Buying a Home
Buyer Q&A
- Property type: Will your next home be a single-family home, condo/apartment, or townhome?
- Size: Do you want something comparable to your current home or more square footage for a growing family?
- Condition: Are you looking for a brand-new build, a fixer-upper, or something in between?
- Schools: Is a strong education system in your desired area a need or priority?
- Commute: How will living in this home impact your commute to work, to your children’s schools, and to any child care assistance?
- Neighborhood: Is this a location where you want to spend your free time?
Use the 28/36 rule, according to Investopedia:
- 28: borrowers should aim to spend no more than 28% of their gross monthly income on housing costs.
- 36: borrowers shouldn’t spend more than 36% on debt payments (a mortgage, car loan, student loans, credit cards, alimony, etc.).
