{"id":2403,"date":"2025-10-12T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-12T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/blog\/?p=2403"},"modified":"2025-10-24T18:11:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T18:11:25","slug":"how-to-save-for-a-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.khov.com\/blog\/how-to-save-for-a-house\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Save For a House"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Especially for younger or <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.khov.com\/blog\/essential-first-time-homebuyer-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">first-time homebuyers<\/a>, the idea of saving up for a home may seem unthinkable. And if you\u2019re someone who\u2019s used to renting, it\u2019s natural to take one look at a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/new-construction-homes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">home listing<\/a> with a 6+-figure price tag and go running the other way.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id2403_8c3ec0-e4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2403_8c3ec0-e4 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_8c3ec0-e4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(50% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(50% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id2403_8c3ec0-e4 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_8c3ec0-e4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_8c3ec0-e4 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2403_8c3ec0-e4 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2403_f96d57-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_f96d57-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_f96d57-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_f96d57-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_f96d57-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_f96d57-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_f96d57-25{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_f96d57-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_f96d57-25 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_f96d57-25 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_37d85c-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_37d85c-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_37d85c-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_37d85c-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_37d85c-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_37d85c-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_37d85c-73{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_37d85c-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_37d85c-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_37d85c-73 inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>But the reality is, almost no one buys a home with bags of cash to cover the full price; as little as $6,000 in savings could suffice as a down payment on a $200,000 home, with a monthly mortgage payment that\u2019s actually less than what you\u2019re paying in rent now.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_82817b-77 > .kt-inside-inner-col{box-shadow:0px 0px 25px 0px #e5e5e5;}.kadence-column2403_82817b-77 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_82817b-77 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;}.kadence-column2403_82817b-77 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_82817b-77 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_82817b-77 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_82817b-77 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}.kadence-column2403_82817b-77 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_82817b-77{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_82817b-77 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_82817b-77 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column 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.kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{align-items:center;}.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b{text-align:left;}.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{align-items:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-start;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{align-items:center;}.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_c3e80a-5b kb-section-dir-horizontal inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-icon.kt-svg-icons2403_8438f1-d3{justify-content:center;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-icon kt-svg-icons kt-svg-icons2403_8438f1-d3 alignnone kb-icon-valign-middle\"><style>.kt-svg-item-2403_0a524e-6c .kb-svg-icon-wrap, .kt-svg-style-stacked.kt-svg-item-2403_0a524e-6c .kb-svg-icon-wrap{color:#ffffff;font-size:39px;margin-right:-5px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-single-icon kt-svg-style-default kt-svg-icon-wrap kt-svg-item-2403_0a524e-6c\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_info-circle\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm0 110c23.196 0 42 18.804 42 42s-18.804 42-42 42-42-18.804-42-42 18.804-42 42-42zm56 254c0 6.627-5.373 12-12 12h-88c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h12v-64h-12c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h64c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v100h12c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v24z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:7px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:10px;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{align-items:center;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f7fafc;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3{text-align:left;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3{position:relative;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{align-items:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;justify-content:flex-start;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{align-items:center;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}.kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 {overflow:hidden;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_2ffcac-b3 kb-section-dir-horizontal inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_86961e-64, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_86961e-64[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_86961e-64\"]{padding-top:10px;margin-top:0px;line-height:19px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_86961e-64 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_86961e-64[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_86961e-64\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2403_86961e-64 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_86961e-64\">For more, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/build-on-your-lot\/home-financing\/mortgage-prequalification-calculator\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mortgage prequalification calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategies To Help You Save For a House<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If a down payment of any amount sounds like a stretch, stick with us. There are plenty of simple strategies you can employ to start putting money aside today, so that home ownership could be in reach much sooner than you think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategy #1: Reduce Everyday Expenses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-image uagb-block-a84594e7 wp-block-uagb-image--layout-default wp-block-uagb-image--effect-static wp-block-uagb-image--align-none\"><figure class=\"wp-block-uagb-image__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/how-to-save-for-a-house-budgeting.png \" src=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/how-to-save-for-a-house-budgeting.png\" alt=\"How to Save for a House - Budgeting for a House\" class=\"uag-image-2876\" width=\"824\" height=\"529\" title=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"uagb-image-caption\"><strong>\u201cA budget is telling your money where to go, instead of wondering where it went.\u201d<\/strong><br><strong>\u2014 John C. Maxwell<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a truism, but the little things really do add up. We\u2019re not here to call you out on avocado toast, or to argue that you lead a joyless spartan existence now that you\u2019re interested in home ownership, but you may find that cutting extra expenses here and there can make a bigger difference than you expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A great way to start with this is to download a free budgeting app \u2013 like <a href=\"https:\/\/albert.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Albert<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/mint.intuit.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Mint<\/a> \u2013 to make sense of where all your money goes. You can see your funding divided by not only bills and subscriptions, but any number of spending categories. Let\u2019s take a closer look at how to shave away your spending.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:20px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:20px;}.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{box-shadow:0px 0px 25px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);border-left:10px solid #7ab4ba;}.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b{text-align:left;}.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b{position:relative;}.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:10px solid #7ab4ba;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:10px solid #7ab4ba;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_51a1f2-3b kb-section-dir-vertical inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id2403_cdf75d-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2403_cdf75d-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_cdf75d-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2403_cdf75d-0a > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_cdf75d-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_cdf75d-0a > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2403_cdf75d-0a alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2403_c65656-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_c65656-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_c65656-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_c65656-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_c65656-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_c65656-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_c65656-ba{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_c65656-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_c65656-ba > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_c65656-ba inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_07287b-73, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_07287b-73[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_07287b-73\"]{display:block;font-size:22px;font-weight:900;font-style:normal;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#7ab4ba;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_07287b-73 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_07287b-73[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_07287b-73\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<span class=\"kt-adv-heading2403_07287b-73 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_07287b-73\">Subscriptions:<\/span>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you really using all of those subscriptions? Did you even realize that you were paying for all of them? For the ones you do need, consider paying for a year instead of a month at a time; it might seem counterintuitive to pay more now, but an annual fee of $60 beats a year of $10 monthly payments any day.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_f86d1c-e0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_f86d1c-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_f86d1c-e0\"]{display:block;font-size:22px;font-weight:900;font-style:normal;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#7ab4ba;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_f86d1c-e0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_f86d1c-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_f86d1c-e0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<span class=\"kt-adv-heading2403_f86d1c-e0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_f86d1c-e0\">Meals:<\/span>\n\n\n\n<p>Making food at home more often, and relying on restaurants and takeout less, is seemingly a no-brainer \u2013 but especially with rising prices, grocery bills for all those affordable home-cooked meals can be surprisingly high. If you find yourself throwing away a lot of produce you don\u2019t have time to use, grab some reusable green bags that can keep it fresh for longer, and plan out your meals a week at a time, so that you only buy as much food as you need.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_d1be00-47, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_d1be00-47[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_d1be00-47\"]{display:block;font-size:22px;font-weight:900;font-style:normal;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#7ab4ba;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_d1be00-47 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_d1be00-47[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_d1be00-47\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<span class=\"kt-adv-heading2403_d1be00-47 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_d1be00-47\">Entertainment:<\/span>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re the cultured type, you don\u2019t need to sit things out. Do a little digging into free concerts and other entertainment options \u2013 and when you do have your heart set on something with a price tag, see if you can be flexible and go for cheap rush tickets. If you\u2019re meeting up with friends, try switching out dinner and drinks for a budget-friendly happy hour and dinner at home. In a city like New York, little tweaks like these could save you $100+ over the course of one night, while also ensuring that you\u2019re not missing out on all the fun.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_46de10-b6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_46de10-b6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_46de10-b6\"]{display:block;font-size:22px;font-weight:900;font-style:normal;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#7ab4ba;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_46de10-b6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_46de10-b6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_46de10-b6\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<span class=\"kt-adv-heading2403_46de10-b6 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_46de10-b6\">Online shopping:<\/span>\n\n\n\n<p>If you struggle with impulse shopping (as so many of us do these days), try installing a browser extension \u2013 often marketed as productivity aids &#8212; that blocks access to any website(s) you choose. (And when you do make purchases, consider adding a plugin like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.joinhoney.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Honey<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.retailmenot.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">RetailMeNot<\/a> that will automatically find and test promo codes at checkout, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rakuten.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Rakuten<\/a>, which gives you back a percentage on your purchases.) If you find yourself clicking through to online sales and buying things you don\u2019t need, consider removing yourself from some promotional mailing lists.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_be7824-75, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_be7824-75[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_be7824-75\"]{display:block;font-size:22px;font-weight:900;font-style:normal;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#7ab4ba;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_be7824-75 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_be7824-75[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_be7824-75\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<span class=\"kt-adv-heading2403_be7824-75 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_be7824-75\">Clothing:<\/span>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have clothes you\u2019re not wearing, you can try consigning them, or bringing them by a thrift store to see if you can trade them in for new threads rather than buy more brand-new clothes; as an added plus, many thrift stores will donate or sustainably recycle any clothes they don\u2019t accept. In addition to old stand-bys like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.craigslist.org\/about\/sites\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Craigslist<\/a>, sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freecycle.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Freecycle<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/trashnothing.com\/beta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Trash Nothing!<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/buysaleandtrade.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy\/Sell\/Trade<\/a>, or your local <a href=\"https:\/\/buynothingproject.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Buy Nothing<\/a> group (typically on Facebook) can also be great resources to get and give clothes and other items in great condition.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategy #2: Put larger expenses on hold<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not everyone has the option to go on vacation, but if you do have that privilege, you might want to consider skipping it, cutting it short, or going somewhere more affordable closer to home. There\u2019s also no underestimating flexibility: If you can go on vacation in October instead of July, you could find yourself saving a bundle without having to stay home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you were thinking of getting a new car, new furniture, or another major purchase, consider whether you can make do with what you have. And if you really can\u2019t, look into used options, which can often still be in great condition; as we mentioned above, members of local Buy Nothing groups are often happy to give away high-quality items for free.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategy #3: Automate and Maximize Savings:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you struggle to put money aside, there\u2019s an app for that (actually, there are a bunch of them). Apps like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qapital.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Qapital<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chime.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Chime<\/a>, and Digit can round up purchases to the nearest dollar and set the difference in a separate account, or deduct a certain amount from every paycheck. Others, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acorns.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Acorn<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ellevest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ellevest<\/a>, can take those funds and automatically invest them for you. If you have the discipline to just let the apps do their thing (a good tip for this can be to sign up and then delete the app from your phone, so you don\u2019t know exactly what\u2019s accruing), you may find yourself checking in one day and finding that you\u2019ve saved a few hundred dollars \u2013 or more \u2013 without even noticing. You can also likely set up a recurring direct deposit \u2013 and remember, no amount is too small! \u2013 into a savings account directly through your bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re currently saving for retirement (and you should) but find yourself on a real time crunch for a down payment, you could also consider diverting some of those savings into your down payment fund \u2013 but this strategy isn\u2019t to be taken lightly. It\u2019s easy for temporary spending patterns to become permanent, and you don\u2019t want to find down the road that you never switched back to saving for retirement, and now all your savings have gone into your home.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_898c5e-76 > .kt-inside-inner-col{box-shadow:0px 0px 25px 0px #e5e5e5;}.kadence-column2403_898c5e-76 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_898c5e-76 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;}.kadence-column2403_898c5e-76 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_898c5e-76 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_898c5e-76 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_898c5e-76 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}.kadence-column2403_898c5e-76 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_898c5e-76{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_898c5e-76 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_898c5e-76 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_898c5e-76 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id2403_9773f6-a8{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_9773f6-a8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:center;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2403_9773f6-a8 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:center;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_9773f6-a8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1140px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id2403_9773f6-a8{border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;overflow:clip;isolation:isolate;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_9773f6-a8 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_9773f6-a8{background-color:#7ab4ba;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_9773f6-a8 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_9773f6-a8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_9773f6-a8 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2403_9773f6-a8 alignnone kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-middle kt-inner-column-height-full kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column2403_8bbf68-f3 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_8bbf68-f3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_8bbf68-f3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_8bbf68-f3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_8bbf68-f3 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_8bbf68-f3 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_8bbf68-f3{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_8bbf68-f3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_8bbf68-f3 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_8bbf68-f3 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-icon.kt-svg-icons2403_18e34a-42{justify-content:flex-end;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-icon kt-svg-icons kt-svg-icons2403_18e34a-42 alignnone kb-icon-valign-bottom\"><style>.kt-svg-item-2403_862962-0a .kb-svg-icon-wrap, .kt-svg-style-stacked.kt-svg-item-2403_862962-0a .kb-svg-icon-wrap{color:#ffffff;font-size:50px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-single-icon kt-svg-style-default kt-svg-icon-wrap kt-svg-item-2403_862962-0a\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_info-circle\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm0 110c23.196 0 42 18.804 42 42s-18.804 42-42 42-42-18.804-42-42 18.804-42 42-42zm56 254c0 6.627-5.373 12-12 12h-88c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h12v-64h-12c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h64c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v100h12c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v24z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:20px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:15px;}.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_137744-2d{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_137744-2d{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f7fafc;}.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_137744-2d{position:relative;}.kadence-column2403_137744-2d, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2403_137744-2d:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_137744-2d{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_137744-2d{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_137744-2d{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_137744-2d{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2403_137744-2d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}.kadence-column2403_137744-2d {overflow:hidden;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_137744-2d inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>Wherever they\u2019re coming from, don\u2019t let your savings just sit there. Transfer your extra cash into a high-yield savings account, so that the money grows without you lifting a finger.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategy #4: Increase Your Income<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This seems obvious, but bears some real time and thought. It\u2019s easy to let time go by without thinking to ask for a raise or promotion, but saving for a down payment can be a great motivator. If you want to help make your case, consider taking a professional development class (which many employers will reimburse you for) or pick up some new skills, to make a case to your manager that you merit higher compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find yourself in a job where neither a raise or promotion are possible, or you\u2019ve hit your professional ceiling in any other sense, it could be time to start looking around for more lucrative employment opportunities elsewhere. Just keep in mind that when it comes to mortgage applications, most lenders like to see a steady employment history within the same field, so you likely won\u2019t want to apply for a mortgage soon after starting a new job, let alone a new career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the current gig economy, there\u2019s also no shortage of opportunities to make some cash on the side. Do you have skills as a writer, coder, tutor, or editor that you could market? What about pet-sitting, or dog-walking? You can even look into market research companies that will pay you to answer surveys, or to submit reports on website user experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategy #5: Ask for Help&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, not everyone has this luxury. But if you do find yourself able to ask friends and family for contributions to your down payment \u2013 say, in lieu of birthday or wedding gifts \u2013 there\u2019s certainly no shame in asking. (That said, many lenders will require extra paperwork from any borrower using gifts towards a down payment, indicating that the giver had the financial ability to make the gift, among other things.) <\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_384e21-dc > .kt-inside-inner-col{box-shadow:0px 0px 25px 0px #e5e5e5;}.kadence-column2403_384e21-dc > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_384e21-dc > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;}.kadence-column2403_384e21-dc > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_384e21-dc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_384e21-dc > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_384e21-dc > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}.kadence-column2403_384e21-dc > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_384e21-dc{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_384e21-dc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_384e21-dc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_384e21-dc inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id2403_48381e-3e{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_48381e-3e > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:center;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2403_48381e-3e > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:center;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_48381e-3e > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1140px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id2403_48381e-3e{border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;overflow:clip;isolation:isolate;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_48381e-3e > .kt-row-layout-overlay{border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_48381e-3e{background-color:#7ab4ba;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_48381e-3e > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_48381e-3e > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_48381e-3e > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2403_48381e-3e alignnone kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-middle kt-inner-column-height-full kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column2403_182b29-49 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_182b29-49 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_182b29-49 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_182b29-49 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_182b29-49 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_182b29-49 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_182b29-49{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_182b29-49 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_182b29-49 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_182b29-49 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-icon.kt-svg-icons2403_f3c46c-5b{justify-content:flex-end;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-icon kt-svg-icons kt-svg-icons2403_f3c46c-5b alignnone kb-icon-valign-bottom\"><style>.kt-svg-item-2403_f670be-48 .kb-svg-icon-wrap, .kt-svg-style-stacked.kt-svg-item-2403_f670be-48 .kb-svg-icon-wrap{color:#ffffff;font-size:50px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-single-icon kt-svg-style-default kt-svg-icon-wrap kt-svg-item-2403_f670be-48\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_info-circle\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm0 110c23.196 0 42 18.804 42 42s-18.804 42-42 42-42-18.804-42-42 18.804-42 42-42zm56 254c0 6.627-5.373 12-12 12h-88c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h12v-64h-12c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h64c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v100h12c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v24z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:15px;}.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_28442d-bd{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f7fafc;}.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd{position:relative;}.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2403_28442d-bd:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_28442d-bd{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_28442d-bd{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}.kadence-column2403_28442d-bd {overflow:hidden;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_28442d-bd inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_68795d-ce, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_68795d-ce[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_68795d-ce\"]{margin-top:10px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_68795d-ce mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_68795d-ce[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_68795d-ce\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2403_68795d-ce wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_68795d-ce\">Crowdfunding from loved ones is an increasingly common way to pull together money for your first home, and it certainly beats getting your fourth or fifth toaster.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategy #6: Downsize<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s always worth looking at your current living situation. If you live in a high-price city like New York, this might seem like a silly question, but do you need as much space as you have? If you do, could you move to a less central area, or even another city altogether? (Of course, it\u2019s important to remember that moving itself brings its own costs, so you\u2019d need to be saving enough money in rent to offset that expense.) It\u2019s up to you to decide what your priorities are \u2013 but especially if you were considering a move anyway, it could be worth asking if you\u2019d like to do so sooner rather than later, and start saving now with a lower cost of living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategy #7: Consolidate Existing Debt<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking a cold, hard look at any existing debt isn\u2019t fun, but it can really pay off (pun very much intended). If you have student loan payments, car payments, multiple credit card payments, or any other form of debt, take a look at all of it and see what you\u2019re paying in interest.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may find that if you refinance certain loans, pay off the credit cards with the smallest limits first, move the rest of your debt onto lower-interest credit cards, take out a debt-consolidation personal loan, apply for credit limit increases (without spending more once you receive them!), or all of the above, you can not only save yourself a lot in monthly interest, but also boost your credit score and lower your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerfinance.gov\/ask-cfpb\/what-is-a-debt-to-income-ratio-en-1791\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">debt-to-income (DTI) ratio<\/a>, all of which will prove invaluable when it\u2019s time to get prequalified for a mortgage. If it all seems overwhelming, consider speaking with a financial advisor, who\u2019ll be happy to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Much Should I Save Before Buying a House?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Conventional wisdom has long dictated that you should have 20% on hand for a down payment. And while it would certainly be nice to have that amount to contribute, it\u2019s far from a necessity; these days many conventional mortgages require as little as 3% down, especially if you have good credit \u2013 or even no down payment at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Loans backed by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Federal Housing Administration (FHA)<\/a>, which are designed to put home ownership in reach of low- and middle-income borrowers, can require as little as 3.5% down. Other government-backed loans require no down payment at all \u2013 including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/topics\/farming\/grants-and-loans\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">US Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans<\/a>, which are put aside for borrowers who\u2019d like to live in rural areas (though \u201crural\u201d in this context only refers to population limits, and many towns and suburbs can qualify). VA loans, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, also require no down payment; these are reserved for active or former members of the US military, and their spouses. <\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col{box-shadow:0px 0px 25px 0px #e5e5e5;}.kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;}.kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}.kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_bf9120-ab inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-wrap.wp-block-kadence-rowlayout.kb-row-layout-id2403_36b780-58{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_36b780-58 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:center;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2403_36b780-58 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:center;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_36b780-58 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:1140px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id2403_36b780-58{border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;overflow:clip;isolation:isolate;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_36b780-58 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_36b780-58{background-color:#7ab4ba;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_36b780-58 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_36b780-58 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_36b780-58 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2403_36b780-58 alignnone kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-middle kt-inner-column-height-full kb-theme-content-width\">\n<style>.kadence-column2403_7f15d4-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_7f15d4-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_7f15d4-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_7f15d4-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_7f15d4-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_7f15d4-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_7f15d4-b1{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_7f15d4-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_7f15d4-b1 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_7f15d4-b1 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-icon.kt-svg-icons2403_9d896b-01{justify-content:flex-end;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-icon kt-svg-icons kt-svg-icons2403_9d896b-01 alignnone kb-icon-valign-bottom\"><style>.kt-svg-item-2403_c440a1-fb .kb-svg-icon-wrap, .kt-svg-style-stacked.kt-svg-item-2403_c440a1-fb .kb-svg-icon-wrap{color:#ffffff;font-size:50px;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-single-icon kt-svg-style-default kt-svg-icon-wrap kt-svg-item-2403_c440a1-fb\"><span class=\"kb-svg-icon-wrap kb-svg-icon-fas_info-circle\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"  fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"  aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M256 8C119.043 8 8 119.083 8 256c0 136.997 111.043 248 248 248s248-111.003 248-248C504 119.083 392.957 8 256 8zm0 110c23.196 0 42 18.804 42 42s-18.804 42-42 42-42-18.804-42-42 18.804-42 42-42zm56 254c0 6.627-5.373 12-12 12h-88c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h12v-64h-12c-6.627 0-12-5.373-12-12v-24c0-6.627 5.373-12 12-12h64c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v100h12c6.627 0 12 5.373 12 12v24z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:20px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:15px;}.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_914b37-d7{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f7fafc;}.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7{position:relative;}.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2403_914b37-d7:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_914b37-d7{align-self:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7{align-self:auto;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-row-column-wrap > .kadence-column2403_914b37-d7{align-self:center;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7{align-self:auto;}.kt-inner-column-height-full:not(.kt-has-1-columns) > .wp-block-kadence-column.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}.kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 {overflow:hidden;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_914b37-d7 inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>For info on all this and more, see our blog post on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/blog\/types-of-home-loans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">types of home loans<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will want to be aware, though, that putting anything less than 20% down will likely trigger <a href=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/blog\/private-mortgage-insurance-what-it-is-and-when-you-need-it\/\">private mortgage insurance<\/a> (PMI), which ranges from 0.3%-1.5% of the loan value, and is wrapped into your monthly payment. (As a fun fact, the PMI threshold is actually where the 20% down payment idea originally came from.) Once you\u2019ve paid 20% of the principal of your home\u2019s equity, PMI will typically no longer be charged, though some loans (like FHA loans) do charge PMI for the lifetime of the loan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And in case you were wondering: While you technically can apply for a personal loan to fund your down payment, there\u2019s a fairly narrow range of options for that tactic, and it may make it harder to get a mortgage; the likelihood is that most lenders won\u2019t be eager to approve borrowers applying for a loan on top of a loan. After all, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/blog\/what-is-proof-of-funds-real-estate\/\">Proof of Funds<\/a> is an important part of any mortgage application, and no matter what, it\u2019s always best to bring as much of your own cash as possible to the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Long Does It Take To Save Up For a House?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_f579d9-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_f579d9-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_f579d9-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_f579d9-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_f579d9-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_f579d9-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_f579d9-73{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_f579d9-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_f579d9-73 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_f579d9-73 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id2403_408423-fd > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2403_408423-fd > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_408423-fd > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(40% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(60% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id2403_408423-fd > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_408423-fd > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 2fr) minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_408423-fd > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2403_408423-fd alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-left-golden kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2403_c6f24f-a4 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_c6f24f-a4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_c6f24f-a4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_c6f24f-a4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_c6f24f-a4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_c6f24f-a4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_c6f24f-a4{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_c6f24f-a4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_c6f24f-a4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_c6f24f-a4 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>There\u2019s no set answer as to how long it takes to save up for a house. It depends almost entirely on your circumstances, including how soon you\u2019d like to become a homeowner.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Intuit Mint <a href=\"https:\/\/mint.intuit.com\/blog\/housing\/home-down-payment-savings\/\">calculated<\/a> in 2020 that it takes 4.25 years for the average American household to save for a $54,145 down payment (the national average for a 20% down payment). <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_d25035-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_d25035-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_d25035-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_d25035-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_d25035-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_d25035-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_d25035-96{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_d25035-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_d25035-96 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_d25035-96 inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-image uagb-block-5654f43d wp-block-uagb-image--layout-default wp-block-uagb-image--effect-static wp-block-uagb-image--align-left\"><figure class=\"wp-block-uagb-image__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/42775_Piggy-bank-1024x655.jpg \" src=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/42775_Piggy-bank-1024x655.jpg\" alt=\"How long does it take to save for a house\" class=\"uag-image-2858\" width=\"579\" height=\"370\" title=\"\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, if you\u2019re planning to buy a home with a 3% down payment, that could mean having the funds available in less than a year \u2013 though this varies hugely depending not only on personal lifestyle factors, but on where you live. In areas with a high cost of living and high property prices, it can take much longer; for instance, Intuit Mint estimates that in Hawaii, it takes 9 years to save up for a 20% down payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we\u2019ve discussed above, there are certainly strategies to fast-track your savings. But as a general rule of thumb, the more time you can spend saving, the better \u2013 just for one thing, it can help you save in the long term, since you don\u2019t have to pay interest on money you haven\u2019t borrowed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And as you\u2019ve likely already heard, a home is the largest purchase many of us ever make, so you don\u2019t want to rush into that kind of purchase. You could find not only that you haven\u2019t chosen the best home for you, but that you could have saved a bundle on your mortgage with a bit more planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Questions About Saving For a House<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you start saving for a house, you\u2019ll find yourself constantly asking new questions, but here are some of the most common to start with.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_37ac5d-df > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_37ac5d-df > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_37ac5d-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_37ac5d-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_37ac5d-df > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_37ac5d-df > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_37ac5d-df{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_37ac5d-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_37ac5d-df > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_37ac5d-df inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:10px;}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;background:#f7fafc;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .wp-block-kadence-pane .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-top-left-radius:6px;border-top-right-radius:6px;border-bottom-right-radius:6px;border-bottom-left-radius:6px;background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);font-size:18px;line-height:24px;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;color:#7ab4ba;padding-top:14px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:14px;padding-left:16px;}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#7ab4ba;}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#7ab4ba;}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-header-wrap 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.kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{color:#ffffff;background:#7ab4ba;border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basiccircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclosecircle ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrowcircle ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger{background:#ffffff;}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:after, .kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91:not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-basic ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-xclose ):not( .kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow ) .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active .kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger:before{background:#7ab4ba;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .wp-block-kadence-pane .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible, .kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap{display:block;}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-inner-wrap .kt-accordion-pane:not(:first-child){margin-top:10px;}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-panel-inner{border-top:0px solid transparent;border-right:0px solid transparent;border-bottom:0px solid transparent;border-left:0px solid transparent;}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .wp-block-kadence-pane .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:hover, body:not(.hide-focus-outline) .kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);}.kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header:focus-visible, .kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 .kt-accordion-header-wrap .kt-blocks-accordion-header.kt-accordion-panel-active{border-top:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-right:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-bottom:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);border-left:2px solid var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-accordion alignnone\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-wrap kt-accordion-id2403_d40b74-91 kt-accordion-has-9-panes kt-active-pane-5 kt-accordion-block kt-pane-header-alignment-left kt-accodion-icon-style-arrow kt-accodion-icon-side-right\" style=\"max-width:none\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-inner-wrap\" data-allow-multiple-open=\"false\" data-start-open=\"none\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-6 kt-pane2403_2dd651-6e\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\">What is the average down payment on a house?<\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nar.realtor\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/2021-home-buyers-and-sellers-generational-trends-03-16-2021.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">recent report<\/a> from the National Association of Realtors, the average down payment for a house or condo in the US in 2021 was 12%, but that <a href=\"https:\/\/themortgagereports.com\/60543\/average-down-payment-on-a-house-and-low-down-payment-benefits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">average dropped<\/a> to 10% for homebuyers under 40, and 6% for those under 30.&nbsp; The actual average amount varies wildly depending on where you live. Marketing platform Optimal Blue <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bankrate.com\/mortgages\/average-down-payment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">estimates<\/a> that as of March 2022, the median down payment in California came to $103,000, while the median down payment in Mississippi was $6,982.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-7 kt-pane2403_dc0a11-88\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong>When should I start saving for a house?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>It\u2019s never too late to start saving for your first home \u2013 or too early. Even if you\u2019re not sure yet whether homeownership is for you, it never hurts to start setting funds aside as soon as you start considering the option. Worst case, if you end up not opting to buy a home, now you have some extra money on hand \u2013 maybe you can go on that trip you\u2019d always dreamed of, or can pad your savings, or both.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-8 kt-pane2403_faffd1-92\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong><strong>Can I get assistance with a down payment on a house?<\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>It\u2019s certainly possible to receive assistance with your down payment. Some employers offer down payment assistance in their benefits package, so checking with your workplace is a great place to start. You can also look to government and philanthropic institutions: In addition to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), many state housing finance authorities, city and county governments, and non-profits offer financial assistance \u2013 often in the form of grants, or forgivable zero-interest loans.&nbsp; A number of such programs are geared towards first-time homebuyers and involve income limits, though these aren\u2019t necessarily as low as you might think.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-pane kt-accordion-pane kt-accordion-pane-9 kt-pane2403_42a83d-0b\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-header-wrap\"><button class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-header kt-acccordion-button-label-show\" type=\"button\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title-wrap\"><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-title\"><strong>Other than the down payment, what expenses should I be prepared for?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><span class=\"kt-blocks-accordion-icon-trigger\"><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel kt-accordion-panel-hidden\"><div class=\"kt-accordion-panel-inner\">\n<p>It\u2019s crucial to remember that the down payment isn\u2019t the only thing to save for when you\u2019re planning to buy a home. There are a number of other expenses that can quickly add up \u2013 and moving is stressful enough without being strapped for cash. You\u2019ll want to make sure you have plenty of money set aside not only for the down payment, but for all of the following (and keep in mind that some of these expenses will apply to both your new <em>and <\/em>current home, as you\u2019ll want to leave it in pristine condition to ensure you receive your deposit):&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:20px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:20px;}.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{box-shadow:0px 0px 25px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);border-left:10px solid #7ab4ba;}.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette8, #F7FAFC);}.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b{text-align:left;}.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b{position:relative;}.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b:not(.specificity){margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:10px solid #7ab4ba;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b > .kt-inside-inner-col{border-left:10px solid #7ab4ba;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_dd140d-3b kb-section-dir-vertical inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id2403_26bf86-75 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id2403_26bf86-75 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id2403_26bf86-75 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id2403_26bf86-75 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_26bf86-75 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id2403_26bf86-75 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id2403_26bf86-75 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column2403_b96291-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_b96291-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column2403_b96291-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_b96291-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_b96291-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_b96291-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column2403_b96291-91{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column2403_b96291-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column2403_b96291-91 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_b96291-91 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_c5e1c5-8b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_c5e1c5-8b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_c5e1c5-8b\"]{display:block;font-size:22px;font-weight:900;font-style:normal;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:1px;color:#7ab4ba;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_c5e1c5-8b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_c5e1c5-8b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_c5e1c5-8b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<span class=\"kt-adv-heading2403_c5e1c5-8b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_c5e1c5-8b\">Additional Expenses to plan for:<\/span>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/blog\/what-are-closing-costs\/#:~:text=How%20Much%20are%20Typical%20Closing,the%20%246%2C000%2D%2418%2C000%20range.\">Closing costs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earnest money<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/blog\/who-pays-realtor-fees\/\">Real estate agent fees<\/a> (though these are often included in the home price)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cleaning fees&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appraisal and inspection fees on your new home<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moving costs, including packing, truck rental, and storage space, if applicable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accommodation in between homes, if you think you may need it (and even if you think you won\u2019t)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Painting, maintenance, and repairs on your new and current home<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administrative fees for your mortgage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hoa\/\">Home Owners Association<\/a> fees, if you\u2019ll be moving into a neighborhood with an HOA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pet boarding fees, to make sure your furry friends aren\u2019t underfoot during the move<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All in All &#8211; Buying a Home Requires a Lot of Planning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The common thread of all of this is that buying a home requires a lot of planning. After all, if you have boxes of books to move, you\u2019ll want to have your bookcases assembled before your books arrive, and you\u2019ll want to have your walls painted before your bookcases are assembled, and you\u2019ll want to make sure you love the paint color before you paint the walls\u2026and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of this might seem overwhelming, but just remember that it can all be broken into steps. You might find that, as with the above example, the easiest way is to work backwards, until you reach a point where there\u2019s nothing else that needs to be done before you can get started. And actually, now that you\u2019ve read this post, that\u2019s Step #1 already checked off.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column2403_67b3c0-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.kadence-column2403_67b3c0-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{box-shadow:0px 0px 25px 0px #e5e5e5;}.kadence-column2403_67b3c0-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column2403_67b3c0-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:15px;border-top-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-right-radius:15px;border-bottom-left-radius:15px;}.kadence-column2403_67b3c0-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column2403_67b3c0-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column2403_67b3c0-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column2403_67b3c0-9a > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}.kadence-column2403_67b3c0-9a > 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.kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}.kadence-column2403_fd03e5-e5 {overflow:hidden;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column2403_fd03e5-e5 kb-section-dir-horizontal inner-column-2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_d4a62b-b1, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_d4a62b-b1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_d4a62b-b1\"]{padding-top:10px;margin-top:0px;line-height:19px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_d4a62b-b1 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2403_d4a62b-b1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_d4a62b-b1\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading2403_d4a62b-b1 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2403_d4a62b-b1\">*Mentions of third-party websites and tools are for illustrative purposes only, and does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.khov.com\/\">K. Hovnanian Homes<\/a>. Please use at your own discretion.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If a down payment of any amount sounds like a stretch, stick with us. There are plenty of simple strategies you can employ to start putting money aside today, so that home ownership could be in reach much sooner than you think. Saving for a house can be a daunting task, but it doesn&#8217;t have to be. Follow these steps from our experts at the K. Hov Blog to get started today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2868,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[127,267,12,266],"class_list":["post-2403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying","tag-down-payment","tag-financial","tag-home-buying","tag-saving-for-a-home"],"featured_image_src":"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/45017_Woman-holding-piggy-bank-1600x1024.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"K. 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