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Is a bigger down payment better for seller?

Is a bigger down payment better for the seller? If so why? Why would the down payment make any difference as long as they're getting paid?

Asked by Brian | Deerfield, IL| 05-01-2024| 930 views|Buying|Updated 1 year ago

Answers (5)

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Keith Jean Pierre

REMAX First Realty · East Brunswick, NJ

(151 reviews)
A bigger down payment does make it highly likely to close, but the ultimate goal for a seller is cash. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA
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04-25-2026 (4 days ago)··
Amanda Courtney

REP Realty Group · Fort Myers, FL

(13 reviews)
Yes, absolutely. While the seller gets the same amount of money at the end, a bigger down payment proves you are financially strong. A buyer putting 20% down is much less likely to be denied for a loan than a buyer putting 3.5% down. It tells the seller the deal is safer and more likely to close on time.
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02-09-2026 (2 months ago)··
DeMarcus Hunter Of Blackstone & Birch PartnersRising Star19 Answers
DeMarcus Hunter Of Blackstone & Birch Partners

Compass · Chicago, IL

(15 reviews)
A large down payment equals "financial stamina." In multi-offer situations, it shows deep commitment and liquidity to bridge appraisal gaps. As your agent, I put your needs first by vetting for creditworthy buyers to ensure a smooth finish. Real estate is about life-critical emotions, not just checkboxes. I’m here to ensure your buyer has the strength to cross the finish line with "no regerts." I don't just find high numbers; I find certainty. Let's protect your equity together.
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01-15-2026 (3 months ago)··
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Robert KiefferNovice8 Answers
Robert Kieffer

RE/MAX Results · Andover, MN

(31 reviews)
The larger down payment makes for a stronger buyer. If you are comparing a person that can barley qualify for a loan and someone who has 20% down, the likelihood that you will close is much higher with the person in a better financial situation. Think about if a small live changing event occurred during the buying process. Can the person with only 3% down afford to pay for what just happened and still close with you?
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06-04-2024 (1 year ago)··
Carol HuntNovice6 Answers
Carol Hunt

Baird & Warner · Winnetka, IL

(31 reviews)
A larger down payment can make a buyer’s offer more attractive to a seller, but not because the seller receives more money. The seller is paid the same regardless of the buyer’s down payment. What a larger down payment does is reduce the risk of financing problems. For example, if a buyer is putting 20% down or more, it often means: • The buyer is financially stronger. • The loan is less risky for the lender. • The buyer may have extra funds available if the home does not appraise at the purchase price. If a property appraises lower than the contract price, a buyer with a larger down payment may be able to bring additional cash to closing to cover the appraisal gap. Buyers with very small down payments often cannot do that, which can cause a transaction to fall apart. So while the seller ultimately receives the same price, offers with larger down payments tend to feel more secure and more likely to close. Carol Hunt, Broker, e-PRo, GRI Baird & Warner, Winnetka 847-404-7959 [email protected]
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03-12-2026 (1 month ago)··
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