I’m not in the industry, but I just bought a house and have the details fresh in my mind. Unless you qualify for a FHA loan or government-assisted/sponsored program, the new “standard” is 5% down. Closing costs are typically between 3 and 6%. In the case of buying a previously owned home, the sellers will typically pay up to 3% of the closing costs. At least, that’s how it was in April / May here in Tennessee.
For previously owned homes, that’s a ~8% overall payment, which co-coincides with your $25,000 figure (8% is actually $24,000).
This would be an FHA scenario. They run between 3% and 5% down plus closing costs and escrows. The escrows forecasted are often on the high side and you will probably end up paying a bit less. Assuming your loan officer and title company estimated correctly, that is.
A standard conforming loan usually requires 10%-20% down and these days a credit score of 660 or higher. The primary benefit is a moderately lower interest rate.
As stated above, 20% is often required for a what is commonly known as a conforming loan. Conforming referring to someone with a high credit score over the current threshold, which is currently 660 with most groups.
From the folks that I used to work with when I was in the game, almost all are re-finances. People who are in a good position shifting to a really good positions.
The purchases have been 20%+ down or FHA. No banks are offering non-conforming programs of their own anymore. The biggest stretch I have heard is that they are willing to count your payment of the closing costs out of pocket towards their down payment percentage figure.