When people talk about putting money down on a home, they’re often referring to a “down payment.” In practical planning, a down payment reduces how much you borrow and can affect monthly payments and whether you need extra protections like private mortgage insurance (PMI). Homebuyers with smaller down payments sometimes accept added monthly costs to preserve liquidity for repairs or moving expenses. For early planning, think about how much you can save monthly and what trade-offs you’ll accept: smaller down payment now vs waiting longer to reduce ongoing costs. The terminology can be confusing, so this short question focuses on the basic meaning of the term so you can recognize it in lender or listing conversations.