How Much Mortgage Can You Afford?

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Updated: August 1, 2024

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A home purchase is one of the most significant expenses you'll ever undertake, so understanding how much mortgage you can afford is essential. Knowing your mortgage affordability helps ensure that owning a home is sustainable and that it's an enjoyable experience rather than a burden.

Remember, homeownership involves more than just paying your monthly mortgage payment — it includes property taxes, insurance, maintenance and other expenses. We'll help you assess how much mortgage you can afford, taking into account all the factors that contribute to your overall financial well-being.

Key Takeaways

The 28/36 rule helps determine how much mortgage you can afford by limiting housing and total debt payments.

Factors affecting mortgage affordability include your credit score, down payment and debt-to-income ratio.

Strategies to increase mortgage affordability include choosing a longer mortgage term, buying within your means and considering other locations with lower costs.

Why Consider Mortgage Affordability

Owning a home comes with various costs beyond the mortgage payment. These include property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance and potential HOA fees, all of which add up and can impact your budget.

Imagine getting a mortgage without fully understanding these additional expenses. You might end up stretched thin, struggling to cover costs and facing financial stress. It could even risk foreclosure, making your dream home a financial burden.

How Much Mortgage Can You Afford?

The 28/36 rule is a useful guideline to determine how much mortgage you can afford. It suggests that your mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of your monthly gross income, and your total debt payments, including your mortgage, should not exceed 36%.

For example, if your monthly gross income is $5,000, according to the 28/36 rule, your mortgage payment should be no more than $1,400, and your total debt payments should be no more than $1,800. This rule helps ensure you can comfortably manage your mortgage and other financial obligations.

To get a clearer picture, use our mortgage calculator and check the Affordability Tab to see your debt-to-income ratio. This tool will help you apply the 28/36 rule to your specific financial situation, ensuring you understand exactly how much mortgage you can afford.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIO

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) measures how your monthly debt compares to your monthly gross income. A lower DTI makes you a more attractive borrower, telling lenders you're in a better position to manage monthly payments and repay debts.

To lower your DTI if it's too high, consider paying off smaller debts and avoiding new loans before applying for a mortgage. This can improve your chances of securing a favorable loan and increase your approval amount.

How to Calculate How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

Calculating how much mortgage you can afford involves considering several factors, such as your income and debt-to-income ratio. Understanding these factors gives you a clear picture of your financial limits, ensuring you don't overextend yourself. Let's walk through the steps to determine how much of a mortgage you can afford.

1
Determine your monthly gross income

Add up all sources of income before taxes. This is your starting point for calculating affordability. Be sure to include salary, bonuses and any other regular income.

2
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI)

Divide the amount you spend on monthly debt by your gross income.

3
Apply the 28/36 rule

Ensure your mortgage payment is no more than 28% of your income and total debts are no more than 36%. Keep these ratios in mind for realistic budgeting.

4
Estimate property taxes and homeowners insurance

Research average costs in your area and add these to your monthly mortgage budget. Check local government websites for accurate property tax information.

5
Factor in maintenance and other homeownership costs

Set aside funds for repairs, utilities and possible HOA fees. Budget 1-4% of your home's value annually for maintenance.

6
Use an online mortgage calculator

Input your data to see how much mortgage you can afford.

7
Review and adjust based on your financial goals

Reassess your housing budget and objectives to ensure your mortgage fits your long-term plans. Consider potential life changes, such as job shifts or family growth.

These steps can help you clearly understand how much mortgage you can afford. This will allow you to make the best decisions throughout your homebuying journey.

Other Factors Affecting Mortgage Affordability

When considering how much mortgage you can afford, there are additional factors beyond the basic calculations. Elements like your credit score and interest rates can significantly impact affordability. Let's explore these to give you a comprehensive view of your mortgage options.

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    Your credit report and credit scores

    Lenders use your credit score to determine your loan's interest rate. A higher score can secure a lower rate, reducing your monthly payments and total interest paid over the loan's life and making your mortgage more affordable.

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    Your down payment

    A larger down payment reduces the loan amount, lowering monthly payments and possibly eliminating the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI).

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    Your mortgage term

    The length of your mortgage affects your monthly payments and total interest paid. A shorter term means higher payments but less interest overall. In comparison, a longer term has lower payments but more interest, impacting overall affordability.

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    Compare loan offers

    Different lenders offer varying interest rates and terms. Shopping around for the best offer can result in a lower interest rate or better loan conditions, reducing your monthly payments and making your mortgage more affordable.

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HOUSE POOR?

Being house poor means spending a large portion of your income on homeownership expenses, leaving little for other needs like savings, emergencies or leisure. Overextending yourself financially can lead to stress and financial instability, highlighting the importance of careful planning and realistic budgeting.

How to Increase Mortgage Affordability

By making strategic financial adjustments, you can secure a more manageable mortgage. Let's explore some tips to help you make your mortgage more affordable and sustainable.

1
Buy within your means

Consider purchasing a house with a home price that fits comfortably within your budget. This helps ensure your mortgage payments are manageable and reduces the risk of becoming house poor.

2
Utilize first-time homebuyer programs

Look for federal, state and local programs that offer lower interest rates, down payment assistance or tax credits. These can make homeownership more affordable by reducing your initial and ongoing costs.

3
Lock in a lower interest rate

Monitor interest rates and work with a good lender to lock in a favorable rate at the right time.

4
Consider other locations

Explore homes in areas with lower property taxes and overall costs of living. Sometimes, moving a bit farther from city centers or choosing a different neighborhood can significantly reduce your mortgage payments and increase affordability.

5
Explore other types of mortgages

Look into different types of mortgage options, such as adjustable-rate or FHA loans. These might offer lower initial payments or better terms, making your mortgage more affordable.

By employing these strategies, you can increase your mortgage affordability and achieve a more manageable, sustainable homeownership experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mortgage Affordability

Successful homeownership involves understanding how much mortgage you can afford. We addressed common questions and concerns, providing clarity about mortgage affordability.

How does credit affect mortgage affordability?

A higher credit score can secure a lower interest rate, reducing both monthly mortgage payments and total interest paid. In contrast, a poor credit score can lead to higher rates and may limit the loan amount you can be approved for, as some programs tighten DTI limits for lower credit scores.

How does your down payment affect mortgage affordability?

A larger down payment reduces the loan amount, lowering monthly payments and possibly eliminating the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI), making your mortgage more affordable.

What percentage of your income can you afford for mortgage payments?

Generally, you should aim to spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on mortgage payments. This guideline helps ensure you can comfortably manage your mortgage.

What are the upfront costs of buying a home?

Upfront costs include the down payment, closing costs, appraisal fees and home inspection fees. Depending on the home's price and location, these can add up to several thousand dollars.

How much of a mortgage can I afford based on my salary?

Typically, you can afford a mortgage that's 2.5 to 3 times your annual salary. Using this rule, you can estimate a comfortable mortgage amount within your budget.

How much of an FHA loan do I qualify for?

FHA loans require a minimum down payment of 3.5%, making them accessible if you have a lower credit score or limited funds. To understand your mortgage affordability, use our FHA vs. conventional loan calculator to see how much you might qualify for based on your financial situation.

How much VA loan do I qualify for?

If you are a veteran who was honorably discharged, a service member or a surviving spouse of a qualifying service member, you may qualify for a VA loan, which often requires no down payment.

About Zachary Romeo, CBCA

Zachary Romeo, CBCA headshot

Zachary Romeo is a certified Commercial Banking and Credit Analyst (CBCA), and the Head of Loans and Banking at MoneyGeek. Previously, he led production teams for some of the largest online informational resources in higher education, with over 13 years of experience in editorial production.

Romeo has a bachelor's degree in biological engineering from Cornell University. He geeks out on minimizing personal debt and helping others do the same through people-first content.

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