Get a roommate. One of the easiest ways to cut your rent in half and save some big bucks is by finding a roommate. Think half the rent cost, half the utility bills, internet and cable. That adds up to some serious savings that you can apply toward your down payment. Check out these seven tips for living with a roommate.

Pay off your credit card debt. This one might seem counterintuitive — after all, you’re trying to save money, right? But it’s important to remember that your credit score and debt-to-income ratio are pretty big factors that lenders consider when deciding whether you qualify for a loan. So, when it comes time to get a mortgage, you’ll be glad you tackled that outstanding debt ahead of time.

Rent to own. This is an option for those who are interested in a property, but still need to save up cash for a down payment or build their credit score. When you’re in a rent-to-own agreement, you typically pay a one-time, non-refundable fee called “option money”, which gives you the opportunity to purchase the house in the future. Usually this price ranges from 2 to 7 percent of the purchase price of the house — a price that you and the seller will agree upon.If you’re renting a house, check with your landlord that it’s okay to run a garage sale on the property.

Budget basics. Now that you’ve set a big financial goal, it’s important to figure out a budget and stick to it. A good rule of thumb to follow is the 50/30/20 rule, where you allocate a portion of your paycheck into three categories: 50 percent towards essentials, like food and housing; 30 percent towards lifestyle, like dinner out or other entertainment; and 20 percent towards financial priorities, such as debt, retirement and savings. Since you have your sights set on a new home, try moving 5 to 10 percent of your lifestyle budget into the savings category. It might be challenging, but you’ll reap the benefits when you see your home getting closer and closer!

Ditch the unnecessary. We’re sure you’ve heard this one before, but we’ll say it again: consider cutting back on superfluous expenses. Sure, eating out and shopping are fun and entertaining indulgences, but they add up to hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, a year. For the time being, try spending less on non-essentials and you might be amazed at how much you’re saving. It’ll be worth every penny when you’re turning the key to your new home.

Set up shop. Believe it or not, a garage sale can put some serious savings in your pocket. Since you’re a renter, you might not have the space or be allowed to run a garage sale out of your abode, so ask family and friends if they have a garage to spare for a weekend.

Save your tax refund. Sure, it’s nice to get that refund check come tax season. A shopping spree, a new bedroom set, maybe a beach vacation — all fun things you can do with that “extra” income. Resist the urge to spend it on the impractical and instead stick it in your savings account.

https://www.amfam.com/resources/articles/money-matters/saving-for-a-house-as-a-renter