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

2820 N 212th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$546,690

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,141 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741520

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ready for November move in!

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26349 S 231st Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$546,268

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,379 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780156

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss your chance on this Quick Move in Single Story home with a COMPLETED backyard landscape. Anticipated move in for December 2024. This community offers an abundance of amenities including pickleball courts, resort-caliber outdoor pool with plenty of seating and lounging areas, fitness center with multi-use activity room, open air pavilion with fireplace and grilling stations, event and game lawns, shaded play parks, half-court basketball and two dog parks.

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15667 W Mercer Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$546,053

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,305 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760294

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BRAND NEW HOME COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER! Wonderful 3-bedroom home with a flex room & an amazing gourmet kitchen / great room and a 3-car garage! Exceptional island allows for wonderful entertaining. This home has beautiful gourmet slate cabinets, upgraded quartz counters, custom backsplash in the kitchen & stainless-steel appliances. As you enter you have a beautiful foyer that opens up to a flex room. Kitchen & great room are very large & open with a large, covered patio accessed by a 12' slider! Owners' suite has dual vanities, walk in tiled shower, and lots of storage! PHOTOS ARE OF A MODEL HOME OF THE SAME PLAN. SEE PRODUCT SELECTIONS. NOVEMBER COMPLETION.

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1061 N Bison Golf Court Show Low, AZ 85901

New

$546,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6786177

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

With Amazing colorful views from this extraordinary 3 BR home in prestigious Bison Golf Court on .24 acre, this great find has a spectacular overview of the fairway with green grass and brightly colored trees in the fall and warmer months-watch the golfers or BE ONE all while living in this comfortable elegant home with granite counters, vaulted tongue and groove ceilings and upgraded appliances(just to mention a few).2 car garage with plenty of space for your car and a golf cart if desired, this place is the golfer's dream! This secure, gated and friendly community will provide years of enjoyment and great memories for any age group-all within the Show Low school district. Come make your future mountain memories a reality and experience life lived in the marvelous White Mountains! The White Mountains offers Golf, fishing, hunting, four wheeling, hiking, boating, gaming, target shooting ranges, skiing, snowboarding, birdwatching, animal wild-life, sledding, several seasonal festivals throughout the year, car shows, fine dining, musical entertainment, and a great day and night life! Come live your dream in this beautiful home on the fairway!

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2849 E Detroit Street Chandler, AZ 85225

Open House

$546,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6708678

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this beautifully maintained property with its fresh, neutral color paint scheme. The gourmet kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry and stylish accent backsplash, offers ample workspace and with a convenient island for meal prep and casual dining. The primary bedroom suite features a spacious walk-in closet and a primary bathroom with double sinks for added convenience. Step outside to the covered patio and enjoy scenic views in the privacy of your fenced-in backyard. This striking dwelling harmoniously blends comfort, aesthetics, and functionality. Welcome to your next chapter - where the good life begins!

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11417 S 50th Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339

$545,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,380 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755226

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The notable Elderberry plan boasts four bedrooms, including a relaxing primary suite with a spacious walk-in closet and a private bath. At the heart of the home, you'll find an impressive great room, a dining room, and a well-planned kitchen showcasing a center island and a generous walk-in pantry. An upstairs loft and covered patio offer additional versatility. A convenient laundry room is also included. This home will be built with a main-floor bedroom with a full bath

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8326 N 54th Lane Glendale, AZ 85302

$545,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,077 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761610

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this thoughtfully designed Slate floorplan, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway/walkway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered, paver entry; a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' white shaker cabinets with matte black hardware, quartz countertops, 2x8 backsplash, stainless-steel appliance suite, a center island with pendant lights, and a spacious walk-in pantry; an expansive great room with adjacent dining room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private owner's bath with separate soaking tub and 4x16 tile shower, and dual sinks with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; ; a guest bedroom featuring en-suite bathroom with step in shower. You'll also find a spacious covered patio, and a 2-car garage with 8' door and belt drive opener, as well as a garage service door. Find other desirable finishes, like 9x35 tile in the main living areas (carpet in bedrooms only), a convenient soft water loop in the garage, gas tankless hot water heater, and a gas stub at the patio. This home also offers ceiling fan prewire in all bedrooms, great room, and patio, plus much more.

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5338 W Manzanita Drive Glendale, AZ 85302

$545,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,077 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762098

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this thoughtfully designed Slate floorplan, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway/walkway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered, paver entry; a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' white shaker cabinets with satin nickel hardware, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliance suite, a center island with pendant lights, and a spacious walk-in pantry; an expansive great room with adjacent dining room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private owner's bath with separate soaking tub and 4x16 tile shower, and dual sinks with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a guest bedroom featuring en-suite bathroom with step in shower. You'll also find a spacious covered patio, and a 2-car garage with 8' door and belt drive opener, as well as a garage service door. Find other desirable finishes, like 9x35 tile in the main living areas (carpet in bedrooms only), a convenient soft water loop in the garage, gas tankless hot water heater, and a gas stub at the patio. This home also offers ceiling fan prewire in all bedrooms, great room, and patio, plus much more.

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5323 W Manzanita Drive Glendale, AZ 85302

$545,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,077 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764770

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this thoughtfully designed Slate floorplan, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway/walkway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered, paver entry; a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' white shaker cabinets with matte black hardware, quartz countertops, 2x8 backsplash, stainless-steel appliance suite, a center island with pendant lights, and a spacious walk-in pantry; an expansive great room with adjacent dining room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private owner's bath with separate soaking tub and 4x16 tile shower, and dual sinks with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a guest bedroom featuring en-suite bathroom with step in shower. You'll also find a spacious covered patio, and a 2-car garage with 8' door and belt drive opener, as well as a garage service door. Find other desirable finishes, like 9x35 tile in the main living areas (carpet in bedrooms only), a convenient soft water loop in the garage, gas tankless hot water heater, and a gas stub at the patio. This home also offers ceiling fan prewire in all bedrooms, great room, and patio, plus much more.

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5347 W Manzanita Drive Glendale, AZ 85302

$545,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765259

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore the exciting Alexandrite home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a quiet study; a kitchen layout offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a roomy pantry and a center island; an elegant dining room; a spacious great room; a beautiful primary suite showcasing an expansive walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms.

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12007 W Parkway Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$545,995

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,370 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6741768

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this inspired Raleigh home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a quiet study; a gourmet kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a double oven, a walk-in pantry and a center island; an open dining area; a generous great room with center-meet doors leading onto a relaxing covered patio; a lavish primary suite showcasing a large walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a mudroom and a 3-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.

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2641 E Abe Truckle Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$545,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,623 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774581

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

''Introducing the stunning Jade floorplan, which offers 2,623 square feet of living space. This Farmhouse elevation home features our Harmony Collection and includes 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a formal dining area, and a spacious 3-car garage. Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully designed layout with 3 front bedrooms, 2 of which share a bathroom, a conveniently located laundry room, and elegant wood plank-style tile flooring throughout the common areas. Upgrades include a soft water rough-in, 42-inch white upper kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops with a backsplash, 2-inch blinds, and essential appliances such as a washer, dryer, and refrigerator. The owner's suite boasts an en-suite bathroom and a generously sized walk-in closet. Entertain effortlessly in the open-concept kitchen, dining area, and great room, highlighted by a 4-panel sliding glass door that leads to a welcoming covered patio. Wales Ranch also offers parks, a beautiful lake, and walking paths with stunning views.

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