February is a month all about planning for the future, whether it’s with a partner on Valentine's Day or taking meaningful steps toward personal goals. For many people, that future includes buying a home. But before you find the perfect place, there’s one big step to take: saving for your down payment.

No matter your timeline or income, the right strategies can help you build your down payment fund faster and smarter. At Consumers National Bank, we’re here to help you make it happen.

Why Your Down Payment Matters

Your down payment directly affects how much you’ll need to borrow, your monthly mortgage payment, and whether you’ll need to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). While 20% is a common target, many loan programs allow for much lower down payments, sometimes as low as 3% or even zero for qualifying buyers.

Still, the more you can save, the better your long-term financial outlook. So how do you get started?

1. Make Saving Automatic

The easiest way to save for a down payment is to make it automatic. Set up a recurring transfer from your checking to a separate savings account every payday. Even small, consistent amounts add up over time, and keeping the money separate makes it less tempting to spend.

Consider opening a dedicated “Future Home” savings account to keep your goal in focus.

Or, for a truly effortless way to build savings, try our Dimes To Dollars account. With every purchase you make using your Consumers debit card, the transaction is automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar, and the difference is transferred to your Dimes To Dollars savings account, where it can earn up to 3.00% APY on the first $1,000.*

It’s a painless way to turn spare change into real progress toward your down payment, perfect for individuals or couples looking for simple savings tools that add up over time.

Watch your dimes grow into dollars—literally!

2. Grow Your Savings with a CD

A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a great option if you’re planning to buy a home in the next one to three years. CDs typically offer higher interest rates than regular savings accounts in exchange for keeping your money deposited for a set term—often 6, 12, or 24 months.

• Earn more interest while you save
• Choose a term that fits your timeline
• Stay committed to your savings goal by avoiding early withdrawals

Consumers National Bank offers a variety of CD options to help your down payment fund grow safely and predictably.

3. Use the Ohio Homebuyer Plus Account

Here’s a powerful, often-overlooked tool: the Ohio Homebuyer Plus program.

This state-backed initiative offers enhanced interest rates on savings accounts designated for first-time homebuyers in Ohio. Available through participating banks, including Consumers National Bank, this account:

• Can be opened individually or jointly (great for couples!)
• Offers higher rates than traditional savings accounts
• Helps you reach your down paymentgoal faster

It’s a win-win for any Ohioan preparing for homeownership.

4. Celebrate Milestones Together

If you’re saving with a partner, use key dates, like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or birthdays, as moments to celebrate your progress. Set savings goals as a team, track them monthly, and reward yourselves when you hit mini-milestones. The journey to homeownership can be just as exciting as the purchase itself.

5. Talk to a Local Mortgage Expert Early

Even if you’re a year or two away from buying, connecting with a mortgage lender now can give you a clear savings target. We’ll help you:

• Understand how much home you can afford
• Estimate your ideal down payment
• Explore programs with low down payment options

Starting the conversation early sets you up for confidence and success.

Let’s Build Your Future Together

Whether you’re saving solo or with someone special, your dream of homeownership is within reach. Consumers National Bank is proud to support you with tools like automatic transfers, CD ladders, and access to Ohio’s Homebuyer Plus savings accounts.

Ready to start saving smarter? Stop by your local branch or contact one of our mortgage specialists today to create a personalized savings strategy that works for you.