Home maintenance might not be the most exciting part of homeownership, but it's one of the most important. Taking the time to care for your property helps preserve its value, prevent costly repairs, and improve your living environment.

Paying off your mortgage faster is a tempting goal. After all, who doesn't want to own their home outright sooner and save on interest along the way? One way to do this is by lowering your amortization period, which is the time it takes to repay your mortgage in full.

One of the biggest questions future homeowners ask is, "How much do I actually need to save before buying a home?" The answer depends on a few key components, but don't worry--it's easier to break down than you might think!