As a homebuyer, there’s often pressure out how much budget to work with to purchase your ideal property. Figuring out how much to spend on a home isn’t just a matter of numbers--it also depends on your lifestyle and long-term goals.
Mortgage as a percent of your income
Purchasing a home is dependent on numerous factors, including your income, credit score, and the type of lifestyle you’d like to maintain.
One of the best ways to determine how much house you can afford to buy is to figure out what percentage of your monthly income will be going towards your mortgage.
For most homeowners, a mortgage payment taking up no more than 25% of their income is ideal, as it provides wiggle room for other financial investments and responsibilities. So, if you earn $6,000 per month, you may not want your monthly mortgage payment to exceed $1,500.
Plan for homeowner expenses
Before finalizing a home purchase, it’s best to consider future maintenance your property may need. This may include updating the flooring in the kitchen or perhaps repairing an older roof, all of which can become expensive quickly.
Also consider monthly utility bills such as water, electricity, your internet bill and more when budgeting out for how much home you can afford.
Create a comprehensive budget
The goal of a great budget is to know where each dollar of your income goes, and to have a plan for each cent that you make.
Within your budget, it’s essential to account for things such as home and medical emergencies, retirement, savings for vacations and so on.
If you take due diligence, not only will you have a better idea of where your money goes, but you’ll also be confident in knowing exactly how much you can spend on your next home purchase.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
