If you've ever looked at a new home and thought, "There's no way I can afford that," you're not alone. But here's the thing: you won't know what you qualify for until you actually have the conversation. Every buyer's financial situation is different. Your income, credit, down payment, employment situation and goals can all play a role in determining what financing options may be available to you. So before you count yourself out, here's what to know.
Buying a home isn't one-size-fits-all. You may be a first-time homebuyer. You may be self-employed. You may have less-than-perfect credit. You may have owned a home before but aren't sure what you can afford today. Whatever your situation, there may be different financing options worth exploring. That's why one of the most helpful things you can do is talk with a mortgage professional about your specific situation.
Buying your first home can come with a lot of questions. How much do I need to put down? What will my monthly payment look like? What price range should I be considering? What programs might I qualify for? You don't have to know all the answers before you start. A conversation with a mortgage professional can help you understand your options and give you a better idea of what buying a home could look like for you.
Being self-employed doesn't automatically mean you can't qualify for a home loan. Your income may simply need to be documented differently than it would for someone with a traditional employer. If you're self-employed and have been hesitant to start the conversation, it's worth finding out what options may be available to you.
Your credit score is one piece of the overall picture. Depending on your situation, there may be financing options available that don't require perfect credit. Rather than assuming you won't qualify, talk with a mortgage professional who can look at your individual situation and explain your options.
This is probably one of the most common places buyers find themselves. You know you want to buy a home someday, but you don't know what you can afford, whether you should sell your current home first, how much you need to save or what your next step should be. Start with a conversation. Getting preapproved can help you understand your buying power and give you a clearer picture of what to look for. It doesn't mean you have to buy a home tomorrow. It simply gives you information you can use to make your next decision.
There's no single number that tells you whether you can afford a home. Your financing options depend on your individual circumstances, which is why we encourage buyers to talk with a mortgage professional before making assumptions about what is or isn't possible. The first step isn't finding the perfect home. It's finding out what's possible for you.
You don't have to have everything figured out. If you're thinking about buying a new home but aren't sure where to start, we're happy to help connect you with the right resources and get the conversation started. Have questions about financing or want to explore your options? Talk with our team!