8 Ways to Save Money for a Down Payment on Your Dream Home

8 Ways to Save for a Down Payment on Your Dream HomeImagine never having to pay rent again. Instead of paying a landlord every month, your monthly housing budget could go toward owning your dream home. Unless you’ve got rich relatives or a trust fund though, coming up with a down payment of 3 percent to 20 percent can seem a bit overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be. Here are 8 ways you can start saving for a down payment today!

  1. Reduce your current housing expenses. Your monthly rent is your most costly expense each month. Cut that bill by getting a roommate, moving to a smaller or less expensive place, or moving in with a relative for the short-term, and save the difference in a dedicated account for your down payment.
  2. Get a part-time job or a freelance gig. Increase your income by getting a part-time job or doing freelance work on the side. You could get a traditional part-time job in fast food or retail, but think beyond that to earn some extra cash. Are you good with technology, pets, words or art? Become a consultant, dog walker, blog writer or Etsy artist.
  3. Cut daily living expenses. Do you get a $7 latte each morning? Are you paying for a gym membership you rarely use? Do you spend a lot on take-out? Those costs add up. If you cut non-essential expenses, you could yield a few hundred bucks each month.
  4. Shop for your new insurance. Car insurance can be pricey, particularly if you are young. If you work with an insurance agent, ask if there are discounts available, or if they can get you a better price. For example, you can usually get a discount by getting your car insurance and renter’s insurance from the same carrier. You can also shop online for different types of insurance at an online site like Esurance.com. Caution: Be sure you are comparing coverages, not just price.
  5. Set up automatic savings deductions. To help you discipline yourself, set up an automatic deduction into your savings account with each paycheck. This is an easy way to save your money before you get a chance to spend it.
  6. Get rid of unwanted stuff. Whether you’ve got college textbooks you don’t need or slightly outdated electronics you’ve already replaced, there is a market for your unwanted stuff. There are lots of online marketplaces – Facebook, OfferUp, Craigslist, etc. – where you can sell your items online. Just be careful and always transact business in a safe, public place.
  7. Save your tax refund and bonus checks. If you get a refund at tax time, bonus checks at work or a birthday check from your parents, put that money in the bank!
  8. Pay down debt. High interest rates on credit cards or paying interest on multiple student loans can eat into your budget. Pay down your credit cards with the highest interest rates first, and consider consolidating your student loans to reduce the total interest paid.

With good planning, budgeting and discipline, you’ll be ready to start home shopping before you know it.

 

Marti Reeder, Realtor, Managing Broker