USDA Rural Housing

How much can you afford?

How much can you afford?

Deciding how much house you can afford is a personal decision. Many factors come into play. How much can I borrow? How much can I put toward my down payment? What size monthly payment can I afford?


There are no black and white answers to these questions. Its a matter of give and take. If you plan on a 30 year mortgage, you can probably make a lower down payment (or perhaps no down payment at all) and still manage the monthly payments. If, on the other hand, you plan on a 15 year mortgage, you'll probably want to make a larger down payment to keep your monthly payments in line with what you can afford.


How large a down payment can I make?

Many buyers look at their cash on hand as their only source for their down payment. This simply is not the case. One way to fund or partially fund a down payment is by using a gift. Parents, grandparents and other family members are often eager to help by making a cash gift toward the purchase of your home.

There are also down payment assistance charities that can help you. And, of course, if you are selling a home, the equity youve built up can be applied to your down payment.

But these are not your only options. We can help you explore all your down payment options, including low down payment and 100% mortgage financing options that might be right for you.

What size monthly payment can I afford?

When determining what size monthly payment you can afford, youll want to consider what other monthly expenses you have. Tangible expenses such as car payments, day care and utility bills, all play a role in how large a monthly payment you can afford.

There are also the intangible expenses or lifestyle expenses that youll want to consider. Things such as dining out, travel and when you buy your next car can effect how much you can afford. Are you willing to curtail or delay some of these expenses in order to afford a larger monthly payment?

How much can I borrow?

This is a question youll want to get answered before you begin your home search. This is something that were here to help you with. Our mortgage calculators will help you see how your down payment, monthly payment and the amount you borrow are all interrelated.

We can answer any questions you may have about the mortgage process. But the best way we can help is by getting you pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. To get started, simply complete the form below to let us know a good time to contact you. We look forward to helping you buy your dream home.

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"Our Loan Officer and Loan Processor were great to work with, they were pleasant and helpful" - Mr. & Mrs. Pulliam

"The staff went up and above any of our expectations. Explaining everything step by step, very professional and helpful" - Dale Gohn & Kristie Tickle

"As a first time home buyer I was very unclear on what was involved in applying for a mortgage and what points and closing costs really were. Grand Oak Mortgage Company took the time to explain and educate me and my wife on the entire mortgage process" - Mr. & Mrs. Zlotnik

"Thank You Grand Oak Mortgage, my loan experience was all that you said it would be, fast and hassle-free" - Mr. & Mrs. Babcock

"Grand Oak Mortgage was great to deal with. Everytime, I spoke with them they were very upbeat and happy. It was a real pleasure dealing with such a great staff. They were very patient with me even when they had to explain things to me twice" - Mr. Passalacqua

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"Grand Oak Mortgage was very helpful, we want to thank them for getting us in our house. Very good company, who cares about their clients" - Mr. Zak

"With all the different loans programs available I didn't know the best program for me. With the help of my Grand Oak Mortgage Company Loan Officer I ended up with a loan program that saved me nearly $100/month on my house payment" - Mr. & Mrs. Wink

*We are proud to announce that all of our Loan Officers are S.A.F.E. act compliant.