Chris Gmyr

Saving up for a down payment is hard. With the new FHA regulations, if your credit score is below 580, you need to have at least 10% of the purchase price of the home set aside before you’ll qualify for a loan. Even if you do have good credit, you still need at least 3.5%. Depending on the home you’re thinking about buying, that could still be close to $7,000. Not exactly pocket change, for most people anyway. If you don’t want to pay for costly PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance), you need 20% down.

If you’re struggling to find the extra money to set aside for a down payment, you’re not alone. A lot of buyers, especially first time buyers, have a hard time finding the extra money in their budgets.  There are, fortunately, some quick and easy steps you can take to make it easier to save the amount you need.

1. Set aside your tax return. If you’re lucky enough to get a decent amount back, have it automatically deposited into a savings account. Don’t start making plans for the money; it’ll make it harder to leave it alone. Let it sit and collect interest, and you might be several thousand dollars closer to your goal without even touching your current budget.
2. Use a change jar. Empty out your pockets, purse or wallet every night when you get home. When the jar is full, put the money into your savings account. It’s surprising how quickly a handful of change here or there can turn into some serious cash in a month or two.
3. Ask about automatic deposits for your paycheck. Most employers offer this plan, and banks can take out a percentage or set dollar amount every week, and put it right into your savings account. You won’t have to do anything once it’s set up, and the money will be set aside well before you even see it. Even $30 a week can add up; over a year, you’ll have an extra $1,560 in your account.
4. Rework your budget. Or, if you don’t have a budget, now’s the time to make one. Figure out how much you earn in a month, and subtract any necessities (rent, utilities, vehicle expenses, credit card payments, ect.). Look at what’s left. How far can you make that amount stretch? What are you currently paying for that you don’t really need? Can you use coupons to save money on your grocery expenses? Do you need your daily latte fix, or can it be a special treat? If you can find a way to cut $25 from your expenses each week, that’s an extra $1,300 a year towards your down payment.

Saving up for a down payment isn’t impossible. It might take a year or two of concentrated saving, but you’re building a habit you’ll thank yourself for later on. Keep in mind that you’ll end up needing more than just the initial down payment amount; keep some money set aside for a couple mortgage payments (as a back-up), closing costs, and as actual savings.