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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19162 S 212th Place Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$578,299

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,648 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778906

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning, brand-new home in the Acclaim at Jorde Farms community! This beautifully designed single-family home features an open floor plan, seamlessly connecting a spacious great room, dining area, and a modern kitchen with granite countertops and a central island. With 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a versatile loft, this home offers plenty of space for every lifestyle. Enjoy the charm of a neighborhood setting with planned walking trails, scenic parks, and a future community pool—a natural gathering place for residents. Conveniently close to golf courses, dining, and shopping. WELCOME HOME!

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21033 E Camina Buena Vista Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$578,065

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,994 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771915

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't Miss Out on this CLOSE OUT & FINAL OPPORTUNITY to own this beautiful inventory home located in desirable Hastings Farms. BELOW MARKET RATES AVAILABLE for Fixed Rate or Rate Buydown for qualified buyers when financing with Builder's preferred Lender(s). Located close to Queen Creek Marketplace Shopping, Dining & Entertainment, this Community has Parks, Soccer Field, Basketball Courts, & 8-Mile Walking trail. This Beautiful home is located across from the park. Beautiful designer finishes including Gas Cooktop, Double Wall Ovens, 42' Upper Cabinets, Quartz Kitchen Countertop, Tiled Backsplash, Plank Tile Flooring & Window Blinds. Don't Wait, Come See This Home Today.

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18176 W Paradise Lane Surprise, AZ 85388

$578,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,230 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760419

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! This Meticulously maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bath home backs to a quiet greenbelt with walking trails giving you privacy while enjoying swimming in the custom pool that features a waterfall or relaxing on the covered patio. Enjoy cooking in the gourmet kitchen which includes cherry cabinets, granite countertops, double oven and all new SS appliances. Cozy up next to the gas fireplace in the great room that features 10' tall ceilings and plantation blinds throughout the house. The large primary bedroom features sliding door access to the patio and pool area, an ensuite bathroom, walk in closet with built-ins. Enjoy the oversized three car garage with built-in cabinets and a large laundry room. New AC/Heater/Water Heater. This home shows like brand new, you wont be disappointed.

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618 E Cleveland Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$578,000

5 Beds

4 Baths

4,141 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748218

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful house in the desired area of San Tan Valley/Queen Creek area. HUGE home with 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, open-floor plan, big loft, large bedroom and full bathroom downstairs, oversized walk-in closet, 3-car garage, large RV gate with enough area for all your toys and storage and a huge backyard to relax. Just minutes away from HWY 60 and Hwy 24 for easy access to your job and the city. This community featuring lots of walking and biking paths, parks and volleyball court, entertainment and much, much more.

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16364 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$577,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,570 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6724796

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Thoughtfully designed 4-bedroom home with 3 baths and 10-foot ceilings. Deluxe master bath with walk-in shower, Gourmet kitchen includes 42-inch upgraded cabinets, and a center-meet slider at kitchen nook, paver driveway, walkway to entrance, laundry sink pre-plumb and an impressive tray ceiling entrance.

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1400 E Orchid Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$577,900

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,237 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751890

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home located in the highly sought-after golf course subdivision. As you step inside, you will be greeted with warm and inviting neutral colors and new flooring/carpet throughout. The spacious family room with a cozy fireplace is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day. Designed with your comfort in mind, this meticulously maintained home offers 4 generous sized bedrooms and a den, providing plenty of space for everyone in the family. Prepare to be amazed by the completely remodeled chef's kitchen featuring brand new cabinets and stunning quartz countertops. With ample cabinet and counter space this kitchen is ideal for hosting dinner parties or simply cooking up a homemade meal. This home has been recently upgraded with new exterior and interior paint, as well as a new vanity in the lower-level bathroom. And for the icing on the cake, a brand new A/C unit has been installed, ensuring comfortable living all year round. But that's not all, as you step outside, you'll find a large and private backyard with a covered patio, perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings with friends and family. Don't miss the opportunity to make this house your new home and experience the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and style. Trust us, you won't want to leave!

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8245 E Quintuplet Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$577,828

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,752 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784443

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6784443 January 2025 Completion! The Imperial floor plan at Hawes Crossing seamlessly combines functionality and style, thoughtfully designed with modern touches to suit your lifestyle. Step through the inviting front porch into a welcoming foyer, where you'll find a powder room and access to the 2-car garage. From here, ascend to the second floor or move into the heart of the home—an open-concept great room, dining area, and kitchen, all connected to a covered outdoor living space ideal for relaxing or entertaining. Upstairs, the home features a luxurious primary suite with a spa-like bath and spacious walk-in closet, three additional bedrooms (two with walk-in closets), a shared bathroom, and an en suite bathroom. This level also boasts a versatile loft and a conveniently located laundry room, making the Imperial both practical and luxuriousyour perfect at-home retreat. Structural options include: gourmet kitchen, paver driveway and walkway.

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21355 E Sparrow Drive Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$577,511

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,185 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6753927

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning home in Ascent at Jorde Farms, featuring numerous upgrades! Inside, you'll find a gourmet kitchen with designer cabinets, quartz countertops, and Whirlpool stainless steel appliances. The open-concept great room is ideal for entertaining. The private primary bedroom has spacious walk-in closet. This house also boasts upgraded paint and flooring, among $75K of other options and upgrades.

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2030 E Duke Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$577,500

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,652 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736889

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This TEMPE Home is in a GREAT LOCATION, Plus NO HOA! It's a Turnkey home! EVERYTHING has been Remodeled with Modern Up-grades! 3 Bedrooms, 2 beautiful modern primary Bath and Guest bath. Large Gathering Room and Huge kitchen! Your buyer will love the Chef's kitchen, Granite Counter's, Double Oven, and Lot's of kitchen storage. No carpet and new windows have custom blinds and shades! 2 Car Garage with garage and a side Service Door. No maintenance Front and a Huge backyard with a Covered Patio! Close to the 101 and 60 freeways. New Roof, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical,Windows, Doors all done in 2022.

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43227 W Caven Drive Maricopa, AZ 85138

$577,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,955 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758139

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Must see this GORGEOUS HACIENDA home located in Pecan Groves, Maricopa's most desirable community! This multi-level floorpan with 5 Beds & 3 Baths + LOFT is accented by soaring ceiling & Travertine Tile! Create an incredible life with this 3,901 Sq ft nestled in the GREAT- The Villages of Rancho El Dorado. CHECK OUT THE SPECTACULAR VIEW of the LAKE and the GREAT AMENITIES as YOU enter the subdivision ! You'll love the beautiful Grand Front Porch! Bright open floor plan w/ separate living room & dining room, Lovely KITCHEN w/ Stunning Granite Counter Tops, S/S Appliances w/ Double Oven, Gas Stove & Dishwasher, S/S French door Refrigerator & Microwave Oven.

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2352 W Willow Breeze Road Chino Valley, AZ 86323

$577,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,512 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728432

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This gorgeous home sits on 3.45 acres of fully fenced property offering breathtaking views from your whole property. The large circular driveway offers more than enough room for parking and guests. The interior of the home is elegantly done, with modern finishes including tile throughout, quartz countertops and a butcher block island. Both bathrooms are well finished with tile and upgraded vanities. The large patio is a perfect place for entertaining or just enjoying the amazing views. The property also features is a large detached shop as well as being equipped for horses and other livestock with stables, tack shed and separately fenced portions of the property. Brand new roof!

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3536 N Snead Drive Goodyear, AZ 85395

$577,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,466 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748270

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully updated home + casita w/ full bath surrounded by a private backyard oasis featuring multiple entertaining areas, covered patio & gorgeous water feature. Charming courtyard entrance with pavers. Elegant Great Rm with vaulted ceilings & French doors to patio, game table or dining area & entertainment area with media cabinet. Rich wood cabinets, granite counters, stylish tile backsplash, SS appliances incl gas stove (new in 2012), portable prep-bar, walk in pantry & breakfast bar. The primary suite offers a cozy sitting area, patio access, bathroom with dual sinks, shower & walk-in closet. Addtl guest bdrm, full bath, home office/den. Travertine tile throughout home. Re-imagined laundry/craft room with extra storage. GORGEOUS HOME!

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