re: How much to put down on a home? (more than 20%?)

quote:

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Yep, I'm not a fan of one-size-fits-all templates for this kind of thing.

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I agree as well, but even at low rates, a 30-year mortgage enriches the bank to a greater degree.

Assuming no inflation or increase in the value of the home, I walk in and buy a $500k house, with $100k down - The seller makes $500k (minus whatever he owed, but I don't care - he gets $500k) regardless of my financing. Ditto for me if no inflation/appreciation - at the end I have a house worth $500k free and clear.

But, the banker only gets $115k if paid back in 15 years, while he gets $250K (HALF what I made, and I paid for every single thing.) When you look at it on paper, that's hard to swallow - even the $115k is 20ish percent, but it is 15 years holding their money.