How much you can afford on your next home purchase?
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
Daniel Martin, Higgins Group Private Brokerage, Licensed in CT, Lic. #RES.6767971
With over two decades of experience in Connecticut real estate, Daniel Martin is a seasoned Realtor at Higgins Group Private Brokerage, renowned for his exceptional market insight and unwavering client dedication. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Daniel's deep roots in the community, coupled with his extensive professional background, provide an invaluable advantage to both buyers and sellers across Fairfield and New Haven Counties.
Daniel's distinguished career is marked by consistent achievement, earning him the prestigious Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor award from 2014 to 2025. He is a perennial Top Producer, recognized as both a Top Listing Agent and Top Selling Agent, a testament to his strategic approach and keen understanding of market dynamics. His expertise spans a broad spectrum of real estate needs, including guiding First Time Home Buyers, navigating transactions for Single and Multi-Family Homes, Land, New Construction, New Residential Developments, Condominiums, Downsizing, and Rentals.
Beyond his impressive track record, Daniel's professional affiliations include memberships with the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), Connecticut Association of REALTORS (CAR), Bridgeport Board of Realtors, Smartmls and Greenwich MLS. His foundational education in real estate from Naugatuck Valley Community College, complemented by studies at Connecticut School of Electronics and Housatonic Community College, underpins his comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Daniel's unique blend of customer service acumen and technological proficiency sets him apart. He leverages every available marketing resource to ensure his clients' homes gain maximum exposure and stand out in the competitive market.
When not orchestrating successful real estate ventures, Daniel cherishes time with his family, including his wife, two children, and four grandchildren. A passionate musician and golf enthusiast, he embodies the vibrant spirit of the Connecticut communities he serves. Daniel's network extends globally, allowing him to facilitate referrals anywhere in the world.
