<prompt> Human: My friend is considering buying a new home. He wants to put 50 down. I know putting down at least 20 is good to avoid PMI but is putting down more even better if you have the cash? He says putting down more is better to have lower interest payments. I say putting down the minimum is better so you can invest the extra money in the market and get a better return. We are in CA and home prices are very high here. Thoughts on this?  <response>: Debt is risk, and some people prefer to begin reducing their risk sooner. For some there is a peace that comes from knowing that you dont owe anybody any money anymore. 