Sourdough Starter, Meet Down Payment Starter: Saving for a Home One Feeding at a Time

Real estate services provided through DeLex Realty.

I have a confession. My first sourdough starter died. I named him Doug. Doug was neglected. I forgot to feed him for a week and he turned into something that belonged in a science fair.

My second starter is thriving. The difference? I fed it a little bit every single day.

Saving for a home works exactly the same way.

Three ingredients, that's it

My favorite sourdough recipe (it's in the video below) only uses three ingredients: flour, water and salt. That's it. No fancy stuff. Just time and consistency.

Saving for your first home can be simple too. Here are my three "ingredients":

1. A goal number. Talk to a lender about what you'd likely need for down payment and closing costs. Many first-time buyers are surprised it's less than they assumed, depending on the loan type and any assistance programs they qualify for.
2. An automatic transfer. Even a small amount every payday. Set it and forget it, unlike Doug.
3. Patience. Starters bubble up slowly. So do savings accounts.

"Feed it" a little every day

Here are a few easy ways to feed your home fund:

• Round up. Some banks let you round up purchases and save the change.
• Pause one subscription. You probably don't watch all six streaming services. I sure don't.
• Bake instead of buy. Okay, I'm biased. But a homemade loaf costs a fraction of a fancy bakery one.
• Save the "found money." A work bonus, a birthday check, or a tax refund can give your fund a big boost.

I'm not a financial advisor, so for the money planning part, a lender or financial professional is your best friend. My job is to help you understand what you're aiming for in our local market.

Don't forget about assistance programs

Arizona has had down payment assistance programs over the years, and some builders offer closing cost help too. Rules and availability change, so ask a lender what's available right now and whether you qualify. It could shorten your savings timeline.

Don't wait for "perfect"

Your sourdough will never be perfect the first time. Mine came out flat, then lopsided, then finally beautiful. Your savings journey may have a few flat loaves too. That's fine. Keep feeding it.

Watch the video

Here's my three-ingredient sourdough. Gut-healthy and, if you add everything bagel seasoning, dangerously delicious.

Watch on Instagram: 3-ingredient sourdough / everything bagel

Video not loading? Watch it on Instagram here.

The bottom line

Homeownership usually isn't one giant leap. It's a lot of small feedings. Start today with one small transfer, and let's make a plan together for where you want to be by next fall.

Easy question: have you ever kept a sourdough starter alive? And what did you name it? I need ideas for Doug's successor's sibling.

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Tina Marie Miller, REALTOR® | Loving AZ Homes | DeLex Realty. Real estate services provided through DeLex Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.