Hoping to buy a home but currently renting? There are a few ways that you can give yourself a leg up in the housing market as a renter. Here are some helpful ways to save for a home while renting.
Homeownership is a goal for many people, but it requires careful planning and thorough saving to ensure the goal is possible. It is especially important to save and plan carefully when you are a renter, as you typically have more expenses than someone who is living in a rent-free situation.
Once you have decided that homeownership is in your future, you have the ability to directly impact your savings and your credit score through mindful changes to your spending habits. The home buying process may take a lot of thought to navigate, but thankfully, these easy ways to save are simple and largely painless. Budgeting, negotiating rental rates, and finding ways to reduce your overall spending can be great ways to save a little more money.
Budgeting for Rent
Before you can start saving, you have to ensure that your expenses are low enough to put away that money. Saving isn’t luxurious, but it is essential. If you want to buy a house, you will need to ensure that your biggest expenses, which are typically rent, car payments, and bills, are as low as you can reasonably get them.
A common rule is that only 30% of your gross income should be going to rent each month. In fact, many property managers or landlords will refuse an applicant who does not provide proof of income at least three times the rent amount. Unfortunately, all the budgeting in the world will not make up for living in a rental situation that you cannot realistically afford. Opt for a smaller rental or a roommate situation if necessary, but stick to this rule the best you can.
Learn more: What to Do When Your Landlord Raises the Rent
Negotiating Rent
Negotiating rent isn’t an option for everyone, but there are circumstances in which a good tenant might have more negotiation power. If you have lived at a property for at least a year, you may find yourself ready to renew your lease. At lease renewal, if you would like to negotiate rent or find out that you are due for a rent increase, have a professional and honest conversation with your landlord. Be aware, though, that this conversation will only work if you get along with your landlord and have a history of on-time rent payments, and if your landlord’s rental expenses allow for some flexibility when it comes to rental income.
Even if the landlord is unwilling or unable to negotiate their rental rates, you may be able to negotiate for other amenities. A free parking space, new upgrades to the apartment, free storage, or waived fees at the gym are all cost-saving benefits that landlords or property managers may be more willing to negotiate to keep you as a tenant.
Where to Save Money
While you may not be able to negotiate your rent, there are other places you can save money. Utility expenses can be reduced by using them less, for example. Put dollars in your pocket in simple ways. Save money by switching your ceiling fan direction for the season, using energy-efficient bulbs, and just unplugging items when not in use. It might not seem like much, but every step adds up to measurable savings. Leaving your thermostat a little higher in the summer or lower in the winter can lower your utility bills significantly and reduce your carbon footprint while you’re at it.
While you don’t necessarily have to cut out your small luxuries, mindful spending can help you save, especially in a world of ever-increasing costs.
Learn more: Efficient Fall and Winter Heating Tips for Renters
Reporting Rent to Credit Bureaus
Landlords can report your rental payments to credit bureaus, which can increase your credit score significantly. One of the smartest ways to prep for home buying while you are renting is to request that your landlord report your on-time rent payments.
This can, in turn, help you when you’re looking for a home and trying to get a home loan. Having a great credit score will help you get better loan terms when it is finally time to purchase the house of your dreams.
Final Thoughts
Saving for a house as a renter can be challenging, but it is a great step for many people. If you decide that homeownership is for you, renting doesn’t need to be a barrier to entry. With some careful planning and selection of your living situation, you can start saving for a house of your own.
