How Much House Can I Really Afford? (The Truth No One Tells You)
Let’s be real — figuring out how much house you can afford isn’t just about numbers on paper. It’s about creating a payment that fits your real life — not one that makes you house-poor the moment you get your keys.
💰 The Real Math Behind “Affordability”
Most lenders use something called your DTI (Debt-to-Income Ratio) — basically, how much of your monthly income goes toward debt. But that’s just the starting point.
What actually matters?
Your comfort level with the payment (we discuss this in your discovery call)
Your lifestyle (travel, eating out, kids’ sports, etc.)
Long-term plans — do you plan to upgrade soon or stay put? (what IS your 5 year goal, do you have one?)
Here’s a quick rule of thumb I like:
👉 Keep your total home payment under 35% of your gross income — that includes your mortgage, taxes, and insurance.
🏠 Prepare for all costs
When you’re budgeting, remember:
Homeowners insurance (varies by state and property type)
Property taxes (these can add hundreds to your payment)
HOA fees, if your new home has one
Maintenance & repairs (set aside at least 1% of your home’s value yearly)
These little details can make a big difference in how your monthly payment feels. We will chat through every single home you want to look at.
✨ Pro Tip: Reverse Engineer It
Instead of asking, “How much can I qualify for?” ask,
“What’s the monthly payment that feels right for my lifestyle?”
Once you have that number, I can help you work backward to find your perfect price point — so you’re not stretching yourself thin just to get a set of keys. I will let you know your max just to ensure you know but it’s really about how much you are wanting to spend. I don’t want to max you out!
💬 Final Thought
Owning a home shouldn’t feel stressful — it should feel secure. The key is getting pre-approved with someone who listens to your goals, not just your income. And explains everything to you in a way that you can digest it.
Ready to see what’s possible?
Let’s go get you home 🏡 — click here to start your Home Budget Plan today.