Down Payment

The down payment is the difference between the purchase price and the loan amount. A 20% down payment historically avoids PMI on conventional loans and often earns the best rates. Lower down payments are common — 3%–5% for conventional, 3.5% for FHA, 0% for VA.

Crypto-backed mortgages offer an alternative: instead of liquidating crypto to fund a down payment (and paying capital gains tax), you pledge the crypto as additional collateral and can often finance more of the purchase price.

Why it matters for Milo customers

Milo crypto-backed mortgages can finance 100% of the home price — no cash down. Self-custody mortgages require a down payment (typically 40-50%) because the crypto isn't pledged. Both let you keep your Bitcoin or Ethereum exposure.

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