Buying a Home This Autumn? 4 Unconventional Ways to Save up for Your Down Payment

Autumn is a popular time for new home buyers to start looking for their first house or condo. But with that down payment looming, everybody could use a bit of help saving up to make that bulk payment a little less intimidating.

There are plenty of unconventional ways to save up that may seem small, but will quickly add up and put a dent into that down payment.

Create A High Interest Savings Account

Talk to the bank about creating a secondary savings account with a higher interest rate. These super savings accounts usually come with the caveat that no money can be removed for a designated period of time. Using this account for the down payment works in everybody’s favor because it guarantees those extra dollars cannot be used for any other purpose.

Discard One Guilty Pleasure

Enjoy Starbucks coffee? Grab a pint every happy hour? Choose one vice and put the amount that would be spent on it into a jar. Most people will be surprised on how much money they spend each month on one guilty pleasure that can easily be cut out of their life. Every perk that’s cut will increase the amount by a decent margin.

Put Away Any Bonus Money

Holiday bonuses from work, tax refunds, birthday or Christmas presents, income from side gigs, any and all extra dollars that come in from any source outside of the main paycheck should be considered ‘down payment dollars.’ Sure it’s tempting to use that nice bonus or tax refund on a weekend trip or a night out, but all extra income should be saved away for that initial down payment.

Bring On The Roommates

People who already own a home and are looking to relocate can take this unconventional approach. Decent housing is hard to find so anybody with an extra room can rent it out and put that money towards the new house. Having a roommate can be a pain, but it’s for a limited time and can add up quickly.

While saving for a down payment can be stressful, you don’t have to go through the process alone. I’d be happy to guide you and provide some helpful tips for how to make that down payment without breaking the bank. I’ve seen countless couples go through the same thing and my experience can make a world of difference for you.  Give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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9451 E Becker Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Open House

New

$460,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,259 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6692644

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

RARE FIND. Ground floor condo with garage and 1 covered parking space. Home features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, full-size washer & dryer, 20'' tile and wood look laminate flooring, walk-in master shower, raised vessel sinks, glass shower doors, window coverings. New HVAC in 2018, water heater 2019, Windows replaced in 12/22, resurfaced patio in 3/24, Retractable door screens front and back in 2024, Dry bar and cabinets added in 2/23. HOA includes tennis courts, swimming pools, hot tubs, clubhouse with fitness room. Walk to shopping, restaurants, and grocery stores. Entertainment venues and golf courses close by. Short drive to Mayo Clinic and MLB Spring Training, near Scottsdale Greenbelt Trail. Near church and schools.

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17719 N 113th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85378

Open House

$460,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,934 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6663313

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the Gated Community of Canyon Ridge West! This stunning home offers privacy with no neighbors behind and boasts a sparkling pool with a soothing waterfall feature, along with a convenient RV gate and added parking for all your outdoor storage needs. Inside, vaulted ceilings with tubular skylights and neutral tile floors create a spacious ambiance. The flexible layout includes a private den and ample living space. New HVAC in 2024! *Edited Neutral paint photos added.

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10718 E Secret Canyon Road Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$459,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,646 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6685607

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled near the Superstition Mountains this property offers a variety of special features and accommodations like: flexible floor plan, plantation shutters, mountain view, quiet gated community, ***sparkling pool (w/mesh child safety pool fence included)***, automatic sun shade, office den, newly remodeled kitchen and floors throughout the house, ***quality slab granite countertop***, farmhouse kitchen sink and faucet, ***new bathroom vanity countertop & faucet***, 2 car garage, ***new roof***, fireplace AND its a corner lot so no neighbors to the right of this property. Single story homes surround this lot so those looking for privacy this is where it's at! It's also near hiking trails so for those looking to do some desert exploring its perfect! Don't wait too long!

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20599 W Nelson Place Buckeye, AZ 85396

$459,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,623 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677655

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You don't want to miss out on this move-in ready beauty. Located in the stunning and sought after subdivision of Verrado in Buckeye. The home is in immaculate condition from ceiling to floor. Wood-like tile flooring though all the main living & walking areas. Your new kitchen offers granite countertops, breakfast bar, contemporary light fixtures, upgraded cabinetry with lots of storage space, and stainless steel appliances. The backyard has no maintenance landscaping, covered patio, and plenty of room to relax and entertain. Don't miss out on this one! It won't last long on the market. Thanks for stopping in.

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