Home Buying
10 First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes That Cost Thousands
Avoid the most expensive first-time home buyer mistakes. Real dollar amounts, sourced data, and practical advice to save you $10,000 or more.
Down Payment Savings Tracker
You need $X. At $Y/month savings, you'll get there by [date]. Shows impact of different savings rates. Connects to HYSA recommendations.
Down Payment Savings Tracker
How long until you can afford that down payment?
$
$50,000$2,000,000
$
$0$500,000
$
$0$10,000
Even a small amount makes a difference over time
At this pace, you're looking at about 4 years and 8 months — but small changes can speed it up
Here's what I'd tell a friend
An extra $200/month would get you there 8 months sooner, and $500/month extra cuts 17 months off your timeline. Consider a high-yield savings account earning 4.5% APY to make your money work while you save.
Target down payment
$80,000
20% of $400,000
Months to goal
56
Target date
November 2030
Interest you'll earn
$9,683
At 4.5% APY in a HYSA
Total contributions
$56,000
$1,000/mo from your savings
Already saved
$15,000
19% of your goal
Current pace
November 2030 (4 years and 8 months)
$1,000/mo — $9,683 in interest earned
Save an extra $200/mo
March 2030 (4 years)
$1,200/mo — $8,333 in interest earned
Save an extra $500/mo
June 2029 (3 years and 3 months)
$1,500/mo — $6,725 in interest earned
5% milestone
$20,000 by August 2026
5 months away
10% milestone
$40,000 by February 2028
1 year and 11 months away
15% milestone
$60,000 by July 2029
3 years and 4 months away
The Money Friend
At this pace, you're looking at about 4 years and 8 months — but small changes can speed it up
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Actual costs may vary based on your creditworthiness, location, and lender. Consult a licensed financial advisor or mortgage professional before making financial decisions.
Interest rates, payments, and loan terms shown are examples for illustration purposes only and do not represent an offer to lend, a commitment to make a loan, or a guarantee of any specific rate or term. Actual rates and terms are determined by lenders based on your individual credit profile and may differ from examples shown.
Past performance and historical data do not guarantee future results. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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