Budget talk, but make it simple. If you’re wondering, “How much house can I actually afford?”—here’s the plain-English version.
Start with the Big Three
Income (household, steady vs. variable)
Debts (car loans, lines of credit, student loans)
Down Payment (5%, 10%, 20%+)
The Ratios (Without the Headache)
Lenders look at how much of your income goes to housing + other debts. The exact limits vary by lender and product, but staying conservative leaves you breathing room.
Pre-Approval Beats Guesswork
Online calculators are cute; pre-approvals are real. You’ll get a verified budget and be offer-ready when the right home hits MLS®.
Don’t Forget the “Everything Else”
Property tax, utilities, insurance, condo fees (if any), and a small monthly “home fund” for maintenance. Future-you will be grateful.
Charlotte’s Quick Tips
Lock a rate hold while you shop.
Keep your credit quiet (no new car loans mid-search).
Set your max, then target homes below it to leave room for surprises.
👉 Thinking about your next move? Let’s chat mortgages + MLS® today.