How Much Can You Afford?
To get a quick idea of what you can afford to spend, multiply your annual gross income (before taxes) by 3. For example, if your annual household income is $50,000, you might be able to qualify for a $150,000 home. This is just a rough estimate - the actual number will vary based on factors such as your debt and credit history.
Mortgage lenders typically use the housing expense and debt-to-income ratios to more accurately determine how much you can afford to spend on your mortgage.
- Housing Expense Ratio
Mortgage lenders recommend that your monthly mortgage payment should be less than or equal to a quarter of your monthly gross income. This percentage can change based on the type of mortgage you choose and sometimes the area in which you're looking to buy.- Debt-to-Income Ratio
You need to factor your other debts into determining an affordable monthly mortgage payment. Mortgage lenders look at whether your total debt is larger than 30-40% of your monthly gross income. Remember, debt is not just credit cards and student loans. It can also include alimony, child support, car loans, and housing expenses.Contact our office to get a definitive estimate of what you qualify for!