class
✅ Get a personalized game plan
Choose what helps you move forward with confidence.
Final Thought
If money was the only thing holding you back,
there’s a good chance you’re closer than you think.
You don’t need to guess.
You just need clarity.
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