How Much Home Can I Actually Afford?

How Much Home Can I Afford How Much Home Can I Actually Afford?

It’s one of the first questions every home buyer asks — and one of the most important. But “how much home can I afford” and “how much will a lender approve me for” are not the same question. Confusing the two is one of the most common — and most costly — mistakes buyers make.

Your approval amount is determined by a formula. Your actual affordability is determined by your life. A good mortgage professional helps you understand both — and helps you build a plan that works for you, not just one that gets you to closing. [Read more…]

How Your Car Payment Affects How Much House You Can Buy

Car Payment Impacts Qualifying for MortgageIf you’ve been following the headlines lately, you may have seen reporting on how $800 monthly car payments are straining budgets and slowing auto sales. It’s a compelling story about the car industry. But from where I sit, there’s another story hiding in those numbers — one that affects far more people and almost never gets told.

That $800 car payment isn’t just hurting your ability to buy a car. It’s quietly taking a massive chunk out of what you can qualify for when you’re ready to buy a home.

Quick answer: At today’s common 6% rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage, every $100 in monthly car payment reduces your home buying power by approximately $16,679. An $800 car payment alone eliminates $133,432 in mortgage qualifying amount — before a lender even looks at the rest of your file.

[Read more…]

Mortgage Qualifying: Your Income, Job, and Debts: Workshop Replay!

Mortgage Qualifying: Your Income, Job, and Debts Workshop

How lenders determine what you qualify for—and how to prepare

One of the most common questions I hear from home buyers is:
“How do lenders decide how much I qualify for?”

In this workshop replay from my Home Buying Workshop Series, we break down the basics of mortgage qualifying—specifically how lenders review your income, employment, and monthly debts to determine what payment, loan amount, and home price may be realistic for you.

Understanding these basics early can help you avoid surprises, make better decisions, and feel more confident when you’re ready to buy.


Watch the Workshop Replay

This workshop is especially helpful if you: [Read more…]

Are You a Co-Signer on a Student Loan?

did you co-sign for a student loan?When Congress resolved the latest debt ceiling with the passing of The Financial Responsibility Act of 2023, both parties agreed to stop the forbearance on student loans payments. Federally backed student loan payments have been paused for the past three years due to the pandemic. Payments on student loans are set to resume following this September and many are not going to be prepared for this. [Read more…]

Qualify for Investment Property based on Cash Flow – DSCR

DSCR Investment Property Mortgage If you are looking at adding to your real estate investment portfolio, I may have some good news for you! We have a mortgage program that allows investors to qualify for a mortgage based on the property’s cash flow. [Read more…]