I agree 100%. If you put 70% down on a home, you will be very comfortable and flexible with payment options. Owing money is not bad, but owing a LOT of money is. All the talk now is about finance while rates are low. People do just that, finance a home, vehicle, boat, vacation home, atv/utv, and put 0 down and have to pay on each luxury item (not home) for 8-10 years. Less savings, and when a big bill comes up, they sell things for a loss or take out a 2nd mortgage. I have two notes right now, and a small student loan. I hope to be debt free in two years, then look to purchase a home. I hate knowing I owe X amount of my paycheck to anybody each month. Money isn't all that matters, but it sure doesn't hurt to have a little stashed back!

From my short time working at the bank, it is sad to see the shape some folks are in trying to keep up with the Jones'...