How Fast Can You Save for a Down Payment?

How Fast Can You Save for a Down Payment? | Simplifying The Market

Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for a first-time homebuyer. Depending on where you live, median income, median rents, and home prices all vary. So, we set out to find out how long would it take you to save for a down payment in each state?

Using data from the United States Census Bureau and Zillow, we determined how long it would take, nationwide, for a first-time buyer to save enough money for a down payment on their dream home. There is a long-standing ‘rule’ that a household should not pay more than 28% of their income on their monthly housing expense.

By determining the percentage of income spent renting a 2-bedroom apartment in each state, and the amount needed for a 10% down payment, we were able to establish how long (in years) it would take for an average resident to save enough money to buy a home of their own.

According to the data, residents in Iowa can save for a down payment the quickest in just under 2 years (1.99). Below is a map created using the data for each state:

How Fast Can You Save for a Down Payment? | Simplifying The Market

What if you only needed to save 3%?

What if you were able to take advantage of one of Freddie Mac’s or Fannie Mae’s 3% down programs? Suddenly, saving for a down payment no longer takes 5 or 10 years, but becomes attainable in a year or two in many states as shown in the map below.

How Fast Can You Save for a Down Payment? | Simplifying The Market

Bottom Line

Whether you have just started to save for a down payment, or have been saving for years, you may be closer to your dream home than you think! Let’s meet up so I can help you evaluate your ability to buy today – give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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9951 S Centennial Road Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$652,990
4 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,344 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6750717
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 Casoria floor plan presents a sophisticated two-story layout featuring four bedrooms, an upstairs loft, and a versatile flex space perfect for an office, TV room, or study. Enhanced by professionally landscaped front yard, this home will be ready for occupancy in October or November. Ideally situated near community parks, grocery stores, and a variety of restaurants.

2114 E Escuda Road Phoenix, AZ 85024

$652,400
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,580 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6656083
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this well maintained home in the highly coveted Mountain Cove subdivision. Rare 4 bed/3 full bath floor plan in a prime North Phoenix location with beautiful mountain views, N/S exposure, friendly neighborhood ambiance and no HOA. You'll love the soaring vaulted ceilings upon entry and in the formal living and dining areas. The kitchen, complete with upgraded cabinetry, granite counters and a spacious island, seamlessly flows into a second living area with a custom fireplace. Lower level hosts one bedroom and full bath, along with an office featuring a built in workstation that can easily be converted to a 5th bedroom. Upstairs you'll find a bonus loft area. The upstairs primary suite features a balcony for enjoying the scenic views. Step outside to a low maintenance backyard, covered patio and built in BBQ for relaxation and entertaining. New roof March '24. Don't miss this opportunity to live in close proximity to the 51, 101 and I-17 freeways. Enjoy everything that Desert Ridge, High Street and Scottsdale has to offer. Close to hiking trails and in the Paradise Valley School District.

16881 W Merrell Street Goodyear, AZ 85395

$652,400
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,903 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6748944
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Prepare to be pleased as you drive up to this highly upgraded Villa! Beginning with the beautiful iron gate at the entrance of the home. Builder options and upgrades of $130,000 + another $30,00 in owner upgrades after construction! The fine details of the home include but are not limited to: Stone Creek Library media wall, Dagr Design Entertainment center, painted by AZ Concepts, fireplace, Shelf theory pull out drawers. Premier lighting, Neil' s garage cabinets, overhead garage storage rack, which were all owner upgrades after construction. Options and upgrades by the builder are too numerous to list but are available upon request. This is a ''MUST VIEW'' Villa! Once you experience the ''FEEL'' when you enter this home you won't want to leave!!

19797 S 231st Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$651,441
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,195 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6583797
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
GORGEOUS GREAT ROOM PLAN, GOURMET KITCHEN LAYOUT, SPA SHOWER IN THE PRIMARY, WHITE CABINETS WITH CONTRASTING BLACK HARDWARE, PLANK TILE FLOORS EVERYWHERE, EXCEPT THE BEDROOMS,UPGRADED GRANITE TOPS AND TILE BACKSPLASH., FANS BLINDS INCLUDED,PAVER DRIVE AND WALKWAY AND MORE.. TASTEFUL TOUCHES THROUGHUT THIS HOME!! ALL THIS IN BEAUTIFUL BARNEY FARMS, WHICH OFFERS A 22 ACRE LAKE THAT IS THE CENTERPEICE OF THIS COMMUNITY SURROUNDED BY GREEN PARKS, WALKING TRAILS AROUND THE LAKE WITH BENCHES AND RAMADAS TO ENJOY THE VIEW. PICKLE BALL, BOCCE BALL, LARGE BARN CLUBHOUSE WITH OUTDOOR SEATING OVERLOOKING THE LAKE. 16 SEER RATING ENERGY STAR HOME! ''KMB K-6 School. THIS HOME AND COMMUNITY IS WORTH A VISIT!!

17147 W Hackmore Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$651,223
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,665 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6771831
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
MLS#6771831 January Completion! Welcome to the Everglade at Asanta Passage. Step through the porch into the welcoming foyer. On one side, you'll find three bedrooms and a shared bathroom, while across the foyer lies a laundry room, an additional bedroom with its own bathroom, and access to the two-car garage. Continue through the home to discover stunning open-concept living, where the great room effortlessly flows into the casual dining area, kitchen with an island, and covered outdoor living—ideal for entertaining. The tucked-away primary suite offers a peaceful retreat, featuring a spa-inspired bathroom and a spacious walk-in closet. Structural options include: super shower, gourmet kitchen, paver front porch, 12'x8' sliding glass door, garage service door & study in lieu of bed 2.

5745 S 129th Avenue Tolleson, AZ 85353

$650,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,563 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6624504
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful horse property with 6 horse stalls available, 3/4 of an acre of land, square shaped lot, and irrigation rights. The home also features tile throughout the home (no carpet) and granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms! A new AC was installed in 2022 and a new roof was installed in 2021. The property also features multiple entrances for vehicles, a storage shed, and mature trees. The home has been recently painted, interior and exterior. The kitchen also has a gas hook up for a gas range. Come check out this amazing opportunity and see all the potential this property has!

14125 W Vía Tercero -- Sun City West, AZ 85375

$650,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
2,179 SqFt
Status Active Under Contract
MLS # 6699712
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this remodeled Sedona on the 3 hole of Deer Valley Golf Course in the Del Webb community of Sun City West. The evening and morning views are stunning. 2179 sq ft. Home is offering someone a very tastefully remodel with all the latest and greatest touches. Tile floors 50 by 24 inches large 5 inch baseboards, Freshly Painted - New Kitchen Aid Appliances. Shutters through out. Updated Patios both front and Back. Updated bathrooms with counter tops and new high toilets. Home has been painted through out inside. All new drapes all new carpets. New screen doors on front and back patios. This home offers the purchaser a chance to arrive with their belongings and enjoy the Views and the great remodel with just personalizing it for themselves.

5019 W Augusta Circle Glendale, AZ 85308

$650,000 - 4Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Bellair 3, Glendale
New
$650,000
4 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,563 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6789303
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home in Glendale, AZ, located in the sought-after Bellair Community. This home shines with meticulous updates, including a fully remodeled kitchen with custom cabinets, a large island, hidden trash/recycling, and appliance storage. Enjoy a cozy family room with a fireplace, pre-wired surround sound, and elegant custom railing. The large corner lot offers access to incredible HOA amenities such as 4 pools, sports courts, RV storage, a golf course, and a clubhouse. Bonus: a custom doghouse under the stairs and a laundry chute for added charm and convenience. This home features extensive upgrades, ensuring modern comfort and efficiency. All electrical systems have been updated, including LED lighting throughout, ceiling fans, and dedicated circuits for the porch, kitchen island, and garage. Enjoy custom lighting in the family room and under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen. Plumbing updates include new bathroom shower valves, a whole-house water filtration loop, and an R.O. system to the icemaker. The primary and secondary bathrooms have been completely remodeled, along with the utility room featuring a new laundry chute, storage, and shelving. The kitchen remodel boasts stainless appliances, pull-out shelves, and a stunning custom backsplash. The den features a revamped fireplace with low-voltage wiring and LED lighting. Flooring updates include matching porcelain tile downstairs and luxury vinyl plank upstairs. HVAC upgrades include a zoned system for optimal comfort, LEED-compliant ductwork, and Wi-Fi thermostats. The exterior of the home includes new double-pane windows, freshly painted siding, and new exterior doors. Insulation has been upgraded throughout for energy efficiency, along with solar vents for improved ventilation. The property's roof, chimney, and porch roof have been recently inspected and maintained. This move-in-ready gem offers luxury and practicality in a vibrant community setting.

2600 E Summer Loop Forest Lakes, AZ 85931

$650,000
2 Beds
1.5 Baths
1,725 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6778410
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled atop the majestic Mogollon Rim, this exquisite A-frame cabin in Forest Lakes Estates beckons those seeking an escape from the quotidian.This gem will be coming soon to the market and is a mere two-hour scenic drive from Phoenix, offers a tranquil retreat where temperatures graciously dip 30-50 degrees below the valley's swelter. The property's 1,726 square feet of tastefully updated living space unfolds like a carefully curated narrative. Expansive picture windows frame nature's ever-changing landscape, while the eat-in kitchen features stylish upgraded granite counters and endless pantry/storage options. The main floor houses two spacious bedrooms and a bathroom, while the upper level reveals a sleeping loft complete with a playful nook and generous storage. Outside, the grounds are a testament to thoughtful landscaping. Verdant grass intermingles with ferns, while carefully cultivated bulbs and lilacs perfume the air. Majestic lilies stand sentinel along the home's façade, their regal presence complemented by nature's own sculpture garden of boulders. Entertainment options abound with dual fire pits, a pergola, and a whimsical tree fort. The extra depth two-car garage conceals a surprise - a game room/bunkhouse, perfect for hosting soirées or accommodating overflow guests. The garage also has laundry area and could also be converted a tandem 4 car garage. Storage Shed conveys too for additional storage. Seller has done updates from, flooring to lighting and done all the important updates: electrical, plumbing (PEX), and added forced air heating system. Forest Lakes, an idyllic community free from HOA constraints, boasts several trout-stocked lakes and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. The voluntary FLOA fosters a sense of camaraderie through community events and a shared gathering space. This exceptional property, priced at market value, promises not just a home, but a legacy of cherished memories amidst the towering Ponderosa pines. Seize this opportunity to elevate your lifestyle and immerse yourself in the lap of nature's luxury.

3795 E Latham Court Gilbert, AZ 85297

$650,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,934 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6783589
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This Gilbert 4 / 5 bedroom and 3 bathroom home with a loft, 3 car garage, and RV gate, is truly unique to Coronado Ranch. With custom rounded doors and attention added to the architecture, you will not want to miss making this your home. There is one bedroom and full bath downstairs as well as a front room and dining room. Upstairs you will find a large loft and 3 bedrooms, with a den built off the oversized master bedroom. The den can be enclosed to make this home a 5 bedroom home plus a loft and the added space downstairs. With an open kitchen and oversized wide lot that backs to a green belt, you have plenty of physical and visual space. Great community and location in Gilbert with fantastic amenities including a splash pad, parks, and more! amenities!

36655 N 25th Street Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$650,000
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,350 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702523
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Spacious Home/ Great views on private Street on 1.6 acres, 4 beds/3baths, huge room, stunning rock fireplace in wood, big room with sitting rooms views in all directions.

21425 N 142nd Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$650,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,580 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702403
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fabulous Montecito model with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bath & den w double doors, situated on a prime location on the 3rd hole of the Trail Ridge Golf Course, showcasing 2 separate lakes, mountain & fountain views! Enter through a private, front courtyard that opens to a spacious great room w plantation shutters, overlooking gorgeous greens & several patio areas. Open kitchen with Corian countertops, plenty of cabinets, Bosch cooktop, GE Profile appliances & separate built-in ice maker. Primary bedroom bay window, large walk-in closet, double vanity & separate shower & tub. Inside laundry w sink & updated GE washer & dryer. Half-bath for convenience. Large 2 car garage w extra golf cart garage, newer garage door opener. Water heater 2019, Two Trane units 2010. Roof underlayment #30 LB in 2010.

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