Aim to put 50% of income toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% directly into your house fund . 3. Automate Your Ambition

While 20% is the gold standard to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), many first-time buyer programs allow for as little as 3% or 3.5% down.

The most successful savers treat their savings like a mandatory bill.

Lowering credit card balances improves your credit score and your DTI ratio, which can qualify you for lower mortgage rates.

Lenders care about your "buying power." While saving, focus on: