Getting Over the Down Payment Hump

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various coins as a means for saving the down payment

One of the largest barriers to entry into home ownership is saving enough cash for a down payment. Small every day expenses add up; and depending on the market you live in, rent may also be eating a significant portion of your income each month. You do have options; here are some ways you may be able to obtain the funds to put towards a home:

Save – Simple.

Utilizing a Tax Free Savings Account, determine an amount to save each month that you believe is reasonable yet substantial enough to get you to your down payment goal. Additionally, set up automatic transfer into that accounts that line up with payday and bills will soon find yourself getting over the down payment hump.

Extra Income

Ever consider a side hustle or second job. Put 100% of this cash flow into your down payment.

Home Buyers Plan 

Have money in your RRSP account? Incidentally, the Federal government will allow you to pull up to $35,000 from your RRSP account. Note, you have 15 years to return the funds back into your RRSP account. The easiest option for getting over the down payment hump.

Sell an Asset

If you have a valuable asset your willing to give up, sell it! Just make sure to establish a clear paper trail; get a receipt or signed bill of sale to legitimize the source of funds.

The Bank of Mom and Dad

This may or may not be possible. Parent may have built up some equity in their home they can access with a secured line of credit. If this is a gift, a signed gift letter stating so will be needed. If it is to be replayed, the payment must be included in your debt ratios used to qualify.