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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

3610 E Sumner Place Rimrock, AZ 86335

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,152 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6754467

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gated community 30 minutes south of Sedona, Arizona. Brand New, Never Lived in home with community pool and clubhouse, tennis courts, walking trails, work out facility. Beaver Creek Preserve community features modern luxury with rustic charm, blending in with the natural landscape around. This home is ready for your RV and toys, featuring a 2 car garage plus a 52' in length and 14' width RV Garage, Awesome kitchen, large island, granite countertops, walk-in pantry in your new kitchen, 3 bedrooms plus a den, and a gorgeous primary bathroom. Inside, expansive windows frame panoramic views, while the open-concept layout boasts premium finishes and modern amenities. Outside, a spacious patio invites outdoor living and stunning vistas.

View Property

2008 E Stacey Road Gilbert, AZ 85298

$550,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,959 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728969

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover your beautiful home in this exclusive community! This stunning 3-bedroom plus den residence features breathtaking mountain views, three upgraded bathrooms, and a spacious three-car tandem garage. Inside, enjoy an open-concept living area, a connected kitchen with newer appliances and butlers walk-in pantry, and a versatile den perfect for an office, playroom, or can be made into a 4th bedroom. Primary suite at back of the home for privacy has expanded walk in shower and closet. Step outside to a beautifully landscaped yard and expansive paver patio, ideal for entertaining. Community amenities include parks and walking trails, fostering a vibrant atmosphere.... Special Incentive for the right buyer!!

View Property

1010 W Olson Trail Huachuca City, AZ 85616

$550,000

4 Beds

5 Baths

4,323 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6671963

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Custom Site Built Home with gorgeous mountain views all around. Complete with 9 acres. 4,300 sq/feet, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms,Spacious Kitchen, Game/Media Room,Workshop,Full RV hookups,she- shed and a separate yard shed for all your lawn tools. Easy drive to Tucson, Close to the Sonoita Wineries, Tombstone, Bisbee, and Sierra Vista, this could be the place for you!

View Property

27036 W Sequoia Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$550,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,998 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6774218

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEWLY REMODELED PRESERVE with OWNED SOLAR and WALLED LOT and FURNISHED! You'll fall in love the moment you walk through the door. This home features new wood-grain tile & carpet throughout, fresh interior paint & baseboards. Enjoy a custom-built media wall, new light fixtures, custom drapery & plantation shutters. The living room has a center slider door that enhances the space. The master bath boasts a floor-to-ceiling tile shower. In the kitchen, you'll find S/S appliances, a new microwave, quartz countertops, backsplash & under-counter lighting. The newly remodeled backyard offers beautiful landscaping and turf, an extended travertine patio with a BBQ & Blackstone. Epoxy, storage, sink & workbench in the garage. THIS HOME IS A GEM!

View Property

27524 N Montana Drive Rio Verde, AZ 85263

Open House

$550,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,730 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6751350

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Beautiful turnkey townhome in the gated community of Tonto Verde. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, backing to the beautiful driving range and a short walk to the clubhouse and its amenities. Great room style living with fireplace and walls of windows taking in the backyard views and gorgeous sunsets. Split floor plan with 2 large bedrooms and 2 full baths. Primary bedroom with access to the spacious patio and primary bath with dual vanities, tub, walk in shower and walk in closet. Kitchen with center island and cooktop, breakfast counter and dining that is open to the lush landscaping with floor to ceiling windows. New Interior paint 2024, New roof in 2022, New HVAC in 2020, New Hot water heater in 2022 and New Washer/Dryer in 2020. Oversized 2.5 car garage with golf cart access

View Property

5089 S Louie Lamour Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

Open House

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,670 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777908

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW! Fabulous, FULLY FURNISHED, Turn-Key 3 Bedroom UPDATED HOME with DEN & HEATED POOL plus DOUBLE MOUNTAIN VIEWS of Superstition & Dinosaur Mountains! ***You'll LOVE the HIGH-END UPDATES throughout including....FULL KITCHEN REMODEL with GORGEOUS GRANITE & Cabinets, Plantation Shutters, Complete Updates of BOTH BATHROOMS with Travertine Showers and Granite & more! *** You'll also appreciate and enjoy the QUIET & PRIVATE BACKYARD OASIS with 11,000 Gallon Pool (2012) plus... HVAC (2017), Exterior Paint (2022), PVC Irrigation (2022), Water Softener (2021), Water Heater (2021), Tile Flooring through-out (ZERO CARPET) & More - Must See! *** GOLD CANYON EAST is ... Gold Canyon East is a popular community of 647 homes located in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains. In addition to panoramic mountain views, residents enjoy walking and hiking paths through-out the community and championship golf courses, dining, spa services and more at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort next door!

View Property

11991 N 69th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345

Open House

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,323 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781152

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover a stunning blend of modern elegance and Arizona charm in this fully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home, spanning 2,323 square feet. Every detail of this renovation has been carefully curated for style, comfort, and functionality, creating a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere. The heart of the home unfolds seamlessly as the living room transitions into a private backyard sanctuary through beautiful bifold doors. These doors bring the outdoors in, offering panoramic views of Arizona's endless skies and direct access to a sparkling pool—ideal for relaxation or entertaining. This backyard oasis provides ample space for lounging, al fresco dining, and savoring the tranquility of the Arizona desert.

View Property

930 W Mclean Drive Wickenburg, AZ 85390

Open House

$550,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,022 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780676

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully appointed home, boasting 3 spacious bedrooms (Note: 2 are suites) and 3 bathrooms, with over 2,022 sq. ft. of living space. Perfectly located in the center of town, this home offers easy access to everything Wickenburg has to offer - whether you're looking for a vacation getaway or a year-round residence, this property is ideal. Step into the heart of the home—the kitchen—with custom cabinetry that will truly take your breath away. The open and inviting great room features stunning wood floors and solid custom doors throughout. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed for both beauty and function. Outside, you'll appreciate the convenient pickup-height garage door and the RV gate with ample space for your bus or recreational vehicles. The backyard offers plenty of room for outdoor activities and is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy Arizona's incredible weather. This home is truly a must-see. It combines the comfort, space, and convenience you've been looking for. Don't waithomes like this go fast!

View Property

11674 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

Open House

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,311 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784222

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4 bedroom 2 bathroom single level home featuring a climate controlled 4 car garage with a roll up door pass through to the backyard! Garage also has polyaspartic epoxy flooring, built in workbench, and custom storage shelves. Explore inside to an open layout showcasing wood like tile flooring, plantation shutters, and a custom electric fireplace feature. A remarkable gourmet kitchen with all the upgrades including wood shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances including a gas stove, and a large walk-in pantry. Unwind in the master suite featuring a shiplap accent wall, private bathroom with dual vanities, extra storage cabinets, large walk-in shower and a huge walk-in closet. Enjoy the outdoors in your low maintenance backyard with paver walkways, artificial turf, and an insulated covered patio.Other features include whole house water softener/RO filtration system, tankless water heater, and spray foam insulation. Pre-plumbed to add a sink in the garage, gas line for a bbq in the backyard as well as an outlet for a jacuzzi/hot tub. Lets make this your dream home! (Amazing 2.875% assumable loan also available for Veterans only)

View Property

13202 W Beechwood Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

Open House

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,525 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693377

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful, fully remodeled brick front home on a corner lot in the 55+ community, Sun City West. Gorgeous new flooring throughout this thought out, open floor plan. The kitchen has new white cabinets with a large island for entertaining. The living area has a wet bar with a built-in refrigerator. All 3 BRs have walk-in closets and large enough for King beds with space to spare. The entry has a privacy gate to keep out solicitors and it opens to an impressively large patio. The back yard has another large patio with flourishing citrus trees. There are many extras throughout including plantation shutters, weather shield roller shades for when you travel, extra long garage, plush landscaping, and more. The furnishings are included in so all you have to do is pack your bags and move in!

View Property

9254 E Milagro Avenue Mesa, AZ 85209

Open House

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,924 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780804

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and style in this beautifully remodeled home with extensive landscaping ideally situated on an oversized lot. Citrus trees and privacy hedges create a beautiful and quiet oasis. The home features newer wood-look tile and carpeting throughout. The modern kitchen features sleek white cabinets with stylish hardware, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, making it a chef's dream. Enjoy the spacious owner's bath, complete with a separate shower and tub for your relaxation. The expansive covered patio is perfect for entertaining, featuring a beautiful Pebble-Tec pool, recently remodeled with tile and travertine that promises endless summer fun. The yard offers plenty of space for outdoor activities, with a gate for your convenience.... Located within the vibrant community of Augusta Ranch, you'll have easy access to the golf course and an elementary school right within the subdivision. Don't miss the chance to own this exceptional property that combines elegance with outdoor living at its finest!

View Property

17378 W Pima Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

Open House

$550,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,999 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738856

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller Open to Negotiations of Buyer Concessions! Why wait for new construction? This fully updated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in Goodyear, AZ offers all the modern upgrades you've been searching for! With a new roof (2023) and HVAC system (2014), this home provides peace of mind and modern comfort. The beautifully updated kitchen features sleek quartz countertops, while all bathrooms have been tastefully remodeled for a contemporary feel. Step outside to your private backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling pool and waterfall, newly redone cool decking, a safety gate, and low-maintenance astroturf grass—perfect for families. A downstairs bedroom and full bath make it ideal for guests or multi-generational living. The freshly painted interior and exterior brighten the space, and the 3-car garage provides plenty of room for storage and hobbies. Located in a family-friendly neighborhood with top-rated schools and parks nearby, this home is the perfect blend of style, space, and convenience. This move-in-ready home stands out with its fully upgraded featuresdon't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

View Property