How much money should I save before buying a house? | A financial guide

Planning on buying a house soon? If you are stuck wondering – how much money I should save before buying a house – worry no more! This post will help you decide.

How much money should I save before buying a house

First time buyers of a house stay in a dilemma of how much money should they save to overcome any financial hurdles. Well, theoretically, you need to ensure you have 20 to 25% of the total house value for a down payment.

Minimum requirements for buying a house

There are some minimum requirements for buying a house, which you must be aware of. This is essential mostly for first time buyers who are applying for a home loan.

1. Credit Score – Loans demand a minimum credit score 
2. Steady income – You need to have a steady income from an organization
3. Savings – for down payment and any closing costs that are applicable
4. Debt – Minimum existing debt to opt for higher qualifying loan amount

Also read: 25 Essential questions to ask a financial advisor | Know your advisor

How much will a bank loan me for a house?

As per the mortgage rule of thumb and an answer to the question on, How much will a bank loan me for a house?

The response is, you can receive 80% of the total value while 20% is to be paid as a down payment by the buyer.

When is the best time to buy a house?

Thinking of when is the best time to buy a house, the ideal time is during late summer or early fall. There is comparatively less competition at this time of the year, but still lot of houses are available to purchase in the market.

How to save for a house?

Here are some tips on how to save for a house, before focusing on how much money should I save before buying a house.

1. The best way to save for a house is to start with a small savings. Calculate the probable down payment amount, and the number of months you have. 
2. If you are thinking of how to save for a house in 2 years, invest in instruments that generate profits and help to grow money
3. As a rule of thumb for buying a house, go for a Systematic Investment Plan or SIP. You can earn as per the market valuation and control the expenses
4. Better to keep your savings in a high yield savings account when you think how much to save for a house
5. Try for a subsidy scheme for managing the monthly instalments, a way in how to save money for a house in 6 months

Also read: Estate planning attorney | Things known before hiring an estate planning attorney

How much should I save for a house?

Now when we understand the need and tips for saving money for a house, let us focus on the question, how much should I save for a house?

1. How much does a house cost

First and foremost you must know how much does a house cost or how much does it cost to buy a house, can be any kind. If you are thinking how to afford a million dollar home, then as per experts recommendation, you need to have an annual income of USD 100K to USD 225K in a year. Answering to how much does a townhouse cost, it varies between USD 100K to 220K. And that of how much does a condo cost, it is almost USD 289K.

2. Cash to close vs closing costs

Cash to close vs closing costs are an important concept to remember.

What is cash to close?

It is the fees paid to the mortgage company for loan closure. You can use a cash to close calculator for determining the amount, but typically it is 2% to 5% of the home value.

And on how to save on closing costs or if you are thinking of what if I can’t afford closing costs. You need to remember closing costs range between 3% to 6% of the home value.

3. Average down payment on a house

Next important point is to be aware of the average down payment on a house. 

Some examples:

How much downpayment for a condo? Its almost 3 to 20% of the home’s purchase price. 

How much down payment for a house in NY? The minimum down payment amount is almost USD 8750. 

• The down payment for 200K house is almost USD 10K
• The down payment for 500K house is almost USD 25K
• The down payment for 250K house is almost USD 12K

4. When do you pay closing costs and downpayment

It is important to understand when do you pay closing costs and downpayments. Well to answer the question, Is down payment included in closing costs?

The answer is closing costs are paid only at the time of closing the purchase deal of a house. But down payment is paid during the contract agreement and is due at closing. But both the amount can be paid together in a single check.

5. Buying a house expenses

While buying a house expenses are to be understood to find out how to save money for a house.

Here are the types of cost associated with buying a home: 

• The down payment
• Closing costs
• Reserves in the bank
• Property taxes
• Home maintenance
• Home insurance
• Utilities charges
• Mortgage payments and insurance

6. Do you need a realtor to buy a house

Do you need a realtor to buy a house? The answer is, the cheapest way to buy a house is to avoid any realtor or real estate agent. But if you do not want to invest time on the formalities and negotiations, then you need to save some money for hiring a realtor. Real estate agents normally charge 6% commission, charged on the sale price of the home.

7. Credit score to buy a house 2022

What is the credit score to buy a house 2022?

The ideal credit score to buy a house varies according to the type of loan:

• 620 for conventional loan
• 580 for FHA loan
• 620 for USDA loan
• 580 for VA loan
• 680 for Jumbo loan

The credit score requirements also vary for different states in the US. For example the credit to buy a house in Florida is 620 whereas in Chicago it is 580.

8. Buying a house with no money down

There are ways for buying a house with no money down, a decisive factor for the question on how much money should I save before buying a house.

• A down payment gift from a family member or acquaintance
• Apply for a zero-down USDA or VA loan
• Pay the down payment via the down payment assistance
• Seller to pay the closing costs via seller concessions or lender to pay the closing costs via lender credits

9. Buying a house with cash

Are you thinking of buying a house with cash?

Buying a house with cash process has both its pros and cons. When you are paying cash for a house, the closing process is faster. But you will miss the mortgage tax deductions.

How to buy a home with cash?

Here are some of the paying cash for a house tips for you to consider:

• Ensure the cash is in place be it from savings, investments or any other assets
• Proof from the bank that you have cash in hand
• Start searching for the house

10. Income needed for 300k mortgage

Several questions come up, I make 25K a year can I buy a house? I make 30K a year can I buy a house?

Well anyone can buy a house but the annual income needed for 300K mortgage is almost USD 75K; considering USD 10K as a down payment and 4.5% interest rate for 30 years.

11. What are prepaid costs when buying a home

What are prepaid costs when buying a home and how are they calculated?

Well, prepaid costs commonly include the property taxes, the mortgage interest and the insurance premium of the homeowner.

Also read: Real Estate Consultant

12. Mortgage should be what percent of income

What percent of your income should go to mortgage?

Well to answer, mortgage should be what percent of income, you must follow the 28/36 rule. Mortgage payment should not be greater than 28% of monthly pre-tax income and 36% of the total debt.

How many houses do people look at before buying

As per the statistics, data and analysis conducted by the National Association of Realtors in the US, the answer to the question on how many houses do people look at before buying. The answer is at least 10 before finalizing an offer.

How to buy houses with no money

Thinking of how to buy houses with no money. The smart answer is to avail home loans or mortgage. Even the down payment can be arranged by looking for loan against securities, shares, insurance policies etc.