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

“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.”

Flanagan State Bank is providing prospective homebuyers with these tips to save for a down payment:

  • Develop a budget & timeline. Start by determining how much you’ll need for a down payment. Create a budget and calculate how much you can realistically save each month – that will help you gauge when you’ll be ready to transition from renter to homeowner.
  • Establish a separate savings account. Set up a separate savings account exclusively for your down payment and make your monthly contributions automatic. By keeping this money separate, you’ll be less likely to tap into it when you’re tight on cash.
  • Shop around to reduce major monthly expenses. It’s a good idea to check rates for your car insurance, renter’s insurance, health insurance, cable, Internet, or cell phone plan. There may be deals or promotions available that allow you to save hundreds of dollars by adjusting your contracts.
  • Monitor your spending. With online banking, keeping an eye on your spending is easier than ever. Track where most of your discretionary income is going. Identify areas where you could cut back (e.g., nice meals out, vacations, etc.) and instead put that money into savings.
  • Look into state and local home-buying programs. Many states, counties, and local governments operate programs for first-time homebuyers. Some programs offer housing discounts, while others provide down payment loans or grants, so ask your lender for more information. Some loan programs offer options that include no down payment, so be sure to ask about your options to be sure you have the right loan product for your situation.
  • Celebrate savings milestones. Saving enough for a down payment can be daunting. To avoid getting discouraged, break it up into smaller goals and reward yourself when you reach each one. If you need to save $30,000 total, consider treating yourself to a nice meal for every $5,000 saved. This will help you stay motivated throughout the process.
  • Learn about the types of mortgages available to you. When it comes to mortgage types, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Organized by life stages, you can learn about 7 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.