<prompt> Human: Let me start by saying, I understand the principles for the most part. I know where to look online. Im very leery of everyone and everything online. It always seems to good to be true, hence likely is.Heres my situation: Im 37, I took a new job a month and a half back, moved 3 hours from my hometown for it. Dont have a huge down payment and would prefer to save some of that for new home needs. Are there any reputable mortgage companies out there that will do zero down or a pretty low percentage. Side notes: Ive looked into USDA and I apparently make too much money to qualify. Not by much. Ive looked into FHA before, years back. Want to know what you all think.Thanks in advance.Assistant: First youll want at least a year of steady employment.Second, get 20 down.Human: Ive always heard that. But I also always hear of people managing to do otherwise.  <response>: well then, youll need to get informed...without 20 youll have to pay PMI! those folks who took non-conventional loans are stuck paying PMI and have a higher rate. then, if something catastrophic happens in the market, like 2008..these folks will not have much equity in their home...WITH 20, you are already ahead of the game because you have 20 equity in the home AND youre not paying PMI and you might qualify for a lower rate...with a 20 downpayment, youre winning!! with a non-conventional loan, you might not win for a long long long time 