How Fast Can You Save for a 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 would it take you to save for a down payment in each state?
Using data from the United States Census Bureau and Zillow, 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 a 2-bedroom apartment 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 Iowa can save for a down payment the quickest in just under 2 years (1.99). Below is a map 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 5 or 10 years, but becomes attainable in a year or two in many states as shown in the map below.
Bottom Line
Whether you have just started 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 meet up so I can help you evaluate your ability to buy today.
More Homes, Better Prices: A Buyer’s Summer
Sellers are reading market conditions and are pricing accordingly from the start rather than listing high and cutting later, and buyers are taking note and making bids.
The “Take It or Leave It” Attitude Is Fading from the Market – What That Means for You
That’s why whether you’re buying or selling today, there are two terms you’ll hear a lot: concession and incentive.
What Buying or Selling a Home Gives Back to Your Community
Want to know what a move would mean where you live? A local agent can show you the figure close to home.
The 1 Factor That Explains Everything Happening with Home Prices Right Now
The national average of 1.7% price growth is accurate, but it’s an average of two very different stories happening at the same time – the few areas experiencing mild declines and the overwhelming majority that are still seeing prices rise.
That House That’s Been Sitting Could Be Your Best Shot at a Deal
A local agent has the context to tell which homes are the real opportunities and which are skippable.
Could Moving a Bit Further Out Change Everything About Your Budget?
Every market has more affordable pockets that most buyers never think to explore. A great local real estate agent knows exactly where those places are.
What Rising Inflation Means for Your Move
Here’s what’s actually going on, why it matters for the housing market, and what it means if you’re thinking about buying or selling.
The Truth About Affordability Today
Part of what is keeping prices this stable is that buyer finally have more choices meaning less competition, and more negotiating power.
Less House, More Home: Why Smaller Homes Are Paying Off for Today’s Buyers
Going smaller might actually be a smart play in today’s market – and the upside can be bigger than you’d think.
The Real Reason Some People Are Still Moving Right Now
So, if you’ve been putting your plans on hold, maybe ask yourself this: “Can I still live where I’m at right now and make it work?”