What lenders look at
- Income: steady income you can document.
- Debts: car loans, student loans, credit cards, and other monthly payments.
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): your total monthly debts, including the new house payment, compared with your monthly income before taxes.
- Down payment and savings: how much you'll put down and what you'll have left.
- Credit: affects which loans you qualify for and their cost.
Don't forget the full payment
Property taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and mortgage insurance can add hundreds of dollars a month. Include them before you settle on a price.
Try the numbers
Use our affordability calculator for a quick estimate, then call us for a real pre-approval.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bigger down payment always better?
Not always. Keeping savings for emergencies matters too. We'll show you the trade-offs.
Can I qualify if I'm self-employed?
Yes. See Self-Employed Loans.