I can’t speak for the others but, my thought is to have as small a mortgage as possible and actually own the place free and clear as soon as possible.
I really hate having interest work against me. That’s throwing money away in my eyes.
I’m not advocating draining your reserves of every last penny to up the down payment. Each situation is different and each person should adjust accordingly.
Given the chance to buy a place that I want, free and clear, without a mortgage I’d stretch to make it work if I could.
