Life was simpler long ago. You showed up at the bank, gave them a stack of cash and they called it your down payment.
Unfortunately, today is a system of rules and regulations. Mortgage lenders are required to verify that the monies being used for a down payment are earned income that was taxed or a properly document gift. There are even rules as to who can give you a down payment gift and believe it or not, you cannot pay back the monies to your relative. That’s considered a loan and then a whole second box of rules and regulations come into play.
So, the best way to handle your down payment is to consult with a loan officer or financial advisor. That way you’ll be in compliance with Federal and State laws.