Buying a Home This Autumn? 4 Unconventional Ways to Save up for Your Down Payment

Autumn is a popular time for new home buyers to start looking for their first house or condo. But with that down payment looming, everybody could use a bit of help saving up to make that bulk payment a little less intimidating.

There are plenty of unconventional ways to save up that may seem small, but will quickly add up and put a dent into that down payment.

Create A High Interest Savings Account

Talk to the bank about creating a secondary savings account with a higher interest rate. These super savings accounts usually come with the caveat that no money can be removed for a designated period of time. Using this account for the down payment works in everybody’s favor because it guarantees those extra dollars cannot be used for any other purpose.

Discard One Guilty Pleasure

Enjoy Starbucks coffee? Grab a pint every happy hour? Choose one vice and put the amount that would be spent on it into a jar. Most people will be surprised on how much money they spend each month on one guilty pleasure that can easily be cut out of their life. Every perk that’s cut will increase the amount by a decent margin.

Put Away Any Bonus Money

Holiday bonuses from work, tax refunds, birthday or Christmas presents, income from side gigs, any and all extra dollars that come in from any source outside of the main paycheck should be considered ‘down payment dollars.’ Sure it’s tempting to use that nice bonus or tax refund on a weekend trip or a night out, but all extra income should be saved away for that initial down payment.

Bring On The Roommates

People who already own a home and are looking to relocate can take this unconventional approach. Decent housing is hard to find so anybody with an extra room can rent it out and put that money towards the new house. Having a roommate can be a pain, but it’s for a limited time and can add up quickly.

While saving for a down payment can be stressful, you don’t have to go through the process alone. I’d be happy to guide you and provide some helpful tips for how to make that down payment without breaking the bank. I’ve seen countless couples go through the same thing and my experience can make a world of difference for you.  Give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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4259 W Jasper Drive Chandler, AZ 85226

$605,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,272 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766947

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This diamond in the rough 3-bedroom, with an office that can be made into a 4th bedroom 2-bathroom, with a powder room and a pool in Chandler is waiting for your updates! The well-maintained property offers comfortable living spaces, a functional layout, and a convenient location just minutes from shopping centers, the 10 & 101 freeways, and the airport. This is the perfect opportunity to own a home in a vibrant and accessible community.

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4407 E Gold Poppy Way Phoenix, AZ 85044

$605,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,432 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748634

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW CARPET IN BEDROOMS just installed! Welcome to Mountain Ranch Estates, where this beautifully upgraded 2-story home offers the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 full baths, this residence is designed for modern living. Enjoy the elegance of plantation shutters throughout, adding a touch of timeless sophistication. The gourmet kitchen and living areas have been recently updated, creating a fresh and contemporary atmosphere. The home boasts a 3-car garage, ideal for extra storage or a workshop. Step outside to your private oasis with a sparkling pool, perfect for Arizona summers. Situated in one of the few Ahwatukee neighborhoods with natural gas, this home is a rare find.

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5993 S Rockwell Court Gilbert, AZ 85298

$605,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,348 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748295

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome this beautiful home in the highly sought-after Shamrock Estates! This single-story home is perfectly situated on a premium oversized lot that offers an abundance of privacy, backing up to a serene greenbelt. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac street with a small community park right behind, this home provides a peaceful and family-friendly environment. Boasting 2,348 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home includes a versatile den, perfect for a home office or additional guest room. The open great room layout is ideal for entertaining, featuring stunning granite countertops, upgraded cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. The low-maintenance backyard is perfect for relaxation and play, with a combination of pavers and grass. Located in a desirable neighborhood, Shamrock Estates is known for its excellent community atmosphere and proximity to top-rated schools, including Chandler Traditional Academy. Amenities include children's play area, basketball and volleyball courts, BBQ area and walking paths throughout the community. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this exceptional home in one of the best locations in the area.

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9510 W Menadota Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$605,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,147 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754942

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

REDUCED ANOTHER 10K Bring offers! I'm beautiful inside! Pride of ownership! Amazing 2+2 updated home in the adult 45+ community of Westbrook Village. 2147 SF home with a huge low maintenance yard. The kitchen, bathrooms and flooring were all updated in 2016. Roof was replaced in 2022. Garage door opener 2023. Water heater 2021. New air conditioning 2018. Front patio tile in 2024. Low monthly HOA of 64.70 for loads of ammenities. 2 clubhouses and pools. Tennis and Pickleball. 2 restarants with bars. Golf course community. Some of the furniture and decorator items can be purchased on a seperate bill of sale. Close to all shopping and restaurants. This will not last long!

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27167 W Marco Polo Road Buckeye, AZ 85396

Open House

$605,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,332 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786340

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

GOLF COURSE LOT with excellent view of #4 green. Furniture available outside of Escrow. 2332 square feet with casita, 3 bedrooms + den that is set up as a bedroom. This Destiny model shows like a new model, 1 owner and lived in less than 6 months a year. Elevated view of the 4th green with the beautiful White Tanks in the background. Very private patio with cart path on the other side. Must see document section for details on upgrades.

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944 S Grand -- Mesa, AZ 85210

$604,999

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,711 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766857

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning custom-built Mesa home will impress from the moment you enter. With 5-bedrooms with 2 full baths and 2 half baths, this home offers an exceptional living experience. The spacious interior boasts soaring ceilings, a gourmet chef's kitchen, and abundant natural light throughout. The primary suite, conveniently located on the main floor, features an en-suite bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. Upstairs, you'll find four additional guest bedrooms, one of which includes a private powder room and a large balcony that overlooks the beautifully landscaped backyard. Outside you'll discover your own private oasis, complete with a sparkling pool w/ a grotto. The oversized Ramada with a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen sets the stage for unforgettable memories. No HOA, with an RV gate! unforgettable gatherings. With an RV gate and no HOA, this property offers both convenience and freedom.

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2410 N 40th Street Street Phoenix, AZ 85008

$604,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,999 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776591

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Arcadia-lite living at an affordable price. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home sits on a large lot near the great shops and restaurants of Arcadia. This mostly remodeled home--including a new AC--features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and new flooring throughout most of the common areas. In addition to the main home, there is a fully furnished 196 square foot office/studio with electricity and AC overlooking the pool and back yard. The one-car garage is equipped with a TESLA home charger on a dedicated breaker. Professionally installed turf and pavers are in the front yard and pool area.

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1291 W Treasure Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$604,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,432 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750806

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. The Avelino floor plan offers a refined single-story design with four bedrooms, including an AllGen suite, and a spacious flex area ideal for an office, TV room, or study. Featuring front yard landscaping, this home will be ready for occupancy in October or November. Conveniently situated near community parks, grocery stores, and dining options.

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32000 N 117th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$604,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,921 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754803

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

It's the Clover with 3 bedrooms + flex space to use as you wish, 2 baths. This home has a large walk-in shower at owner's bath with tile surrounds. Multi slide door that leads out to the covered patio. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 36'' cooktop, wall oven and glass canopy hood. Maple linen-off white cabinets with 42'' uppers in kitchen with pull out trash drawers. AZT Steel gray granite in kitchen and much more. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 3. Estimated completion April. PHOTOS IN THIS LISTING ARE OF THE CLOVER MODEL HOME.

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16430 W Desert Mirage Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$604,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,623 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754292

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's the stunning Topaz - 4 bedrooms with walk in closets + study and 3 full baths. Plenty of counter space and large walk in pantry. Pavers at drive, walk and entry. Large extended covered patio. Beautiful kitchen includes gas appliance package with stainless steel 30'' cooktop, wall oven and hood. Sonoma maple ''Linen-off white) cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers with pull out trash drawer. AZT Tawny quartz countertops at kitchen. Black single bowl under mount sink. Upgrade flooring includes Beaumont Olmo 7x24 plank tile with 5'' baseboards and 3 1/4'' door casings throughout. Two tone interior ''Great Gray'' paint throughout. 8' tall garage doors and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent. Thank you!

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37645 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$604,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,652 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697374

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing luxury living, embrace the opulence of a new home previously exclusive to Scottsdale and the East Valley. Experience the versatility of our Flagstaff plan, featuring the Extra Suite Plus - a dedicated space ideal for multi-generational living! Your gourmet kitchen boasts stacked cabinetry, double ovens, and a gas cooktop. Relax in your spacious Spa Shower, entertain on the patio, or use the FOUR CAR GARAGE for all your toys! With 10ft ceilings, 8ft doors, and 8,750 sq ft homesites, K. Hovnanian Homes stands out! Move in by late summer and start your luxurious lifestyle! ^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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3294 E Saddletree Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$604,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,649 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6766622

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Wales Ranch! San Tan Valley's newest master planned community with a wealth of amenities to enjoy. Conveniently located with easy access to great local attractions and amenities, including shopping and dining at Queen Creek Marketplace, outdoor recreation at San Tan Regional Park, fresh produce at Schnepf Farms and popular sites such as Queen Creek Olive Mill. A copy of the public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate's website.

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