Saran Chatterjee SVP, Product | realtors.com
The challenges of the current real estate market have raised concerns about home affordability for many individuals. Despite these hurdles, people continue to purchase homes, often requiring careful planning to avoid becoming "house poor."
Tools like the Home Affordability Calculator on Realtor.com can assist potential buyers in determining how much they can afford based on their budget. Users input their annual income, monthly debts, and available funds for a down payment and closing costs to estimate an affordable home price range.
According to real estate agent Ron Myers from Wellington, FL, "The standard has always been 20%, which helps you avoid private mortgage insurance." This traditional benchmark helps guide prospective homeowners in calculating necessary savings for a down payment and closing costs.
A debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is another factor that lenders use to assess loan eligibility. A lower DTI generally increases the likelihood of qualifying for a loan. For example, with a $100,000 annual salary, financial experts suggest not spending more than 28% of monthly income on housing expenses.
Different loan types offer varied options for down payments. An FHA loan requires only a 3.5% down payment if the buyer's credit score is at least 580. Meanwhile, veterans may qualify for VA loans with no down payment required.
Experts like Rachel Kilmer from Lee’s Summit, MO advise against purchasing homes at the maximum approved budget to ensure financial flexibility for unforeseen expenses. Brian Durham from Minneapolis suggests considering starter homes as interest rates rise: "There is nothing wrong with starting with a smaller single-family home."
Overall, prudent planning and utilizing available tools can help individuals navigate the complexities of buying a home without compromising their financial stability.
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