Current Attempt in Progress When lending money in the form of a mortgage on a home, the lender requires a down payment in order to O make sure only those people who have a commitment to owning are qualified. O hold it as a security deposit, which is returned when the mortgage is paid off in full. make sure that there is a safety margin in case the value of the house falls and the mortgage exceeds the value of the home. O apply it toward the first year's mortgage payments. Save for Later Attempts: 0 of 2 used