Summer Side Hustles to Save for a Down Payment

Buying a home is a big financial goal, and saving for a down payment can be a challenge. But if you’re willing to put in some extra work, there are a number of summer side hustles that can help you reach your goal.

Here are a few ideas:

• Dog walking and pet sitting: This is a great option if you love animals and have some free time during the day. You can find clients through online platforms like Rover or Wag!.
  
• Tutoring: If you’re good at a particular subject, you can offer your services as a tutor. You can find clients through word-of-mouth, online platforms, or even your local library.

• Freelance writing or editing: If you have a knack for writing or editing, you can find freelance work online. There are a few websites that connect freelancers with clients, such as Upwork or Fiverr.

• Delivering food or groceries: This is a great option if you have a car and are willing to work some evenings or weekends. You can sign up with a delivery service like DoorDash or Instacart.

• Babysitting: If you’re comfortable with children, you can offer your services as a babysitter. You can sign up with a delivery service like Babysits or Sittercity. Get more information here.
  
• Driving for a rideshare company: This is a great option if you have a car and are willing to drive people around. You can sign up with a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft and start making money right away.
  
• Car washing/detailing: If you’re good with your hands and have a knack for cleaning, you can offer car washing or detailing services. You can find clients through word-of-mouth, online platforms, or even by posting flyers around your neighborhood.
  
• Handyman: If you’re handy around the house, you can offer your services as a handyman. This could include anything from fixing leaky faucets to assembling furniture. You can sign up with a rideshare company like TaskRabbit or Handyman.com and start making money right away.
  
• Landscaping: If you’re good with plants and have a green thumb, you can offer landscaping services. This could include mowing lawns, trimming hedges, or planting flowers. You can try sites like Lawn Love a try to get gigs fast.

How Much Money Can You Make?

The amount of money you can make with a summer side hustle will vary depending on the type of work you do, how many hours you work, and your skill level. But if you’re willing to put in some effort, you can easily make enough money to save for a down payment.

Here are some statistics to support this:

• According to a recent survey, almost 45% of Americans are side hustlers and the average American makes $1,200 per month from side hustles.
• The most popular side hustles are dog walking, pet sitting, and tutoring.
• You can make even more money by offering your services as a freelance writer or editor, or by delivering food or groceries.
• Drivers for rideshare companies can make an average of $15-20 per hour.
• Handymen can make an average of $20-30 per hour.
• Landscapers can make an average of $25-40 per hour.

How to Get Started?

If you’re interested in starting a summer side hustle, here are a few things you need to do:

1. Decide what kind of work you want to do. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing?
2. Do some research. Find out how much money you can make doing the kind of work you want to do.
3. Set up your business. This may involve creating a website, getting business cards, or setting up a profile on an online platform.
4. Start marketing yourself. Let people know that you’re available for work.
5. Be prepared to work hard. Starting a side hustle takes time and effort, but it can be a great way to save for a down payment.

And don’t forget to keep in touch with your mortgage loan officer with updates as you get closer to your downpayment goals. This way when you are ready, there’s not wasted time.