If you’re trying to get ready to buy a home, one of the biggest tasks that you’ll need to take on is that of saving for a down payment. The down payment will need to be a significant amount of money. If you put it in the right place, it will have the ability to gain some interest. Most importantly, you don’t want to have access to the money so that you can spend it freely. 

What’s Your Time Frame?

When you start saving money, you’ll need to know what your time frame is to better discern one of the best places to keep your down payment money. You can put your money in a CD or money market account, but the money will need to stay put for anywhere between 1-2 years. In the case of down payment money, the amount of interest that you gain isn’t as important as having access to the money when you need it. 

Research Your Options

Do your research in order to find the best deals. You may be able to gain a bit of interest  on a 3-month CD if you’re short on time. If you have a bit more room for growth and will continue to compound the money, search online for higher yield savings accounts that will allow you to continue contributing money over time. You can even consider putting portions of your money in different places with different time frames and interest rates. This way, some of your money will have a chance to grow, yet you’ll still have access to it. 

Know The Home Buying Process

When you get pre-approved for a loan, the mortgage company will go through your entire financial history past and present. You’ll need to show all of your bank accounts and their balances along with pay stubs. The mortgage company will also delve into your debt and calculate what is called your debt-to-income ratio. Before you even get to the stage of pre-approval, you’ll want to make sure all of your significant debt is paid off. 

Once you get to the closing table to buy your dream home, your check for all of the closing costs including the down payment will need to be present. This is why you need to make sure that your money isn’t tied up when you reach the point of purchasing a home. Generally, a bank check will need to be issued for the entire cost of closing less the deposits that you have already made on the home.                          

Make a plan for your saving the down payment and you’ll be well on your way to securing your dream home!

It’s a long road to get to the status of being a homeowner. Once all of the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed at closing, you’ll be handed the keys to your wonderful new place to live. Now, you’ll have a huge responsibility on your hands as well. You’ll need to pay the mortgage monthly. You’ll need to perform regular maintenance around the home. You’ll also need to pay for things like home insurance, utilities, and more. Everything that happens in your home when you have those keys is your responsibility. 

Once you have unpacked and settled into your new place, there’s a seemingly unending amount of things to do including organizing, unpacking, painting, decorating, cleaning, renovating, and so much more. You really need to take a break from all of that and take the time to bask in the glory of homeownership for a few minutes.        

Know What You Have Accomplished

Buying a home is not something that every person can achieve. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and persistence to save up money, find a home you love, and close the deal. You’ll also learn a lot through the process of buying a home. You’ve established a sense of independence and freedom through buying a home; you’re truly living the American Dream. 

You Have Something To Call Your Own

As a homeowner, you are not the master of your own domain. Anything that you wish is your command. Any hobbies you have, whatever type of decorations you want, and the types of chairs you like to sit in are all your choice in your own home. Once you own a home you don’t need to worry about the unruly neighbors upstairs or the landlord who wouldn’t ket you paint the walls. Do you want to plant a vegetable garden in your yard? You can! There’s no one there to tell you that you can’t. Have a blast using your yard and your home the exact way that you want it. Now you can feel free to have friends over and entertain to your heart’s content. This is one of the best parts of owning a home.

You Now Have A Better Financial Future

Buying a home is a smart investment. You’re contributing positively to your financial future. Every mortgage payment that you make is contributing to something that you own. There’s no security deposits and no fees for your pets. The longer you live in your home, the more equity that you’re building up since your property is increasing in value over time. If you continue to make timely payments and upkeep your home properly, you’ll be able to really see a return on your initial investment on the home.