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⏳ "Should You Wait to Buy a Home with Your Partner? Here’s What You Need to Know!"

carone.burnet • March 10, 2025

Couple Goals: Tips for Affording a First Home


By Taylor Getler


Couples often wait years after marriage to buy a home. To save time, opt for cash wedding gifts, avoid debt, explore first-time buyer programs and use tax benefits.




NEW YORK — Weddings and homeownership are two major goals for many couples but affording both takes years of careful saving and planning. In 2024, the median age at first marriage was 28 for women and 30 for men, according to U.S. Census data. Yet the National Association of Realtors® reports that the median age of first-time home buyers in 2024 was 38. Picture a typical American couple waiting nearly a decade after marriage to become homeowners.


If you're recently engaged, following these do's and don'ts could help you dramatically shorten the timeframe for reaching your homebuying dreams.


Do: Ask for donations to a house fund instead of gifts


Judy Buchman and David Shpitalnik of the Bronx, New York, chose this strategy and were able to fund almost half of their down payment with wedding gift money.


Using the wedding planning platform The Knot, the couple registered for a new home cash fund that allowed guests to give any amount. "We are so lucky to have a lot of our small kitchen appliances and other materialistic things already ... so we really just wanted to set up a nice foundation for our future home."


By accepting cash gifts, you can help replenish your savings after paying for a wedding and start preparing your new house budget.


Don't: Finance your wedding with credit cards or loans


When a lender evaluates your mortgage application, one of the biggest things they consider is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This represents the percentage of your income already allocated to existing debts.


The higher your DTI is, the less money you have to devote to your mortgage, which makes you a riskier borrower and can hurt your chances of approval. To maximize your chances of approval with the widest range of lenders, aim to keep your DTI under 36%.


Using credit cards or loans to pay wedding expenses will increase your DTI and make staying within that 36% target harder. Borrowing for your wedding also means paying interest — money that could go toward your down payment or other debts.

Instead, keep your wedding budget within what you can afford to pay out of pocket.


Do: Explore first-time home buyer grants and loan options


Many states offer assistance to first-time home buyers in the form of tax credits and grants for down payments and closing costs.


You should also explore your loan options and find the one that best matches your needs. For example, if you live in a suburban or rural area and earn less than 115% of the local median household income, you may qualify for a USDA loan with 0% down.


Alternatively, if homebuying has seemed like a far-off goal because of your credit score, you may be a fit for a FHA loan. These mortgages, backed by the Federal Housing Administration, have a minimum credit score of 500 with a 10% down payment, or 580 with a 3.5% down payment.


Don't: Wait until you've saved a 20% down payment


Any advice you may have heard that you need to save 20% of the cost of the home for a down payment is outdated. You may be much closer to affording a home than you think. Conventional loans — the most common mortgage — have a minimum down payment requirement of just 3% for first-time homebuyers.


For a home that costs $404,400 (the median price as of December 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors), that translates to $12,132. If you and your partner can put away $350 per month, you'll have saved enough for this down payment in just three years.


To put that into perspective, cutting costs by choosing a DJ over a live band for your wedding reception could help bring you closer to your homeownership goals by almost a year.


Do: Take advantage of tax savings


Talking with a tax professional about your wedding plans before the big day can help you find opportunities for deductions.

"You could earn a tax deduction for items like the flowers or gown if you donate them to charity after the wedding," says Abigail Wright, senior business advisor and tax specialist at ChamberofCommerce.org in Gainesville, Florida. Even if it's a small amount, these tax savings can go directly toward your homebuying fund.


A tax professional can also help you determine whether buying a home before you marry could provide any tax benefits. "Single" individuals may have an advantage over married couples when it comes to itemizing deductions, says Howard Hook, principal at EKS Associates in Princeton, New Jersey, because the standard deduction is higher for married couples than for those filing individually.


If you can maximize tax savings by buying a home before you plan your wedding, your return could supplement your big-day fund.


There's no inherently right decision when it comes to buying a home or getting married first — that's entirely up to you and your partner to decide. Either way, careful strategizing can help you afford to do both on a timeline that works for you.



© 2025 WCBD, Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved.




A man and a woman are standing in an empty room in a house.

Features that buyers have come to expect

By Carone Burnet • February 11, 2025
Features That Home Buyers Have Come to Expect When purchasing a home, buyers are increasingly looking for specific features that enhance comfort, convenience, and efficiency. Whether you’re selling your home or planning future renovations, understanding these expectations can help you attract more interest. Here are the key features that home buyers have come to expect in today’s market. 1. Open Floor Plans Modern buyers prefer spacious, open-concept layouts that create a seamless flow between living, dining, and kitchen areas. This design makes homes feel larger and encourages better interaction among family members. 2. Energy Efficiency With rising energy costs and environmental concerns, buyers are prioritizing energy-efficient features such as double-pane windows, LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and solar panels. 3. Smart Home Technology Many buyers expect smart home features like programmable thermostats, security systems, smart locks, and voice-controlled assistants to enhance convenience and security. 4. Updated Kitchens and Bathrooms Kitchens and bathrooms remain top priorities for home buyers. Features such as quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, ample storage, and modern fixtures can significantly increase a home’s appeal. 5. Ample Storage Space Buyers look for homes with plenty of storage, including walk-in closets, built-in shelving, and functional pantries to keep spaces organized and clutter-free. 6. Home Office Space With remote work becoming more common, a dedicated home office or flexible workspace is now a must-have feature for many buyers. 7. Outdoor Living Spaces Buyers appreciate functional outdoor areas such as patios, decks, and well-maintained gardens where they can relax and entertain guests. 8. Laundry Room A dedicated laundry room with storage and counter space for folding clothes is a highly desired feature for modern buyers. 9. Proximity to Amenities Location remains a key factor, with buyers valuing easy access to schools, public transportation, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. 10. Move-In Ready Condition Many buyers prefer homes that require minimal updates. Well-maintained properties with fresh paint, updated flooring, and modern fixtures tend to sell faster. By understanding these buyer expectations, sellers can better position their homes to attract offers and achieve a successful sale. If you’re planning to buy or sell, keeping these features in mind will help you make informed decisions!
A living room filled with cardboard boxes and a couch.

How to pack your stuff

By Carone Burnet • February 11, 2025
How to Pack Your Stuff When Moving: A Stress-Free Guide Moving can be both an exciting and stressful experience. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, proper packing is essential to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you pack efficiently and minimize the chaos. 1. Start Early Procrastination is your worst enemy when it comes to moving. Begin packing at least a few weeks in advance, starting with items you use the least. 2. Declutter Before You Pack Take this opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Donate, sell, or discard unnecessary belongings to lighten your load. 3. Gather Packing Supplies You’ll need: Sturdy moving boxes Packing tape Bubble wrap or packing paper Labels and markers Plastic bags for small parts 4. Pack Room by Room Packing one room at a time keeps things organized and makes unpacking easier. Clearly label each box with its contents and designated room. 5. Use Proper Packing Techniques Heavy items: Place them at the bottom of boxes. Fragile items: Wrap in bubble wrap and mark the box as “Fragile.” Clothing: Use wardrobe boxes or vacuum-sealed bags. Electronics: Keep cables organized and pack them with their corresponding devices. 6. Keep Essentials Separate Pack an essentials box with toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, and a change of clothes for easy access. 7. Secure Valuables Keep jewelry, important paperwork, and sentimental items with you rather than in the moving truck. 8. Label Everything Clearly Write down the contents of each box and the room it belongs in to make unpacking more efficient. 9. Protect Furniture and Large Items Disassemble furniture when possible and wrap delicate pieces in protective covers or blankets. 10. Stay Calm and Organized Moving can be overwhelming, but staying organized and following a plan can make the process much smoother. By following these packing tips, you'll ensure a more organized move with less stress. Happy moving!
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