To calculate how much house you can afford with a $100,000 salary, it's essential to consider not only your gross income but also other expenses like debt payments, credit cards, and utilities. Assuming a 28% housing cost rule, here's a breakdown of the calculation:
Gross Income: $100,000
Recommended Housing Cost: $28,000 per year (or about $2,333 per month)
However, this amount doesn't include additional costs associated with homeownership, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. A general rule of thumb is to allocate an extra 1% to 3% of the home's purchase price for annual maintenance and repairs. Based on a typical $250,000 home price, this would be around $2,500 to $7,500 per year.
Considering these factors, it's recommended that you aim to spend no more than 33% to 35% of your gross income on housing costs, including maintenance and other expenses. This translates to approximately $3,333 to $3,667 per month for a $250,000 home. As your income grows, so will the amount of house you can afford. However, it's crucial to prioritize saving for a down payment, closing costs, and building an emergency fund before making a major purchase like a home.