How to Accelerate Saving For Your Down Payment How to Accelerate Saving For Your Down Payment
You don’t need a 20% down payment to buy a house—but understanding the pros and cons of different down payment amounts is key to making a smart decision. Whether you’re putting down 3%, 10%, or 20%, the right choice depends on your financial situation, goals, and the loan options available to you.
Another important factor is choosing the right savings account—especially when you’re building toward your down payment. Safety, predictable growth, and goal alignment are key. Leader Bank’s Homeowner CD (Certificate of Deposit) is tailored specifically for homebuyers and offers:
- 4.00% APY* on a 6-month CD, along with an additional 4.00%** annualized bonus if you close a mortgage or refinance with Leader Bank within the six‑month initial CD term, that effectively doubles your annualized yield.
- If you don’t close a mortgage with Leader Bank within the six‑month CD term, then the CD’s standard appliable rate applies, ensuring strong growth regardless.
Additional features include:
- Penalty-free early withdrawal if you redeem the CD at or before six months to use toward a home purchase or refinance with Leader Bank.
- $1,000 minimum deposit and $100,000 maximum per household, making it accessible yet strategic.
- Designed exclusively for homeowners and homebuyers by offering incentives for those financing with Leader Bank.
This CD is a goal-focused, secure way to grow your down payment. With a competitive rate, bonus incentive, and homeowner-specific perks, Leader Bank’s Homeowner CD stands out as a top choice for future homeowners.
Ready to save smarter for your down payment and turn your homeownership goals into reality with the Homeowner CD? Open an account online in minutes!
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective as of 15 January, 2026. New money only. Minimum balance to open and earn APY is $1,000. Interest rate of 3.96% for 6 Month CD. $100,000 maximum deposit. Only one CD per household; business entities are not eligible for this product. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal from a Certificate of Deposit prior to maturity; Fees may reduce earnings.
** To receive the 4.00% annualized bonus, eligible clients must apply for a first lien closed end mortgage loan with Leader Bank, N.A. on or after December 25, 2025, and close on said loan on or before the initial maturity date; such bonus will be paid at the initial maturity date. If a client redeems their CD on or before the initial six-month maturity date to apply such funds towards the closing on a purchase or refinance with Leader Bank, any early withdrawal penalty shall be waived and the client shall be eligible for the 4.00% annualized bonus. Leader Bank retains the right to determine whether the use of proceeds or early redemption meets these criteria. The 4.00% annualized bonus may be earned only in the initial six-month term of the CD; if the CD renews into a new term, client shall not be eligible to any additional bonus and the APY of the renewal term will be determined by Leader Bank in its sole discretion with prior notice to client.
