How much house can you afford? Colorado Real Estate - Colorado Springs, El Paso County, & Pikes Peak Region

Voted "Best Realty Company in Colorado Springs" - Silver Award
The Independent News Readers Poll - 2007
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Voted "Best Realtor® In Colorado Springs"
The Independent News Readers Poll - 2006
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"Top 50 Realtors® on the Rise in the United States"
Real Estate Magazine - 2006
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Voted "Best Up and Coming Business Leader Under 40"
The Colorado Springs Business Journal Readers Poll - 2006

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 general 28/36 Rule
Generally, 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.).

Some lenders do have programs that don't follow this rule so it is important to shop around. Ask your broker, friends and people you trust who are the best lenders in your market, then make a list of no more than 3 to 5 to interview. Go with the lender who has the best reputation for closing the loan and gives you a good deal.

It may be better to pay a little more to get better service and peace of mind from a lender who can back up their service claims.