I talk to aspiring homeowners all the time who ask:

"Angel, how much house can I afford?"

But that's not always the right question.

A better question is:

"What monthly payment can I comfortably afford?"

One guideline many lenders and financial professionals use is the 28% Rule, which suggests your housing payment should be around 28% of your gross monthly income.

To figure this out, I used a mortgage calculator (10% down, 6% interest, plus estimated taxes & insurance) to get a monthly payment for different price points.

Then I took that number and divided it by 0.28 to see what income would comfortably support it.

Why does that matter?

Because focusing only on the purchase price can get you into trouble.

A $600,000 home might feel affordable to one family and completely unrealistic to another. The difference isn't the house it's the monthly payment and how it fits into your overall financial picture.

That's why I encourage buyers to start with a plan.

Understand your budget. Know your numbers.

And most importantly, buy a home that helps you build your future not one that creates financial stress.

The goal isn't just to buy a house.

The goal is to enjoy homeownership comfortably and confidently.

Follow Angel & Patty for real estate tips, market updates, and strategies that help buyers make smart financial decisions.

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