How much house can you afford? – Total Realty

Before You Look at Your First House

Experienced home buyers know that one of the first-steps in beginning a successful search for a new house is taking a hard, objective look at finances. Determining how much money you can dedicate to the purchase of your new house affects almost every aspect of buying a new home - including how we write the offer, which mortgage programs you will qualify for, shopping for the best mortgage loan and which homes are truly in your price range.

Here are the questions that each home buyer should ask:

How much cash is available for a down payment? The amount you have available for a down payment will affect what types of loans for which you can qualify. Learn more.
Am I ready to write a check for the earnest money? Earnest money is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure an offer to buy the property. This amount is often forfeited if the buyer decides to withdraw his offer.
How much additional cash will be available to pay for closing costs? There are certain standard costs associated with closing the sale of a house. These fees are split between the buyer and the seller, as spelled out in the sales contract. Learn more.
What is the maximum monthly mortgage payment that I can afford? Most lenders will use the 28/36 rule to determine the maximum mortgage payment you can afford.

The 28/36 Rule
No more than 28% of your gross income can be applied to your mortgage, real estate taxes and insurance. And no more than 36% of your gross income can be applied to your mortgage expenses plus your regular debt expenses (car payments, credit cards, other loans, etc.).

Your Guide to DeLand Real Estate and Volusia County Properties around Central Florida including these areas: DeLand, Orange City, Glenwood in DeLand, Victoria Park in DeLand, Victoria Commons in DeLand, Victoria Hills in DeLand, Brandywine in DeLand, Bent Oaks in DeLand, The Reserve at Bent Oaks in DeLand, Tomoka Woods in DeLeon Springs , Barberville, Beresford Lakes Terrace in DeLand, Hontoon Peninsula in DeLand, St. Johns River along Volusia County, Lake Beresford in DeLand, River Ridge in DeLand, Hontoon Marina in DeLand, Quail Hollow in DeLand, Blue Springs in Orange City, Daytona Park Estates in DeLand, Enterprise, Enterprise in Orange City, Saxon Woods in Orange City, Longleaf Plantation in DeLand, DeBary, DeBary Golf & Country Club, DeBary Plantation, Deltona, Lake Helen, Cassadaga, Osteen, DeLeon Springs, Astor, Pierson, Seville, Lake Lindley, Lake Winnemissette, Samsula, Sanford, Lake Mack, Lake County, Whisperwood Mobile Homes, Meadowlea Estates Manufactured Homes, The Oaks, North Ridge in DeLand, Stetson University, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, Countryside, Holly Hill, Samsula, Forest Trace in DeLand, Mallory Square in DeLand, Port Orange Landings, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Seminole County real estate, Sanford, Orlando, Orange County real estate, DeLand Mobile Homes, A Better Place, Shops of DeLand, The Trails, Trails West in DeLand, Glenwood Springs in DeLand, Berry's Ridge in DeLand, Northridge in DeLand, Riviera Bella in DeBary, Blue Lake in DeLand, Glenwood Reserve in DeLand, Stone Island in Deltona, Glenn Abby in DeBary, and more!

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