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Teachers

Top 5 Tips

To Buying A Home

Introduction:

Are you a teacher dreaming of owning a home? If so, you’re not alone. Being a teacher in today’s challenging climate is no easy feat, and balancing financial goals with the demands of your career can feel overwhelming. That’s why this blog is here—to provide practical and actionable advice tailored specifically to teachers striving for homeownership.

I’m Gus Montgomery, a real estate broker in the Seattle, Washington area and a Educator with 11+ years of experience. As a National Board-Certified Teacher with a Master’s in Education, I understand the unique struggles teachers face and how to overcome them. Combining my background in education with my expertise in real estate, I’ve worked hard to identify the best resources and strategies to help teachers achieve their dreams of owning a home.

In this post, I’ll share five essential tips for teachers in Washington State. While most tips are designed for long-term success, there’s one that can help you get started right away. If you’re not a teacher, please share this with an educator in your life—they’ll thank you for it. Let’s make homeownership a reality for the heroes in our classrooms!

With that said, here are Teachers Top 5 Tips to Buying A Home!

Tip #1: Advance Your Education: Earn Your Master’s Degree

Earning your master’s degree is one of the most impactful steps you can take to boost your salary as a teacher. In Washington State, for example, teachers with a master’s degree can earn $10,000–$15,000 more annually compared to those with just a bachelor’s degree. Using Seattle Public Schools' salary schedule, a first-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree earns about $69,000, while a teacher with a master’s degree and additional credits can make nearly $86,000. Over time, this salary difference adds up significantly, increasing your earning potential and home-buying power.

For an affordable and flexible path to your master’s, consider Western Governor’s University (WGU). Their online Master of Teaching program costs about $4,000 per semester, and many full-time teachers complete it in just 1–2 years. Some, like myself, finish in as little as six months, saving both time and money. Success requires strong time management and dedication—allocate evenings or weekends to focus on coursework instead of other activities.

By investing in your education, you’ll see a quick return as the salary increase can cover the program cost in a year or less. It’s a strategic move to secure financial stability and achieve your dream of homeownership.

Tip #2: Maximize Clock Hours for Salary Advancement

Clock hours play a critical role in advancing up the salary schedule, directly impacting your earning potential as a teacher. In Washington State, every 10 clock hours equals one credit, and accumulating more credits moves you higher on the salary scale. For example, a first-year teacher with a bachelor’s degree might start at $68,000, but by earning additional clock hours and credits, their salary can climb to nearly $86,000 over time.

To efficiently earn clock hours, explore professional development opportunities offered by your school district, such as seminars and workshops. Many of these are available online or in person and are tailored to fit into a teacher’s busy schedule.

Another effective method is using platforms like My 24/7Ed, which allows teachers in Washington State to self-record professional development activities. For instance, watching a TED Talk about education, participating in curriculum planning with colleagues, or attending a teaching-related webinar can all count toward clock hours. Simply log the activity on My 24/7Ed and write a reflection to get credit.

Maximizing your clock hours is a strategic way to boost your salary while enhancing your professional skills, making it a win-win for your career and your financial goals.

For more information on My24/7Ed, email: maxsalaryteachers@gmail.com

Tip #3: Become a National Board Certified Teacher

Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher is a rewarding way to enhance your teaching career and significantly increase your income. Eligible after three years of teaching, the certification process involves creating a comprehensive portfolio, submitting essays, providing student work samples, and recording yourself teaching. While the process typically takes 1–2 years, the benefits are well worth the effort.

In Washington State, certified teachers receive a $6,000 annual bonus. For those teaching in high-poverty schools—determined by free and reduced lunch rates—the bonus increases by an additional $5,000, bringing the total to $11,000 per year. Over time, this financial boost can make a substantial difference in achieving homeownership goals.

Though rigorous, the certification process comes with plenty of support. Many school districts offer programs to help teachers navigate the requirements, and local colleges often host support groups. You can also seek guidance from experienced teachers in your district who have already achieved certification.

The teaching community thrives on collaboration, so don’t hesitate to reach out for tips and advice. By becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, you not only invest in your professional growth but also open doors to greater financial stability and career satisfaction.

Tip #4: Utilize Teacher-Specific Home Buying Programs

Teacher-specific home buying programs are valuable resources that can provide significant financial assistance when purchasing a home. These programs are designed to help educators save money on one of the biggest hurdles in the home-buying process: closing costs, which typically range from 2–5% of the purchase price. For example, on a $500,000 home, closing costs could amount to $25,000—a substantial expense.

Many teacher home buying programs offer grants that can cover a portion of these costs, reducing the financial burden. These grants don’t require repayment, making them an excellent way to ease the upfront expenses associated with buying a home. Additionally, some programs provide guidance and support tailored to teachers, ensuring the process is as smooth and accessible as possible.

If you’re considering buying a home, taking advantage of these opportunities can save you thousands of dollars and make homeownership more achievable. With these resources, teachers can focus on finding the perfect home without the added financial stress.

For more information about teacher home buying grants, email: gus@dmdrealestate.com

Tip #5: Leverage Extra Pay Opportunities in Schools

Teachers can boost their income by taking advantage of extra pay opportunities offered by their schools. These roles include coaching sports teams, leading after-school clubs, managing programs like school patrol, or working events such as dances and athletic games. While these opportunities may not offer massive pay increases, they can add up over time and make a meaningful difference in your financial situation.

To avoid burnout, it’s important to choose roles that align with your interests and passions. For example, if you love sports, coaching might be a natural fit. If you enjoy working with students on leadership or creative projects, leading a club or after-school program can be rewarding.

Personally, I found great satisfaction in roles like serving as an athletic director and leading school patrol. These experiences not only provided extra income but also deepened my connection with students and the school community. For instance, leading school patrol included a fun field trip at the end of the year, making it a memorable and fulfilling role.

While the pay for these roles may not always match the time invested, the added income and personal fulfillment can make them worthwhile, especially when saving for major goals like homeownership.

Conclusion

To recap, here are the top five tips for teachers to buy a home: earn your master’s degree for a salary boost, maximize clock hours for advancement, become a National Board Certified Teacher, utilize teacher-specific home buying programs, and leverage extra pay opportunities at school.

By taking these actionable steps, you can work toward homeownership while continuing to serve your students and community.

Keep making a difference in the classroom while achieving your personal goals!

For more information about any of these tips, feel free to email any of the following:
- gus@dmdrealestate.com
- maxsalaryteachers@gmail.com

Join Max Salary Teachers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19wVTU5EMM/

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