It's virtually impossible to know what size home you can afford if you aren't fully aware of how much money you are earning and how much you are spending each month.
Start with your income: How much do you bring home after taxes and retirement plan contributions?
Next, look at your expenses: What are your necessary expenses? How much are you paying each month toward your debt? What additional expenses do you have that wouldn't be deemed "necessary?" How much money do you have left (if any)?
Consider the potential costs of being a homeowner
While rent payments are generally straightforward and predictable, the same can't always be said for homeownership costs. Your situation can vary depending on a variety of factors, but here are a few things you might need to prepare your budget for.
Property taxes: The amount you pay will depend on the area in which you are purchasing a home. This amount can be subject to annual adjustment by the municipality or local taxing authority.
Homeowners insurance: Lenders will require you to provide proof of coverage before closing. The amount you pay will depend on your level of coverage, your property and the location. Insurance costs can increase from time to time.
Private mortgage insurance (PMI) or mortgage insurance premiums (MIP): If your down payment is less than 20 percent on a conventional mortgage, your lender will require you to carry private mortgage insurance. If you have an FHA loan, you'll be required to pay mortgage insurance premiums throughout the life of the loan.
Homeownership assistance: A company like Unison Home Ownership Investors can strengthen your downpayment overnight and eliminate the need for private mortgage insurance (see their Unison HomeBuyer program). Using this method will typically save you between 15 and 20 percent per month on your mortgage payment, but you could owe a portion of the appreciation on the home when you sell.
Homeowners association fees: Fortunately, not all homes have a homeowners association to pay into. Purchasing a home with HOA-covered amenities could cost, on average, an additional $200-$400 per month.
Maintenance fees: Ah, the pitfalls of being a homeowner. The costs that would normally fall to a landlord, like fixing broken plumbing or a heater on the fritz, will now fall on your shoulders. Some suggest saving one percent of your home's value annually for maintenance.
Utility costs: Unless your rent has included the cost of utilities, this is probably already an expense you're used to. However, if you're moving into a bigger home with less energy efficient appliances, you should be prepared to see an uptick.
Start living like a homeowner
If you want to avoid experiencing sticker shock after your home purchase is complete, start living like a homeowner now.
Consider your current rental or homeownership costs and compare them to the costs for a home in your target price point. Can your current budget handle the difference? Are you still able to pay for your necessities plus shore up your financial future through short- and long-term savings? Or do you find yourself feeling desperate by the end of the month?
Determine where to make adjustments
Does living like a homeowner make you a little wary for what's next? Now is the perfect time to create space in your budget by cutting back expenses and paying down debt.
Now that you know where your money is going, determine the unnecessary leaks. Maybe your monthly food bill is exorbitantly high. Or maybe your subscription services have gotten out of hand. If your priority is purchasing a home - and being financially comfortable in that home - work to cut expenses that are contradictory to that goal.
Next, tackle your debt. There are two big benefits to beefing up your debt repayments now: You can lower your monthly obligation and improve your chances of getting approved for a loan. It's a win-win.
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