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Although a 20 percent down payment is no longer the norm, you still need to save a considerable amount to cover all the initial costs of buying a home. With median down payments at seven percent, a $250,000 home will require a down payment of $17,500. Plus, you need to have funds for all the closing costs, including title fees. Thankfully, to get started in putting away that $20,000, or more, you do not have to make monumental changes to your finances. Just these small ones will do — and it can be a lot of fun, too!
To start your savings off right, you can tuck away every five dollar bill that comes your way. Simply put the fivers in an envelope as they appear, then deposit the whole lot at the end of the week. If you do not regularly carry cash, however, you can adjust this method to transferring the five bucks over to savings anytime your balance ends in a 5 or 0. That’s it. By the end of the year, you will marvel at how many fives have piled up.
To take a progressive savings approach, all you need to start with is a nickel. On day one, take a nickel from your pocket and plunk it into a jar. Then, on the next day, put in 10 cents, then 15, then 20, and continue on in this manner until the end of the year. By day 365, you will only have to put in $18.25 to complete this savings plan. You can also switch it up a bit by working from $18.25 and moving downward or alternating from either end of the scale with 5 cents here, then $18 there. At the end, you will have more than $3,000 in savings without batting an eye.
Another painless way to save is by rounding up each and every one of your purchases, putting the remainder into savings. Although you will only put away 99 cents at most each purchase, the funds will add up quickly and leave you with plenty in the account by year’s end.
If you just love to see your progress in action, chart out a sinking fund to track your savings. Simply print an outline of a house and create a lined chart up the side, starting at zero and moving all the way up to your savings goal. Then, fill in the home from the bottom up as you deposit money into savings. To figure out how much to save in your sinking fund, just divide your goal by the number of months you want it to take.
Since these saving methods do not require much of a lifestyle change, they can be a lot of fun to complete, especially as you see your balance grow. Just keep making small adjustments to your finances to continue to build your savings and your dreams of homeownership will come into focus before you know it.
I have provided award-winning service to many clients over the past 25 years. Few other REALTORS are as trusted as I am. My clients trust my advice, and they know that I always look out for their best long-term interests. You can expect, and you will receive personal service that is second to none. When you hire me as your Agent you work with me and only me. I will answer your calls and respond to your text messages. I promise not to hand you off to another member of "My team" like others do. When you hire Ryan, you get Ryan.
I have called Southwest Michigan home for 40 years. My mother's family ran a local locksmith service, and my father served as the Chief Investigator for the County's Prosecutor's office for many years. I love all that this area offers, and I enjoy serving the buyers and sellers who are moving in or out of Southwest Michigan.
My wife and I have two children, and we would not want to raise them anywhere else. Between the award-winning schools and the plethora of youth activities offered in Southwest Michigan, it's a great place to call home. We enjoy spending time with friends at the beach, boating, golfing, hunting, skiing "Up North," and fishing.
We give back generously to the community that has been so good to us. Currently, I serve on the Lakeshore Public Schools Foundation Board (LEF), as Past President of the St. Joe Kickers Sports Club, and as a Rotarian in the Stevensville-Lakeshore Rotary Club. We donate throughout the year to various local organizations, schools, and youth sports groups.
I want to put my experience and knowledge to work for you. Having sold more than 500 properties while earning the trust and respect of my fellow REALTORS, who voted me the "REALTOR of the Year," I am confident I can earn your trust as well.
Looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate? Please allow me the opportunity to serve you. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Ryan Arnt
Real Estate Broker/Company Owner
Keller Williams of Southwest Michigan
You can reach me anytime, call or text 269.470.6666, or email me at [email protected].
When you need a REALTOR, Rely on Ryan!