At Kristen Mambos Mortgage, we’re here to simplify the numbers and help you feel confident in your buying power—without overextending your budget.

💡 Here Are The 3 Numbers That Matter Most

To figure out how much home you can realistically afford, we start with three key factors:

1. Your Monthly Income

This includes your salary and other regular income (bonuses, side gigs, etc.). Lenders use your gross income (before taxes) to determine affordability.

2. Your Monthly Debts

This includes car loans, student loans, credit cards, etc. The less debt you have, the more you can comfortably allocate toward a mortgage payment.

3. Your Down Payment

A larger down payment can help you qualify for more favorable loan terms and avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) in many cases.

Here’s The 28/36 Rule (A SUPER Helpful Guideline)

Most lenders use the 28/36 rule:

● No more than 28% of your gross monthly income should go toward your mortgage (including property taxes & insurance).

● No more than 36% of your income should go toward total debts.

Example:
Let’s say you make $6,000/month before taxes:

● 28% = $1,680 → Max monthly mortgage payment

● 36% = $2,160 → Total debt allowance (mortgage + other debts)

What That Looks Like in Real Life

A $1,680 monthly mortgage might afford you:

● A $275,000–$300,000 home (depending on down payment, taxes, and current interest rates)

But that number could go up or down based on:

● Your credit score

● Your loan type (FHA, conventional, etc.)

● Property taxes in your area

● HOA fees

This is why pre-approval is key—it gives you a real number based on your situation, not just a ballpark.

✅ How Kristen Mambos Mortgage Can Help

We don’t believe in cookie-cutter answers. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading your space, we’ll break down:

● What your budget actually looks like

● The best loan options for your income and goals

● What to expect from taxes, insurance, and other costs

We make the complex feel simple—so you can shop with clarity.

🏁 Ready to Run the Numbers?

Click [here] to start a quick pre-approval or contact Kristen directly. Let’s find your real price range—without the guesswork.