Questions for Buyers

As a 'rule of thumb' you can afford to buy a home equal in price to twice your gross annual income. More precisely, the price you can afford to pay for a home will depend on six factors:
<ol>
<li>Your income.</li>
<li>The amount of cash you have available for the down payment, closing costs and cash reserves required by the lender.</li>
<li>Your outstanding debts.</li>
<li>Your credit history.</li>
<li>The type of mortgage you select.</li>
<li>Current interest rates.</li>
</ol>
Lenders will analyze your income in relation to your projected cost of the home and outstanding debts. This will determine the size loan you can borrow. Your housing expense-to-income ratio is determined by calculating your projected monthly housing expense, which consists of the principal and interest payment on your loan, property taxes and hazard insurance. The sum of these costs is referred to as 'PITI.'

Monthly homeowner association dues, if you're purchasing a condominium or townhouse, and private mortgage insurance are added to the PITI. Your housing income-to-expense ratio should fall in the 28 to 33 percent range. 28 percent of your gross monthly income is allotted toward PITI. 33 percent of you gross monthly income is allowed for PITI and all long term debt. Some lenders will go higher under certain circumstances. Your total income-to-debt ratio should not exceed 34 to 38 percent of your gross income.