Saving for a Down Payment
While Madison WI’s real estate market presents challenges for many, it still remains an optimal market for first time home buyers and investors. Reasonable home prices, a healthy inventory (search Madison homes here) and still low interest rates create a winning combination for those looking to make the leap from renter to owner. Many of the Alvarado Group’s featured listings are a perfect fit for first time home buyers.
As a result of tightened lending standards, however, securing a healthy down payment is even more important than ever. The days of zero-down loan programs are a thing of the past and more money on the table upfront can mean a faster approval for your loan and, perhaps, a better rate.
While you should be sure to leave some cash reserves in place to handle unexpected costs associated with your new home, there are several steps you can take to start building a sizeable down payment. Here are some worthwhile suggestions:
Set up an automatic savings plan
Every financial advisor will tell you that when money comes directly out of your paycheck and into a savings account before you even receive it, you will hardly notice the difference. For most, this was money spent on mindless discretionary purchases, anyway, from a daily latte to random online shopping — chances are, you won’t miss it at all.
Sell something
You might have a high-ticket item in your possession that you really don’t use or need — perhaps a boat, motorcycle or even an extra big-screen T.V. Cashing in any collectibles or assets can free up funds to go directly into your down payment savings.
Liquidate investments
Liquidating stocks, mutual funds, savings bonds or other investments can also help. Cashing in any extra assets will only add to your growing down payment sum.
Look into government programs
Talk to your WI real estate agent or mortgage professional to see if you may qualify for a special home buyers program. For example, HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door program offers teachers, police officers, firefighters or other public servants extreme discounts on homes in certain neighborhoods.
Don’t be afraid to ask
If there is an event coming up in your life that friends and family will most likely get you a gift for, don’t be shy — let people know you are saving to buy a home and would appreciate a check. Loved ones will be more than happy to contribute to this cause. If you’re fortunate enough to receive a very sizeable gift, however, let your real estate agent know; lenders may want to know how your down payment was funded in order to make sure you can handle monthly mortgage payments on your own.
These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. Please contact the Alvarado Group team for more detailed information about securing a down payment, and be sure to share these ideas with others (real estate tips via Twitter) you know who may soon be making the move to homeownership!
Buying a home can be a complex and time-consuming process. If you need that home to include certain accessibility features to accommodate a disability, the process can be even more of a challenge. 
Online learning is available to help you become a homeowner and start building generational wealth! These 2 HUD approved online courses and counseling allow you to stay in the comfort of your home during COVID-19 while learning and meeting the requirements for many down payment assistance programs for first time buyers. If you want to take advantage of programs offered for home buyers assistance, this is a great place to start You will learn more about how the process works, and what you need to be ready and able. Alvarado Real Estate Group agents are a great resource for when the time is right to search and these resources can help... 
And that’s not even including one of the most important factors in any new home-purchase: location, location, location. It might not be everything, but it’s almost everything. It will determine your commute, change your social life, shape your children’s education, and affect a host of other aspects in your life.
You probably have your own list of things to look for when looking for your new abode. But if you want a bit more guidance...So you’re on the home-buying market. Congratulations! Madison is a great place to live. Even so, you’re probably already overwhelmed by decisions: Wood or brick? One- or two-story? Carpet or parquet flooring?