How Quickly Can You Save Your Down Payment?
Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for a first-time homebuyer. Depending on where you live, median income, median rents, and home prices all vary. So, we set out to find out how long it would take to save for a down payment in each state.
Using data from HUD, Census and Apartment List, we determined how long it would take, nationwide, for a first-time buyer to save enough money for a down payment on their dream home. There is a long-standing ‘rule’ that a household should not pay more than 28% of their income on their monthly housing expense.
By determining the percentage of income spent renting in each state, and the amount needed for a 10% down payment, we were able to establish how long (in years) it would take for an average resident to save enough money to buy a home of their own.
According to the data, residents in Kansas can save for a down payment the quickest, doing so in just over 1 year (1.12). Below is a map that was created using the data for each state:
What if you only needed to save 3%?
What if you were able to take advantage of one of Freddie Mac’s or Fannie Mae’s 3%-down programs? Suddenly, saving for a down payment no longer takes 2 to 5 years, but becomes possible in less than a year in most states, as shown on the map below.
Bottom Line
Whether you have just begun to save for a down payment or have been saving for years, you may be closer to your dream home than you think! Let’s get together to help you evaluate your ability to buy today.
Value Adjustments according to Ai
Appraisal adjustments vary according to build quality and area While specific dollar values for adjustments in residential home appraisals can vary based on numerous factors, including the specific neighborhood and current market conditions, here are some typical...
7 Things I Wish I’d Known as a First-Time Homebuyer
Robert and Kacie share insights on personal finance and home buying. Robert emphasizes the importance of a good real estate agent and home inspections. Kacie advises looking beyond bad online listings for potential hidden gems. Both stress the financial challenges and...
10 Tips for Finding Cheap Housing
Looking in less popular neighborhoods or cities and being willing to relocate can reduce housing costs. Strategies include low-income housing programs, finding roommates, negotiating rent, and making compromises. Making a detailed budget plan is crucial to determine...
Selling Your Home in 2025? Expect More Competition
More homeowners will list their properties as mortgage rates stabilize, improving inventory but increasing competition.Buyers may gain leverage, leading sellers to offer price cuts or concessions in competitive markets.
New Tariffs Could Raise Construction Costs by 60%!
U.S. construction faces rising costs as new tariffs could increase material prices by up to 60%. Construction inputs for multifamily projects have already surged 35% in 5 years, squeezing project feasibility.
Follow These 5 Steps to Own a Home in 2025!
Before buying a house in 2025, ensure you are debt-free and have 3–6 months of expenses saved. Limit your home budget to 25% of your take-home pay, covering mortgage, taxes, insurance, and HOA fees.
Renting costs a lot less than buying a home, especially in the West
Salt Lake City ranks fifth in the U.S. for the rent-buy cost gap, with renting at $1,680 monthly and buying at $3,197, making buying 90.4% more expensive. Nationwide, renting is cheaper as mortgage payments rise while rents decline or stabilize. The largest gaps are...
Happy Mother’s Day
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. The origins of commemorating motherhood dates back to the Ancient Greeks, where in spring festival, they...
What 2025 Housing Trends Keep Foreclosure Rates Low?
2025 home prices will rise slowly, with an average price of $510,300 and median at $419,200. In 2025, home prices will stabilize; expect to pay close to asking price, especially in tight markets.
Tax Cuts for All Utahns at Every Stage of Life
Utah's Legislature is set to provide $127 million in tax relief, aimed at supporting retirees, young families, and individuals. Key measures include reducing the income tax rate to 4.5%, eliminating social security tax for those earning up to $90,000, and...