A lot of smart, high‑earning renters stay on the sidelines because of bad information about down payments.

You’ve probably heard at least one of these lines:
– “You have to put 20% down or it’s not worth it.”
– “If you make good money, you don’t qualify for any help.”
– “All the programs are only for ‘low income’ buyers.”

This guide separates the myths from the options and gives you a practical way to think about the cash you actually need.

What’s in this guide
– The 5 most common down payment myths Bay Area renters hear—and what’s actually true.
– A plain‑English overview of low‑down‑payment loan types (3% conventional, FHA, VA, etc.).
– An introduction to down‑payment assistance categories: grants, forgivable loans, and closing‑cost help.
– How tools like Down Payment Resource (DPR) search thousands of programs and show what might apply to you.
– A short list of questions to ask your lender so you’re not leaving money on the table.