Direct answer

Upfront funds can include the initial builder deposit, later construction or design deposits, option payments, inspections, appraisal charges, and other contract-specific amounts. The final down payment and closing costs depend on the mortgage program, price, credits, and verified loan terms.

Keep every receipt, transfer confirmation, and bank statement connected to a deposit. Money paid months earlier may still need to be sourced and documented for the final mortgage approval.

What does this mean for a Northeast Florida buyer?

In Northeast Florida, the answer should be tested against the builder's actual contract, community, expected completion range, taxes, insurance, HOA or CDD obligations, and the buyer's current approval. Jacksonville, St. Johns, Clay, Nassau, and Flagler County transactions do not share one universal cost or timeline.

Primary sources

Where can you verify the framework?

  1. Loan Estimate explainerConsumer Financial Protection Bureau · Accessed August 13, 2026
  2. Closing Disclosure explainerConsumer Financial Protection Bureau · Accessed August 13, 2026