How Much House Can I Afford Without Being House-Poor?

When buyers ask how much they can afford, I usually answer with a question: How do you want life to feel after you buy? Because “afford” isn’t just what the bank approves — it’s what you can comfortably live with.

In Texas, the full monthly payment typically includes:

• principal + interest
• property taxes
• homeowners insurance
• HOA (if applicable)
• mortgage insurance (if putting less than 20% down)

A practical approach: pick a payment you feel good about and work backward. I also like to stress test it: if your payment went up $200–$300 due to taxes or insurance changes, would you still feel okay?

Another big tip: don’t shop at the top of your approval. That’s where buyers get nervous and start making rushed decisions. I’d rather you buy a home you love and still have room for savings, travel, and life.

Send me your target monthly payment and the areas you like — I’ll help you map out a realistic range with no guessing.