In recognition of June as American Housing Month
West Plains, Mo. — When considering buying a home, the down payment you put upfront plays a major role in your future housing expenses. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the amount you save can greatly influence your interest rate, monthly housing payment, and your need for mortgage insurance. As you prepare for the home-buying process, West Plains Bank and Trust Company is highlighting six tips to help you cut the extra costs and save a substantial amount for your down payment.
“Typically, lenders require anywhere between 5 and 20 percent of a home’s purchase value as down payment, but the more money you can put down, the better off you’ll be,” said David M. Gohn, President/Chief Executive Officer. “By responsibly managing your spending and allocating extra cash to a savings account, you will be on the right track towards saving for your home purchase.”
The following tips can help prospective home-buyers save for a down payment:
- Develop a budget & timeline. Start by determining how much you’ll need for a down payment. Create a budget and calculate how much you can realistically save each month – that will help you gauge when you’ll be ready to transition from renter to homeowner.
- Establish a separate savings account. Set up a separate savings account exclusively for your down payment and make your monthly contributions automatic. By keeping this money separate, you’ll be less likely to tap into it when you’re tight on cash.
- Shop around to reduce major monthly expenses. It’s a good idea to check rates for your car insurance, renter’s insurance, health insurance, cable, Internet, or cell phone plan. There may be deals or promotions available that allow you to save hundreds of dollars by adjusting your contracts.
- Monitor your spending. With online banking, keeping an eye on your spending is easier than ever. Track where most of your discretionary income is going. Identify areas where you could cut back (e.g. nice meals out, vacations, etc.) and instead put that money into savings.
- Look into local home-buying programs. West Plains Bank and Trust Company offers local financing with programs for first-time homebuyers, which offer potential housing discounts.
- Celebrate savings milestones. Saving enough for a down payment can be daunting. To avoid getting discouraged, break it up into smaller goals and reward yourself when you reach each one. If you need to save $30,000 total, consider treating yourself to a nice meal every $5,000 saved. This will help you stay motivated throughout the process.
West Plains Bank and Trust Company opened its doors to customers in 1883 and is the oldest continually operating business in the area. Assets have grown to more than $625 Million. The bank has branch locations in West Plains, Mountain View, Willow Springs and Houston, Mo., and a loan production office in Mountain Home, Ark.
