Showing posts with label Quick Savings Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Quick Savings Tips. Show all posts

Friday, October 7, 2022

Quick Savings Tips to Prep for a Down Payment

Saving for a down payment for a home can be intimidating. It's actually one of the factors that keep many potential homeowners from purchasing. A traditional loan has a stigma of needing a 20% down payment and that simply isn't always the case. There are many financing options that don't require the traditional 20% upfront. While the whole 20% isn't always required, there may be a smaller percentage of the loan needed as a down payment when you buy a home at Lake of the Ozarks. Our team of mortgage professionals in Lake Ozark, MO is here to point out a few tips for saving up for a down payment!

Lower Monthly Bills

The cost of many services creeps up over time. For example, your phone bill, cable bill, and recurring subscription payments may have increased from when you first signed up. You can actually call your provider and ask about a lower rate. It does take some time spent on the phone with the billing departments of the services you use, but getting a lower monthly payment is well worth the time invested!


Sell Unused Items

If you are like many of us, you have items laying around or in storage that you don't use anymore. Consider selling items that you no longer want or use. That's just one less thing to move when it comes time to purchase your new place! It's also a quick way to get some extra cash in your hand! 


Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Many people have subscriptions that they do not even use. The charges come out of your account every month without you even thinking about it. Take a look at any monthly subscriptions you may have signed up for and examine which ones you are actually using. Cancel any unused subscription services that you have coming out of your accounts. 


Keep an Eye on Your Spending

If you really sit down and look at your monthly bank statement, you may be spending more than you realize. When you're out shopping, really consider if the item you're considering purchasing is worth it. Is spending money on that specific item now going to help you reach your goal of owning a home? Putting that extra question in your purchasing decisions can help you cut back on extra spending! Watching the amount of money that goes out each month can really help you get on the fast track to saving! 


Cut Back on Eating Out

Eating out or drinking out (yes, we are talking to you sitting there with your $5 coffees :)) can add up quickly! The cost of food and service is on the rise -- make an effort to cook at home. Eating at home a couple nights a week and brewing a cup of coffee at home instead of out can make a big difference in your budget!

If you're ready to look into your home purchasing options at Lake of the Ozarks, call Team Lasson at (573) 746-7211 or visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com to get started!

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Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

First State Bank Mortgage – Michael Lasson 
2751 Bagnell Dam Blvd Suite B 
Lake Ozark, MO 65049





**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions. 

Thursday, May 12, 2022

Tips to Quickly Build Savings for a Down Payment

If you're preparing to purchase a home in the near future, it's best to start getting your financial plan finalized. Our mortgage lender at Lake of the Ozarks can help you prepare! We know saving for a down payment is a big step in preparing to purchase a home at Lake of the Ozarks. This step can also be intimidating, especially if this is your first home purchase. The traditional 20% down isn't typically required, depending on your loan type. That being said, it's still important to save for a down payment when purchasing a home. Team Lasson is here with some savings tips you can put to work!

Create a Realistic Budget

Sit down and create a budget. It's best to set attainable amounts for your budget to help you stick to it. If something seems unrealistic, you're more likely to give up on it entirely. Once you have a budget that is realistic, you're more likely to commit and reach your savings goals!


Increase Your Income

There are a few different ways to go about increasing your income. If you have been performing well at work, you could consider negotiating for a higher salary or commission rate. Selling items online has increased in popularity in recent years. Jump on the bandwagon and start selling your unused items online. You could also consider turning your passion or hobby into a side-gig that increases your income. Keep in mind that there are different requirements for counting additional income, so check with your lender if you are trying to use this income to qualify for your loan program. 


Decrease Your Expenses

Track where your money goes each month. Once you realize what your expenses are, you can start deciding which expenses you can cut out of your monthly expenditure in order to fast track your down payment savings plan. Cutting out expenses like cable, multiple streaming services, and other subscriptions can be a great benefit, even if it is only for a short term while you build up your savings. 


Save In an Account That Makes Money

Set the money you are planning to use for your down payment in a savings account where it can make money while you are building up the account. This only helps your effort of saving for your down payment. Savings or investment accounts in which you can quickly access the funds don't typically offer a high yield but we recommend talking with your bank or investment company about the options you have for a down payment savings. 


Cut Back on Everyday Spending

Try to cut back on your daily spending and put that money toward your savings for your down payment. Swap out that $5 coffee you grab every morning and brew a cup at home instead. You may not realize how much you're spending on minimal cost items throughout the week and being strict with your spending can help increase your savings in order to reach your goals faster!

As you prepare to secure a mortgage loan near Osage Beach, MO, our team can help you through the entire process. Getting pre-approved for a home loan at Lake of the Ozarks is the recommended place to start with your home search. Give us a call at (573) 746-7211 or visit our website at www.yourlakeloan.com to get started!


LIKE my Facebook PageFollow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn



Michael Lasson
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #: 493712

4655 B Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065






**The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent First State Bank of St Charles’s positions, strategies, or opinions.