Mortgage Pre-Approval

One of the first steps in the home buying process is to consult with a mortgage lender about your financing options.

When you know what you can afford, you can focus your home search and make your move more quickly when you find the property you want.

Fill out the form below to begin the process.

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Determining Your Home-Buying Budget

Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. It's a milestone that comes with excitement and anticipation but also with substantial responsibilities. One of the critical aspects of this process is determining how much you can afford to spend on buying a house.

This decision should be grounded in careful financial planning and a realistic assessment of your current and future financial situation. Keep reading as we explore the essential steps and factors to consider when figuring out your home-buying budget.

Assessing Your Financial Situation

Before diving into the housing market, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your current financial situation. Begin by calculating your monthly income, which should include your salary, rental income, investment returns, and any other sources of income. Subtract your monthly expenses, which may include rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and debt payments. The amount remaining after subtracting expenses is your discretionary income, which will be crucial in determining your home-buying budget.

While your lender will look at your finances, credit history, employment, and other factors and tell you how much you are qualified to borrow, it is essential that you also have a clear picture of your finances in order to make a purchase that comfortably fits within your means.

Consider Your Debt

Your existing debt, such as student loans, car loans, and credit card debt, can significantly impact how much you can afford to spend on a house. Lenders use a metric called the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to evaluate your ability to take on more debt.

Generally, a DTI of 43% or lower is considered acceptable for most mortgage loans. To calculate your DTI, divide your monthly debt payments by your monthly income and multiply by 100. Lowering your DTI by paying down or consolidating debt can increase the amount you can afford to spend on a house.

Determine Your Down Payment

The down payment is a substantial upfront cost when buying a house, typically ranging from 3% to 20% or more of the home's purchase price. The more you can put down upfront, the lower your monthly mortgage payments will be. However, some people find that this monthly savings is small enough to not be worth investing more of their cash.

On the other hand, a larger down payment not only reduces your ongoing financial obligations but also opens up more home-buying options. Talk with your lender about your options and evaluate the pros and cons of different down payments. Then, consider setting a savings goal and creating a budget to help you accumulate the necessary funds for your down payment.

Choose Your Location

Location plays a significant role in how much you can afford to spend on a house. Different areas have varying property values, property taxes, and homeowners' insurance rates. Research the housing market in the specific area or neighborhood you're interested in to get a sense of property prices. It may be worth considering nearby neighborhoods or suburbs to find a more affordable option if your desired location is out of your budget.

In order to make homeownership a realistic goal, many Americans are looking for more affordable housing markets like Northeastern Wisconsin. Making a move to a new location can mean investing in real estate more quickly than in a more expensive market in a bigger city.

Calculate Your Affordability Ratio

To determine how much you can afford to spend on a house, you can use a common rule of thumb known as the 28/36 rule. According to this guideline, your monthly housing expenses (including your mortgage, property taxes, homeowners' insurance, and any homeowners' association fees) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Additionally, your total debt payments (including housing expenses and other debts) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

A crucial step in understanding your home-buying budget is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This involves working with a lender who will assess your financial situation and provide a pre-approval letter stating the maximum amount they are willing to lend you.

Keep in mind that the pre-approval amount is not necessarily what you should spend. It's a top limit, and it's essential to consider your comfort level with the monthly mortgage payment associated with that amount.

Plan Ahead for the Cost of Homeownership

Owning a home comes with ongoing costs beyond the mortgage payment. You'll need to budget for property taxes, homeowners' insurance, maintenance, and repairs. These costs can vary significantly based on the size and condition of the home and its location. It's wise to set aside a portion of your monthly budget for these expenses to ensure you can comfortably cover them when they arise.

You should also consider the predictable ongoing expenses of homes as you decide what to buy. Not all homes with equal list prices will come with the same expenses. The maintenance level of the exterior, how soon you will need to replace the roof, or the amount of renovation and furnishing you will need to pay for are just some of the factors that can drastically differentiate two otherwise similarly priced homes.

Figuring out how much you can afford to spend on buying a house requires a thorough examination of your financial situation, including your income, expenses, debt, and savings. It also involves considering the down payment, closing costs, location, and long-term financial goals. By following these steps and being realistic about your budget, you can make a well-informed decision that leads to a financially secure and comfortable homeownership experience.