The best and worst states to save for a home down payment

After more than 25 years in both real estate and mortgage, I’ve seen firsthand how saving for a home down payment can look very different depending on where you live. According to a recent study, there’s a $30,000 difference in 5% down payment savings from state to state. Factors like income, local housing costs, taxes, and available inventory all play a big role in shaping affordability. Some states strike a better balance, making it easier for buyers to get started, while others present real challenges with higher prices and tighter inventory. Understanding these variations is key for anyone mapping out their path to homeownership.