How Fast Can You Save for a Down Payment?

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:

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.

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

15221 N Clubgate Drive Unit 1023 Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$624,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,401 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768194

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Open and bright floor plan with spacious great room with wood look flooring and freshly painted. Perfect for entertaining home with eat in kitchen overlooking the great room and easy access to the patio area surrounded by lovely landscaping. The Master Suite is spacious with a walk in closet. Oversized 2 car garage. The community pool, spa and exercise facility exudes a resort feeling to relax and enjoy. Walking distance to the Westin Resort and golf course, the high end shops and restaurants of Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. Living the life of Kierland, urban lifestyle and conveniences with a resort atmosphere.

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1467 County Rd 3140 -- Vernon, AZ 85940

$624,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750877

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

LOCATION, LOCATION, A Hunters Dream. gorgeous 5 acres border national forest with lots of ponderosa pines. QUIET area and great VIEWS from 2nd story, Kitchen for a chef- large cabinets (lights top & bottom), double ovens, freezer, and large pantry with electric outlets, Handicap accessible-doors & hallway. Enjoy the fresh air with Double hung windows. Grow your own vegetables in the greenhouse and use the chicken pen for your eggs. Also enjoy 7 apple trees, blackberries, rhubarb and so much more. Two car garage (fits 2 large trucks) or for your toys. No HOA. 20 degrees cooler than Phx. Act fast before this gem is gone. Want another 5 ac next to this? see MLS #6756610.

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30317 W Roosevelt Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$624,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,659 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730388

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to this 3 bedroom, 2 baths, horse property nestled on an over 1-acre lot! Inside, you will be welcomed by the striking vaulted ceilings, tile flooring, Y neutral palette. The spacious great room enjoys plenty of windows & backyard access for a bright and airy entertaining experience. The eat-in kitchen features plenty of wood cabinets w/crown mouldings, SS appliances, granite counters, & a peninsula w/breakfast bar. Have a great night's sleep in the main bedroom boasting soft carpet & an ensuite w/dual sinks & a walk-in closet. The sizable backyard provides a relaxing covered patio storage shed, above-ground spa, corral & stalls for horses. Lighted riding arena with an RV plug. Do not miss this vast lot, perfect for all your projects or RV parking. Don't wait til its too late

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170 W Midway Street Payson, AZ 85541

$624,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6718786

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A little over an acre with great panoramic views of the Rim. Wonderful house with plenty of storage space. Very cozy front room with vaulted ceilings and a great fireplace. Kitchen with walk-in pantry. Large rooms with plenty of storage. Spiral staircase off the front room leads to a loft space above.

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3135 W Molly Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$624,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,985 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741058

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Priced below others in the area for quick sale, this highly upgraded home has a play pool, heated spa, built in bar in the living room with a wine chiller and a liquor cabinet for entertaining, formal dining convenient to the kitchen, easy to maintain, like new real wood floors throughout, and granite kitchen and bathroom counters. The Large Master bedroom is upstairs with a huge walk-in closet a master bath with a separate shower, jetted tub and a bidet. A spacious loft which could be converted into a bedroom. An office, half bath, with upgraded vanities and all living areas are down stairs. all bedrooms are upstairs. Has two AC units for lower utilities. Window shades, BBQ Island with Fridge and Fire pit Come and see. You will love it.

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6718 N 59th Drive Glendale, AZ 85301

$624,000

6 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,624 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748306

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Motivated Seller!! NEW Built, NO HOA. Main house has 4 bedrooms with 2.5 baths and a guest house with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. The delightful kitchen includes refrigerator, dishwasher, range, a central island with a breakfast bar for casual dining, and granite countertops that extend to bathrooms. Highly desired Glendale area close to restaurants, shops and State Farm Stadium. Additionally it has an RV gate in the front AND the back next to the guest house.

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146 E Riviera Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$624,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,638 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6748461

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*Seller willing to offer concessions towards rate buy down or closing costs* Experience the refreshing vibes of Tempe in this gorgeous completely remodeled, move-in ready basement home! All new flooring and baseboards, new 5-ton HVAC, new roof, new white shaker kitchen cabinets with ample storage & under cab lighting, new quartz counters and backsplash, stainless gas range & hood, farmhouse sink w/touchless faucet, all updated lighting and fans throughout. Nest thermostat, all new interior/exterior paint, massive finished basement w/Galaxy Concrete coating. Bathrooms are remodeled w/modern tile, walk-in rain shower upstairs, new tub, new fixtures, new toilets and sinks! Step outside through the new French doors to an oversized backyard & sparkling blue pool w/ new variable speed pump. All new rock and turf too! Come experience this corner lot north/south facing next to the Tempe bike corridor and just 2 mi to the light rail. The neighborhood utilizes the Tempe Orbit shuttle that goes straight to ASU or the light rail! This home is walkable to nearby restaurants and breweries with immediate freeway access. Central location near water activities on Tempe Town Lake and Papago Mountain Bike Trails. This city intertwines laid-back vibes with an active lifestyle in a place where everyone is welcome and community is at the core!

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3614 W Alyssa Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$624,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,744 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6737844

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Become the proud owner of this gorgeous residence in Riordan Ranch! Fantastic curb appeal featuring great curb appeal, meticulously maintained landscape, and stunning mountain views. Discover an inviting living room with soaring ceilings, clerestory windows for ample natural light, and a blend of carpet and wood flooring. The great room has sliding doors leading to the backyard w/sparkling pool. The kitchen boasts granite counters, ample wood cabinetry with crown moulding, recessed lighting, SS appliances, a pantry, and a peninsula w/ a breakfast bar. Downstairs features a complete private Guest suite w/bedroom, den & bathroom perfect for in law, guests, nanny etc. Close to 1-17 & 303 & fabulous shopping, dining, movies, schools, medical, short hop to new TSMC plant. The backyard oasis is highlighted by a covered patio, a pristine lawn, and a refreshing pool for cooling down on hot summer days. Make this gem yours!

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20266 W Hollyhock Street Buckeye, AZ 85396

$623,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,390 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6717191

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

8760 sqft lot- Gourmet kitchen, quartz countertops, full tile backsplash, white cabinets w/extension at nook, pendant lights at island, stainless steel appliances w/pyramid hood & gas cooktop - Multi-slide door at great room - Drop-in tub at primary bath - Pre-plumb locations at laundry room, soft water loop, gas to patio - 9 x 35 tile floors throughout except for carpet in bedrooms - Satin nickel fixtures throughout - Ceiling fan pre-wires at bedrooms, patio and great room - 10-foot ceilings - Two-tone paint - Garage service door

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22953 S 207th Place Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$623,986

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,309 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740939

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6740939 January Completion! The Cambridge at Ellsworth Ranch Landmark is a single-story floor plan offering 2,474 sq. ft. of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and an exercise/flex room. A welcoming porch greets you at the front of the house. Upon entering, the foyer leads you down a hallway with secondary bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms on one side and a laundry room on the other. Continuing straight, you'll arrive at the spacious, open kitchen, great room, and dining area—a space sure to capture your heart. Structural options include: garage service door.

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5709 S Dante -- Mesa, AZ 85212

$623,986

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,290 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6745163

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6745163 Ready Now! Discover the stunning Hillary Expedition Collection. This single-level home offers 2,290 square feet of well-designed living space, including 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a private study, and a spacious 3-car garage on a corner lot. The heart of the home is its open-concept design, featuring a large gathering room, a chef-inspired island kitchen, and a welcoming dining area. Sliding glass doors seamlessly connect the living space to the extended covered back patio and finished backyard. The two secondary bedrooms share a convenient Jack &Jill bath, while a private study is thoughtfully positioned near the front entry. Home options include: window coverings, whole house appliance package, and finished backyard.

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4574 W Gilbert Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

Open House

$623,645

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

3,291 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6664214

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home truly has it all. The SLATE plan is for those who want everything in their new home. The primary bedroom, guest room, and home office are all downstairs. The kids retreat featuring three generous sized bedrooms and a spacious loft are upstairs. This Slate features a desert contemporary exterior with all of the contemporary upgrades on the interior. Features include a gorgeous gourmet kitchen, custom backsplash, satin nickel fixtures and hardware, wood-look tile in all the common areas, and granite countertops.

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