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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4037 E Marshall Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85297

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,980 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774788

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss this single level 4 bedroom home in the desirable Power Ranch neighborhood in Gilbert. This home has been lovingly taken care of and upgraded throughout. Enjoy summer days in the sparkling pool and beautifully landscaped backyard. Power Ranch neighborhood offers gorgeous parks, community pools, and walking/biking trails. Located in Higley Unified School district with highly rated schools. You will love everything about this home and neighborhood.

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4518 E Ivanhoe Street Gilbert, AZ 85295

$560,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,426 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776195

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2 Car garage w/ Huge backyard, Full of potential! Situated in a sought-after area of Gilbert, this property features a spacious layout with plenty of room for family living and entertaining. While it hasn't been updated, its solid structure and care make it an excellent canvas for your personal touches. Enjoy the convenience of nearby schools, parks, and local amenities in this friendly neighborhood. Being sold as-is, this home offers a unique opportunity for buyers ready to invest in their vision. Don't miss the chance to turn this well-kept house into your dream home!

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5028 E Roy Rogers Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

New

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,227 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779786

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss out on this updated home in Tatum Ranch on a quiet street. Home has a brand new roof, fresh paint on interior and exterior, hardwood flooring throughout, renovated bathrooms, new lighting, new Anderson windows, new landscaping in front yard, new drip system, added a BBQ Grill, R/O system, new blinds in each room, epoxy garage floor and so much more! Home is in meticulous condition, and perfect for the second home located so close to North Scottsdale shopping, horse back riding barns, Mayo Clinic, Desert Ridge, and 101 freeway access. Charming backyard has built-in gas BBQ Island, and firepit. Office/Den is the perfect size to make a 3rd bedroom if needed. Inquire about costs, we have a plan all ready for you! Ready for you to move into!

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7637 N 46th Drive Glendale, AZ 85301

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,757 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777823

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your new home! A beautiful secluded neighborhood in the heart of the city with NO HOA. The home offers endless potential with many updates such as: an open kitchen, cabinets, countertops, SS appliances, tile, baseboards, fresh interior paint, and so much more. You will fall in love with the ATRIUM in the middle of the home. Come fall in love with this property! It also offers a private pool and an Arizona room to cool off in the warm summer days. The property boasts a three car garage with plenty of space for the family!

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22364 N 67th Drive Glendale, AZ 85310

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,601 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781784

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful single-story home in the desirable Hillcrest neighborhood! This home offers great curb appeal with lush green grass, beautifully designed paver walkways and an inviting patio. Every detail thoughtfully designed, from the granite countertops and large format tile flooring to fresh interior paint and contemporary window shades. This home offers a bright and airy feel with a spacious open great room floor plan, vaulted ceilings, and a split layout offering a private primary suite. There are three generously sized bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms. Located in a prime neighborhood, this home is within walking distance of schools, easy freeway access, shopping and a large community park just around the corner. The backyard is ideal for gatherings, with vibrant green grass, a covered patio for al fresco dining, and an RV gate offering extra storage and accessibility. Don't miss out on this exceptional, move-in ready home!

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19895 W Annika Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$560,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,605 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780287

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fantastic two-story home in Canyon Views! Sits on a corner lot, this beauty offers 4 beds, 3.5 baths, RV gate, & a 2-car garage w/paver driveway. Fabulous interior showcases tons of natural light, plantation shutters, neutral paint, and tasteful flooring - tile & plush carpet. You'll LOVE the formal living room and the open-concept family room w/high ceiling! The kitchen boasts SS appliances, granite counters, tile backsplash, recessed lighting, wood cabinetry, a pantry, and an island w/breakfast bar. Large main bedroom is downstairs, offering an ensuite with dual sinks & a walk-in closet. A versatile loft awaits upstairs, along with the other bedrooms. Check out the spacious backyard, featuring a covered patio! With room for a pool, you can make it a complete outdoor oasis. Welcome home!

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4532 E White Aster Street Phoenix, AZ 85044

$560,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,682 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6777443

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This beautifully remodeled 1,690 sq ft residence features 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. The open concept layout seamlessly connects the living room, dining area, and updated kitchen, which boasts custom cabinetry with slide-outs, a state-of-the-art induction range, and a quiet dishwasher, all highlighted by elegant Dekton countertops. Newly upgraded fixtures throughout the home, shutters & both bathrooms upgraded as well. Step through the French doors to a covered patio with a bead board ceiling and custom BBQ area adorned with Italian tile, large propane fireplace & open to a stunning propane gas-heated pool and spa, newly renovated in 2024. Enjoy the comfort of an electric air conditioning system, replaced in 2019. All well maintained and move-in ready. The two-car garage offers ample storage with cabinets and professional flooring. The primary suite features a bay window and walk-in closet, while versatile bedrooms include a fourth room that can serve as a den or office. Both bathrooms have been stylishly remodeled, and the front yard showcases drought-tolerant landscaping. This charming home perfectly blends modern amenities with inviting outdoor spaces!

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11265 E Ocaso Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,711 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6785988

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Home, sweet home! This gorgeous fully furnished residence in Sunland Springs is looking for its new owners! Featuring a split floor plan w/ beautiful mountain views from the front patio, low-care landscape, and a 2 car garage plus a golf cart garage! Discover a spacious great room w/tall ceilings, plantation shutters, and neutral palette throughout. The stunning eat-in kitchen is comprised of modern wood cabinetry w/crown moulding, quartz counters, a walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances, pendant & recessed lighting, a charming island, and a peninsula w/a breakfast bar. You'll love the primary bedroom, showcasing soft carpet, a walk-in closet, and a private ensuite w/dual sinks. Double doors open up to a sizeable den, ideal for an office. Walking distance to nearby amenities! Also including a quaint backyard w/a covered patio and extended paver seating area, this home has it all! Act now before it's gone!

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26059 S 202nd Street Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,261 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783011

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

NEW AC! NEW METAL ROOF! Don't miss this opportunity to own a charming horse property nestled in the heart of Queen Creek! Start your day by savoring your morning coffee on the cozy front porch. The lovely interior is adorned with vaulted ceilings, brick wall accents, an exposed beam, wood-style flooring, and a welcoming living room. The eat-in kitchen is fully equipped with a mosaic tile backsplash, white cabinetry with crown molding, and an island with a breakfast bar. Relax in the main retreat with a sliding door closet and an ensuite. This home has room for all your horses, toys, RV (with private extra panel for hook up) or build a shop. This property will not disappoint with all the options that are included. These options include a super upgraded private above-ground pool, several stalls, storage areas, a covered hay storage area, a tack room, a wash rack, and a riding arena. You can also ride on the city of Queen Creek trails or be at the Queen Creek equestrian facility in minutes. Act now!

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16946 W Holly Street Goodyear, AZ 85395

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,780 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772107

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Immaculate-upgraded, elegant 1780 SF,2 BR/2BA + den [or other use] Lago floorplan . Robson 55+ community - beautifully maintained. MASTER BR/BA with walk-in closet w/built-ins, magnificent walk-in shower (no steps), dual sinks, separate water closet, stylish wood cabinetry. Ceiling Fans, Quartz countertops throughout. 20'' tile everywhere except 2 bedrooms which are Hickory Hardwood floors. KITCHEN features breakfast bar w/pendant lights, Backsplash, Coffee station area, Pantry. GE Profile French Door refrigerator/freezer - all stainless appliances/GE. DINING ROOM. with access to patio. GREAT ROOM concept. Owned Soft water system. GARAGE- epoxy floors, built-in cabinets. Owners have access to both Tuscany & Eagles Nest (across street) restaurants and facilities. See MORE for HOA See HOA Addendum with costs - Exterior Blanket insurance, Roof repair/replace, exterior maintenance, front yard plants/maintenance, Pest Control, Club House, Tennis, Pickleball, Guarded gate, Fitness, Restaurants, dog park, and more.

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12910 W Rampart Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$560,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,166 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780993

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Shows like a model! Prepare to be impressed with the tasteful upgrades of this pristine Castillo model. Residing in a peaceful cul-de-sac, the welcoming courtyard invites you into the living room where you'll notice the high ceilings, recessed lighting, and wood-look laminate flooring that runs throughout most of the home. The kitchen is a showstopper, featuring sleek quartz countertops, abundant wood cabinetry, a stylish backsplash, and modern stainless-steel appliances. As if that weren't enough, there's a bright and cozy sunroom where you can soak up Arizona's beautiful weather, complete with dual-pane windows for comfort. The main bedroom is your personal retreat, offering sliding doors to a private courtyard for effortless indoor-outdoor living, not one but multiple spacious walk-in shower. Step outside to your newly updated backyard oasis! It's the perfect blend of style and function, with a spacious open patio, a charming gazebo, practical storage sheds, lush artificial turf, and even a tranquil water feature.

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18926 N 259th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$560,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,907 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769286

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Haven model comes furnished with a heated pool, solar and a lot more. Located on the mountain side of Sun City Festival, the area's premier 55+ active adult community, you can move right in and start enjoying a vibrant lifestyle with incredible amenities. This home features well over $200,000 in furnishings, builder, and homeowner upgrades. It's 1,907 sf includes 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and a den. Interior upgrades include French doors with sidelights at the den, a built-in entertainment unit, 8-foot doors, SS gas cooktop, upgraded charcoal-colored cabinets, granite, fixtures, lighting and electrical. The back patio includes roll-down sunshades and awnings. The side patio features a wall, gate, and pergola. The tandem garage includes built-in shelving, epoxy floors and soft water system.

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