Everyone says "just save 20% for a down payment." Cool. On a $350K home that's $70,000. For most people earning $50-70K, that feels like a decade away.

But here's what nobody tells you:

You probably don't need 20% down. FHA loans start at 3.5%. Some conventional loans go as low as 3%. On that same $350K home, that's $10,500-$12,250. Still real money — but a completely different ballgame.

The real problem isn't saving — it's not having a plan. Most people treat homeownership as this vague "someday" goal. No target number, no timeline, no strategy. Just guilt every time they check their savings account.

Here's what actually works:

1. Pick a real target city and price range — not your dream house, your first house

2. Calculate YOUR actual down payment — based on loan programs you qualify for

3. Build a month-by-month savings plan — with a real end date you can see

4. Learn the process — pre-approval, inspections, closing costs, the whole thing

That's exactly what I built KeyPath to do. It maps your personalized path from "I can't afford this" to handing you the keys.

Homeownership isn't about income. It's about having the right plan.