When considering buying a home, your upfront down payment can play a major role in your future housing expenses if your loan program requires it. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the amount you save can greatly influence your interest rate, monthly housing payment, and mortgage insurance needs. If you aren’t planning on using a no-down payment program, Flanagan State Bank highlights six tips to help you cut the extra costs and save for a down payment as you prepare for home-buying.

“Typically, lenders require anywhere between 5 and 20 percent of a home’s purchase value as a down payment for some loan programs, but the more money you can put down, the better off you’ll be,” said Doug Carls, Vice President. “By responsibly managing your spending and allocating extra cash to a savings account, you will be on the right track towards saving for your home purchase.”

 

Comprehensive Tips to Build Your Down Payment Fund

Develop a Personalized Budget Plan

Understanding your income, expenses, and financial goals is the first crucial step in preparing for any major purchase, especially a home. Here’s how you can thoroughly assess your financial situation:

  • Gather Financial Documentation: Start by collecting all relevant financial information. This includes recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, investment accounts, and other income sources. Having a clear picture of your monthly and annual income is essential.
  • List Monthly Expenses: Detail your regular monthly expenses. This should include fixed obligations such as rent, car payments, and student loans and variable costs like groceries, entertainment, and dining out. Use apps or spreadsheets to track these expenses for accuracy over a couple of months.
  • Identify Non-Essential Spending: Once you have a clear idea of where your money goes each month, pinpoint areas where you could potentially cut back. Non-essential expenses, such as subscription services, frequent dining out, and luxury purchases, can often be reduced.
  • Define Financial Goals: Specificity is key when setting financial goals. Determine exactly how much you need for a down payment, and consider other upcoming financial needs. Set short-term (1-2 years), medium-term (3-5 years), and long-term (5+ years) goals to help prioritize your savings.
  • Evaluate Debt Levels: High levels of debt can affect your ability to save and qualify for a mortgage. Review your debts, including credit card balances, personal loans, and other liabilities. Consider strategies for debt reduction that may include consolidating loans or prioritizing high-interest debts.
  • Check Your Credit Score: Your credit score will significantly impact your mortgage terms. Obtain a copy of your credit report from the major credit bureaus to check for accuracy and pinpoint areas for improvement. Address any discrepancies and look for opportunities to improve your score, such as making timely payments and reducing your credit utilization ratio.
  • Create a Financial Buffer: Before you start saving for a down payment, ensure you have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Aim to have at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved to avoid dipping into your down payment savings in case of unforeseen circumstances.
  • Consult with Financial Advisors: If you’re unsure where to start or how to effectively plan, consulting with a financial advisor can be invaluable. They can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation and help you create a robust plan to achieve your home-buying goals.

Set a Savings Target: Strategizing Your Path to a Down Payment

Establishing a clear and achievable savings target is crucial for effectively accumulating the funds needed for your home down payment. Here’s a step-by-step approach to setting your savings goals:

  • Determine the Down Payment Requirement: Start by researching the typical down payment percentages required for the type of property you’re interested in and the loan products you may qualify for. Most conventional loans require between 5% and 20% of the home’s purchase price. For example, if you’re aiming for a $300,000 home, your down payment could range from $15,000 to $60,000.
  • Factor in Additional Purchase Costs: Remember that the actual cost of buying a home isn’t limited to the down payment. Include estimated closing costs, moving expenses, initial home repairs, and furnishing expenses in your overall savings target. These can add an additional 2% to 5% or more to your initial calculation.
  • Set Interim Milestones: Break your total savings goal into manageable interim targets. For instance, if you need to save $30,000 over three years, set a milestone of saving $10,000 each year. These smaller goals will make the process feel more achievable and keep you motivated.
  • Consider Your Timeframe: Based on your current financial situation and market conditions, decide on your timeframe for purchasing a home. Your timeframe will directly influence how much you need to save each month or year. Shortening your timeframe means saving more aggressively, while a longer timeframe might allow for more flexibility in your budget.
  • Adjust for Income and Expenses: Revisit your net income and monthly expenses to realistically determine how much you can save regularly. This might mean adjusting your lifestyle to increase the amount you can set aside each month.
  • Incorporate Savings Boosts: Plan for ways to periodically boost your savings, such as dedicating tax refunds, bonuses, or any other windfalls directly to your down payment savings. These can help you reach your interim goals faster and make the process less burdensome.
  • Review and Revise Annually: Set an annual review date to assess your savings progress and adjust your plan as needed. Changes in your income, expenses, or personal circumstances might necessitate revising your savings targets or timeline.
  • Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account dedicated to your down payment. This ensures that you remain committed to your savings plan and reduces the temptation to spend the money elsewhere.

Learn about the types of mortgages available to you. 

Selecting the best mortgage for your situation can seem daunting given the variety of options available. We’ve created a guide that breaks down seven common types of mortgages, helping you match your life stage and financial goals to the appropriate loan type.

Organized by life stages, this guide will help you learn about seven types of mortgages to answer the question, “What type of mortgage is right for me?”

Questions? Contact us at (815) 796-2264 or submit a question using our Contact Us form here.