What's the ideal way to save up for a downpayment on a house?

[Tree0164]

I agree with no using any retirement money to pay for your house.

Save each month towards your house. Work a second job if you want to be aggressive.

And while you are getting a mortgage get a fixed rate mortgage rather than a adjustable rate one.

[jmjj215]

Let's make sure we distinguish between a ROTH and a TRADITIONAL IRA in these discussions - as the latter comes with stiff withdrawal penalties.