If you meet the requirements and can qualify for a USDA, VA, FHA, HomeReady or Home Possible loan, not having to pay an enormous down payment is definitely an advantage, especially if you still have to pay closing costs. Avoiding or reducing your down payment means you have savings to fall back on when emergencies arise. This is a good thing to keep in mind if you're on the fence about your down payment strategy. It isn’t necessarily a better financial decision to put more money down than less. Making the full 20% down payment and avoiding PMI isn’t ideal if it means emptying your savings account. Take a close look at your finances and make sure you explore all your options before putting money down on a house.