As a real estate agent, I’ve seen so many people struggle to save for a house, not because they aren't invested, but because they just don’t know how. Here's a step-by-step guide to kickstart your journey to homeownership. Don't forget to save this post for future reference!
01) Understand Your Financial Standpoint
Use budgeting apps like Mint or 'You Need a Budget' to track your income and expenses. Determine what you can afford to set aside for your housing expenses each month. A helpful guideline is the 28/36 rule - no more than 28% of your monthly income should go to housing costs, and total debt payments shouldn't exceed 36% of your income.
02) Save for a Down Payment
Open a high-yield savings account and set up automatic monthly transfers to start building your "house fund." Consistent, automatic contributions are the secret to growing this fund. As of July 2023, some high-yield savings accounts offer nearly 5% interest rates, but remember rates can vary.
03) Practice Good Cre...