What To Save for When Buying a Home

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Knowing what to budget for when buying a home may feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the costs you may encounter upfront, you can take control of the process.

Here are just a few things experts say you should be thinking about as you plan ahead.

1. Down Payment

Saving for your down payment is likely top of mind. But how much do you really need? A common misconception is that you have to put down 20% of the purchase price. But that’s not necessarily the case. Unless it’s specified by your loan type or lender, you don’t have to. There are some home loan options that require as little as 3.5% or even 0% down. An article from The Mortgage Reports explains:

“The amount you need to put down will depend on a variety of factors, including the loan type and your financial goals. If you don’t have a large down payment saved up, don’t worry—there are plenty of options available . . .”

A trusted lender will go over the various loan types with you, any down payment requirements on those, and down payment assistance programs you may qualify for. The more you know ahead of time, the easier the process will be. And the key to getting the information you need is working with a pro to see what’ll work best for your situation.

2. Closing Costs

Make sure you also budget for closing costs, which are a collection of fees and payments made to the various parties involved in your transaction. Bankrate explains:

“Mortgage closing costs are the fees associated with buying a home that you must pay on closing day. Closing costs typically range from 2 to 5 percent of the total loan amount, and they include fees for the appraisal, title insurance and origination and underwriting of the loan.”

When it comes to closing costs, a trusted lender can guide you through specifics and answer any questions you may have. They can also give you a better idea of how much you should be prepared to pay so you can cruise through your closing with confidence.

And as you plan ahead for closing day, be sure to budget for your real estate agent’s professional service fee too, in case the seller doesn’t cover it. But don’t worry, you’ll work with your agent ahead of time to agree on what this is, so you won’t be surprised at the finish line.

3. Earnest Money Deposit

And if you want to cover all your bases, you can also consider saving for an earnest money deposit (EMD). According to Realtor.com, an EMD is typically between 1% and 2% of the total home price and is money you pay as a show of good faith when you make an offer on a house.

But, it’s not an added expense. Instead, it works like a credit and goes toward some of your upfront costs. You’re simply using some of the money you’ve already saved for your purchase to show the seller you’re committed and serious about buying their house. Realtor.com describes how it works as part of your sale:

It tells the real estate seller you’re in earnest as a buyer . . . Assuming that all goes well and the buyer’s good-faith offer is accepted by the seller, the earnest money funds go toward the down payment and closing costs. In effect, earnest money is just paying more of the down payment and closing costs upfront.”

Keep in mind, this isn’t required, and it doesn’t guarantee your offer will be accepted. It’s important to work with a real estate advisor to understand what’s best for your situation and any specific requirements in your local area. They’ll advise you on what moves you should make so you can make the best possible decisions throughout the buying process.

Bottom Line

The key to a successful homebuying savings strategy? Being informed about what you need to save for. Because, when you understand what to expect, you can plan ahead. With an expert agent and a trusted lender, you’ll have the information you need to move forward with confidence.

 

Ready to start your homebuying journey?

 

With our VIP Buyer Experience, you’ll gain exclusive access to personalized services, expert guidance, and top-tier resources to make your purchase seamless and stress-free. Let us help you find the perfect home while saving you time and money. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step toward your dream home!

 

Why we’re different: Learn More About Us

 

At Stivaletta Properties, we’re passionate about helping you achieve your homeownership goals. Our team of experienced agents is dedicated to providing exceptional service and tailored support throughout your journey. Want to know more about who we are and what sets us apart? Visit our About Us page to meet our team and learn how we can help you succeed in today’s real estate market.

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About the Author
Adam Stivaletta
ABOUT: When it comes to real estate Adam brings the full package to the table. Known for his extensive experience in the field and fierce work ethic, the biggest characteristic that sets Adam apart and the reason people choose him to sell or buy their house is his ability to advise, guide, and deliver! He will strive to understand your needs and fulfill them with unmatched loyalty and execution. Adam has built a reputation as one of the most highly effective and versatile agents in the field. He is client driven and results focused 100% of the way.

CREDIBILITY: Adam sells on average over 30 homes a year serving both buyers and sellers and in recent times has been recognized as one of the top 1.5% of agents in the United States by Real Trends, has ranked #9 in New England for listings sold at Keller Williams along with various other categories, has been the recipient of National Awards every year since his rookie year, and has been featured in USA Today.