Your Real-Life Budget Snapshot
 
What comes in each month
What goes out
Your major recurring obligations (auto, insurance, phone, subscriptions, loans)
A simple “comfort check” based on your lifestyle
Space to plug in your potential mortgage using my Payment Estimator
This level grounds your decisions in reality — not fear or hype.
 
Lender View (What Underwriters Actually Look At)
The debts that matter for DTI
What can be excluded or adjusted
Co-signer or non-occupant co-borrower options
Down payment ranges (3–5%)
Additional monthly costs (taxes, homeowners, utilities, HOA)
Seasoning rules for funds
Emergency fund expectations
Where grants or support may fit
This is the piece most homebuyers never get access to.
 
Holistic Planning Insights
Life changes coming soon (kids, job, family needs)
Whether the timing aligns with your goals
How to decide if you should wait or move now
What “stability” looks like through a lender’s lens
A grounding perspective so you’re prepared, not pressured
 
Why this guide matters
Buying a home isn't just numbers — it’s timing, lifestyle, goals, and understanding how lenders actually see you.
This guide pulls everything together so you don’t waste time, get stuck in loops, or feel overwhelmed.
Designed for first-time buyers, returning buyers, and anyone wanting truth and clarity before making a huge decision.