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.
Key Reasons To Use a Real Estate Agent When You Sell
Key Reasons To Use a Real Estate Agent When You Sell Some Highlights An agent is a really important part of selling your home because they bring a lot of skill and expertise to the sales process. They’ll explain what’s happening today, what that means for you, and how...
Lending Standards Are Not Like They Were Leading Up to the Crash
Lending Standards Are Not Like They Were Leading Up to the Crash You might be worried we’re heading for a housing crash, but there are many reasons why this housing market isn’t like the one we saw in 2008. One of which is how lending standards are different today....
Why Homeownership Wins in the Long Run
Why Homeownership Wins in the Long Run Today’s higher mortgage rates, inflationary pressures, and concerns about a potential recession have some people questioning: should I still buy a home this year? While it’s true this year has unique challenges for homebuyers,...
The True Cost of Selling Your House on Your Own
The True Cost of Selling Your House on Your Own Selling your house is no simple task. While some homeowners opt to sell their homes on their own, known as a FSBO (For Sale by Owner), they often encounter various challenges without the guidance of a real estate agent....
Why Buying or Selling a Home Helps the Economy and Your Community
Why Buying or Selling a Home Helps the Economy and Your Community If you're thinking about buying or selling a house, it's important to know that it doesn't just affect your life, but also your community. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) releases a report...
Are Home Prices Going Up or Down? That Depends…
Are Home Prices Going Up or Down? That Depends… Media coverage about what’s happening with home prices can be confusing. A large part of that is due to the type of data being used and what they’re choosing to draw attention to. For home prices, there are two different...
Why You Can’t Compare Now to the ‘Unicorn’ Years of the Housing Market
Why You Can’t Compare Now to the ‘Unicorn’ Years of the Housing Market Some Highlights Comparing housing market metrics from one year to another can be challenging in a normal housing market – and the last few years have been anything but normal. In a way, they were...
This Real Estate Market Is the Strongest of Our Lifetime
This Real Estate Market Is the Strongest of Our Lifetime When you look at the numbers today, the one thing that stands out is the strength of this housing market. We can see this is one of the most foundationally strong housing markets of our lifetime – if not the...
The Main Reason Mortgage Rates Are So High
The Main Reason Mortgage Rates Are So HighToday’s mortgage rates are top-of-mind for many homebuyers right now. As a result, if you’re thinking about buying for the first time or selling your current house to move into a home that better fits your needs, you may be...
The True Value of Homeownership
The True Value of Homeownership Buying and owning your home can make a big difference in your life by bringing you joy and a sense of belonging. And with June being National Homeownership Month, it’s the perfect time to think about all the benefits homeownership...