Saving enough money to purchase a home may seem impossible, but don’t let that deter you from taking the first steps. You could find that the top is more accessible than you thought before you started.
On a regular wage, saving money for a house might feel like a monumental job. While saving for a down payment and closing expenses may take some time, you may make it easier by setting up automated savings. Buying a house in some parts of Canada like- Toronto, Montréal, Victoria, Vancouver, or Winnipeg is a hard and lengthy process as well.
You’ll need to put money down on most mortgages, but that’s not the only thing you should save for. Closing expenses, property taxes, and ongoing repairs and upkeep are all factors to consider.
That’s a lot to take on, so it’s understandable if you need to save for a few years before purchasing a home. That may seem like a long time, but there are a few methods to make it go faster.
Some Steps You Need to Take Before You Start Saving for a House
Some would-be homeowners fear they will never be able to purchase a home because they cannot afford a 20 percent down payment. In reality, many lenders no longer need a 20 percent down payment. So, how much money do you require as a down payment?
Not More than 3 Percent
You may be able to acquire a conventional loan with as little as 3 percent down depending on your credit score and income. You may even purchase a home with no money down if you qualify for a USDA or VA loan.
The 20 Percent Issue
Why do so many individuals think they need a 20 percent down payment to purchase a house? The private mortgage insurance (PMI) law, which most lenders and mortgage investors follow, is the source of the 20 percent down fallacy.
If you put down less than 20 percent at closing, you may be required to pay private mortgage insurance. If you default on your debt, this protects the lender and mortgage investor. Though a 20 percent down payment will save you money in the long run, it is not required to purchase a house.
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Affordability of Housing
If you’re just getting started in the home-buying process, figuring out how much house you can afford is a good place to start, especially if you are looking at houses in different parts of Canada. You’ll be able to obtain an accurate estimate of how much your down payment will be once you consider this.
Tips on How to Save Money for a House
It’s time to start saving now that you know how much money you’ll need to buy a house. Start saving for your future down payment with these ideas.
1) Create a More Effective Budget
Budgeting is the first stage in the saving process. It’s hard to redirect money to your down payment if you don’t know where your money goes every month.
To begin, gather all of your bank statements as well as all of your credit card payments. Take a look at your most expensive purchases. Keep track of how much you spend on basics such as rent, student loans, and utilities. Then think about how much you spend on non-essentials like entertainment, restaurants, and so on each month.
Look for places where you may save money after you’ve classified your costs. Set a firm but attainable budget for each area and adhere to it. Make sure you save aside a specific amount of money each month for your down payment. Consider your savings to be a necessary cost.
2) Take Charge of Your Debt
Because a portion of your income goes toward loan repayments, having a lot of debt makes it more difficult to save for a house. It may be more difficult to qualify for a mortgage if you have a lot of debt. If you have debt, do all you can to pay it off.
If you have high-interest student loans, try refinancing them to decrease your monthly payments. Pay off as much of your high-interest credit card debt as you can and consider moving your amount to a low-interest card.
3) Put Your Retirement Funds on Hold for the Time Being
Note that if you’re nearing retirement, this may not be the best option. Consider temporarily shifting that money to down payment funds if you’re young and actively contribute a portion of your income to a retirement plan.
This should only be done temporarily, but it may make a significant impact on how fast you save for a home, especially if you presently contribute a significant portion of your income to a retirement account.
4) Consider Downsizing Your Home
Downsizing is a quick method to save money for a down payment. Downsizing is the practice of cutting costs and living within one’s means while saving. When you downsize, you lower the amount you pay for essential costs and put the additional money into a savings account instead.
5) Request Money as a Present
When your family asks what you want for your birthday, Christmas or Hanukkah, anniversary, or any other special event, tell them you’d like to accept gift money toward a down payment instead of physical things.
6) Start a Side Business
There are methods to make fast cash to assist raise your down payment funds, especially as the gig economy continues to grow. Consider driving for a ridesharing business, buying or delivering food for an Internet delivery service, walking pets, pet sitting, charging self-service scooters.
There is an increasing number of freelancing jobs like these that require minimal credentials and make it simple to earn additional money for a down payment on a home.
7) Inquire for Assistance
There’s no shame in asking for help, especially when it comes to saving for a major purchase like a home.
You might wish to urge relatives and friends to give money instead of tangible presents on holidays and special occasions. On occasions like weddings and baby showers, this is becoming more popular.
One Last Reminder Before You Decide on Buying a House
You may save money for a down payment in a variety of ways. Begin by making a household budget that includes a monthly savings goal for your down payment.
You could also want to consider getting a second job, changing careers, or downsizing to save more money. Reducing your debt, enlisting the assistance of friends and family, and renting out an extra bedroom can all help you save money.
