If you’re in the market for a home, then you know this requires some serious savings. Putting together a down payment is one of the most challenging steps to buying a home.
Read more to learn tips and tricks on how to get to your down payment goal faster.
Start a house fund
Like most people, you probably are no stranger to funds in your checking account disappearing. To avoid this, set up a separate savings account for your down payment.
Tanza Loudenback, a certified financial planner and journalist, suggests setting up automatic, recurring transfers into a dedicated savings account.
You can transfer money from your checking account to your house fund, but an easier way is to automate these payments regularly.
Do this by setting up a portion of your direct deposit to go directly into that savings account.
Keep it in a safe place
Once you have a house fund, it’s time to think of ways to make it grow. Consider a low-interest-bearing account.
After all, the money will just be sitting there until you’ve found your dream home. So, why not put it in an account that collects interest?
You won’t make much interest on your savings, but every little bit adds up.
Ask around
Spread the word to your friends and family that you’re saving for a home. They might want to contribute to your down payment rather than taking you out for dinner on your birthday.
There are a few different tools out there to help with this. HomeFundit is a website designed to help you crowdfund your down payment.
This site will have you pre-qualify for a mortgage online and, then, build and promote your money-raising campaign.
Consider Cash Incentives
Friends and family aren’t always the only ones that will pitch in on your homebuying efforts. Some companies have cash incentives.
These companies will give you a cash incentive for your down payment on a home when you sign up for their services.
Research these many different options and determine if a cash incentive is right for you.
Research down payment assistance programs
Many local governments offer down payment assistance programs and grants. These are typically income-based.
There are even programs out there that offer assistance for teachers, firefighters, health care workers, and other professionals.
Search your local housing department’s website to see what programs are available to you.
Change your taxes
If you get a tax refund each year, consider lowering your exemptions. This will allow you to take home more cash.
You won’t get that large refund in the spring, but the extra money you bring in during the year can be put into that house fund.
There are so many tips and tricks that will help you save for purchasing a home. Do your research and determine which one works best for maximizing your house fund.
