As you enter the world of real estate, funding for your next home purchase stands on the forefront of the homebuying process. Understanding what you can afford may help you in starting your journey to find your next abode.
What factors determine how much house can I afford?
To figure out your finances to determine how much home you can afford, consider these factors:
- Money you have saved up for a down payment and closing costs.
- Your monthly income, including your salary and from other sources.
- The debt you’ve accrued.
The 28/36 rule - what it is & how it works
If you’d like to use a system to manage your finances, consider utilizing the 28/36 rule. With this method, you dedicate no more than 28 percent of your gross monthly income to household expenses such as utilities and mortgage payments. Your debt shouldn’t take over 36 percent of your gross income.
Using this system helps you manage debts and financial duties, and demonstrates to mortgage lenders you can afford a monthly mortgage payment.
Should I buy a house?
Before starting the home buying journey, it’s ideal to consider your overall standing to make sure you’re ready to purchase a home.
Consider your credit score - a higher credit score may spell approval from more lenders and lower interest rates. Do you have adequate cash reserved to afford a down payment, closing costs and other fees associated with buying a home? By answering these questions you’ll get a better idea if homeownership is feasible in the near future.
Purchasing a home takes effort and much consideration, so take your time during the process and figure out your finances to jumpstart your journey.
About the Author
Linda Cappello, Broker, GRI, ABR
Linda A. Cappello, Owner/Broker of Cappello Realty Shoreline Properties. Cappello Realty is a full service boutique Real Estate firm that specializes in 06855 - East Norwalk, and services all of Norwalk and Fairfield County, CT. Linda has been in the Real Estate business for 20+ years, spending 18 of them as a Owner/Broker. Being a Broker adds a lot responsibility to her job. She is responsible for overseeing every transaction and agent in the office. This is a challenge that she looks forward to and takes very seriously. She is constantly taking continuing education classes and attending seminars to keep abreast of the ever changing market as well as the industry standards, rules and regulations.
She is a native to East Norwalk, and has an in-depth knowledge of the city that she loves, as well as the intricacies of the many unique neighborhoods and areas that Norwalk offers. Linda offers her clients a network of professionals ranging from Attorneys, Mortgage Brokers, Home Stagers and Home Inspectors to any and all pros that you may need for a successful transaction and for the convenience of her clients.
"My job doesn't end at the closing table. It goes far beyond that, keeping in touch and staying friends who refer their family and friends. A lot of my business is referral business which is the greatest accomplishment and honor of all. Earning my clients trust."
