Step 2: Calculate How Much You Can Afford On A House

Once you decide you’re ready to buy a home, it’s time to set a budget. A good place to begin is by calculating your DTI ratio. Look at your current debts and income and consider how much money you can reasonably afford to spend each month on a mortgage.

Homeownership comes with several costs you don’t need to worry about while renting. You’ll need to pay property taxes and maintain some form of homeowners insurance. Factor these expenses into your household budget when you decide how much you can afford on a house.

Having trouble coming up with a number? Use my Home Affordability Calculator to get a rough idea of how much of a mortgage you can afford.

Down payment:

Buying a home with no money down is possible, but most homeowners need to have some cash for a down payment. A down payment is the first major payment you make on your loan at closing.