Are you getting ready to buy your first home? It is important to know how much you can afford before you begin looking at properties. Talking with a lender and getting pre-approved for a loan puts you in a stronger negotiating position with sellers.

As a rule, your monthly housing costs should not exceed 28% of your monthly pre-tax income. These costs include the mortgage payment, real estate taxes, and insurance. If you have long-term debts, such as student loans or car payments, your monthly payments, including your housing costs, should be less than 36% of your pre-tax monthly income. Some loans, such as VA and FHA loans, are more flexible with these basic guidelines.

Depending on which type of mortgage you select, you can consider houses in various price ranges. An adjustable-rate mortgage will usually enable you to qualify for a higher loan amount. Your real estate agent can help you make the basic calculations. Remember that buying at the top end of your price range gives you more time to outgrow your home, and can save you money over the long term.

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Cyndi Shurts and Donald E. Shurts Jr.
RE/MAX VICTORY
51 Plum St., suite 220
Beavercreek, OH 45440
Toll Free: 1-888-278-0295
Cyndi's Direct : 937-604-5194
Don's Direct: 937-241-2124
Toll Free Fax: 1-888-602-8133
Don's Email: Don@WelcomeHomeDayton.com
Cyndi's Email: Cyndi@WelcomeHomeDayton.com

Cyndi & Don Shurts have created a reputation of outstanding service and attention to details with past home buyers and sellers, other Dayton Realtors, and real estate service providers in the Dayton area. Miami Valley Dream Homes & RE/MAX Victory at The Greene provide unmatched, cutting edge tools and technologies to accomplish specific goals for our real estate clients, both buyers and sellers. This team provided many free services beyond the standard real estate agent. They are home staging experts, extensive internet marketing experts, Short Sale experts and new construction specialists. Cyndi and Donald Shurts are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR),Ohio Association of Realtors, and the Dayton Area Board of Realtors. This Dayton Ohio real estate team will SAVE you TIME & MONEY in buying or selling a home. See the dozens of testimonials from past clients. Past Client phone numbers available upon request.