Your home loan should be a conventional, fixed-rate mortgage with a 15-year (or less) term.
To calculate how much house you can afford based on your salary, use the 25% rule—never spend more than 25% of your monthly take-home pay (after tax) on monthly mortgage payments. That includes your mortgage principal, interest, property taxes, home insurance, PMI and HOA fees.
Conventional loans are a good choice for most borrowers who want to take advantage of lower interest rates with a larger down payment. Pros Of Conventional Mortgages: The overall borrowing cost after fees and interest tends to be lower than other loan types.
Ramsey says he would never recommend a home equity loan or line of credit. While Ramsey acknowledges some potential benefits, he believes the risks—including putting your home at stake—far outweigh any advantages.
Higher Interest Rates:
In general, home equity loans often come with higher interest rates compared to primary mortgages or other types of secured loans. One reason for this is that home equity loans are often in the second lien position, meaning they are subordinate to the primary mortgage.
If your credit or down payment prevents you from qualifying for a conventional loan, an FHA loan can be an attractive alternative. Likewise, if you're buying a home in a rural area or are eligible for a VA loan, these options might be easier to qualify for.
Fixed-rate mortgages
Your monthly payments are more likely to be stable with a fixed-rate loan, so you might prefer this option if you value certainty about your loan costs over the long term. With a fixed-rate loan, your interest rate and monthly principal and interest payment stay the same.
FHA loans are mortgages insured by the U.S. government's Federal Housing Administration. The insurance allows lenders to offer qualifying terms that are less strict than conventional mortgages. That means that homebuyers (particularly first-time buyers) can more easily qualify for a mortgage.
We recommend keeping your mortgage payment to 25% or less of your monthly take-home pay. For example, if you bring home $5,000 a month, your monthly mortgage payment should be no more than $1,250.
There is no specific age to pay off your mortgage, but a common rule of thumb is to be debt-free by your early to mid-60s. It may make sense to do so if you're retiring within the next few years and have the cash to pay off your mortgage, particularly if your money is in a low-interest savings account.
On a $90,000 salary, you could potentially afford a house worth between $280,000 to $320,000, depending on your specific financial situation. This range assumes you have a good credit score and manageable existing debts.
He goes on to say: “Paying off your mortgage early seems impossible but it is completely doable and people do it all the time, but how can you do it and why would you want to put in the extra effort? Paying off your mortgage early will rev up your wealth building.”
True to its name, a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage spreads out repayment over 30 years, with an interest rate that remains the same for the life of the loan.
He advocates for mutual funds with a long-term perspective and a diversified portfolio. Ramsey's investment advice is rooted in disciplined, consistent investing, paired with a clear financial strategy, which can lead to substantial wealth accumulation over time.
A: Dave Ramsey recommends a 15-year, fixed-rate conventional loan.
1. Conventional loans. A conventional loan is any mortgage that's not backed by the federal government. Conventional loans have higher minimum credit score requirements than other loan types — typically 620 — and are harder to qualify for than government-backed mortgages.
On a salary of $100,000 per year, as long as you have minimal debt, you can afford a house priced at around $311,000 with a monthly payment of $2,333. This number assumes a 6.5% interest rate and a down payment of around $30,000. The 28/36 rule is often used as a guide when deciding how much house you can afford.
Can I buy a house with low income? Yes. There is not a specific minimum income to qualify for a mortgage and there are various loan types and programs designed to help eligible buyers cover a down payment or even closing costs.
Almost no banks said they had made borrowing easier. Some banks continue to tighten credit standards in 2024, according to the latest Fed survey, taken in January. Tighter credit leaves potential borrowers in a uniquely unpalatable position: Loans cost more, and it's harder to get one.
What is the monthly payment on a $50,000 HELOC? Assuming a borrower who has spent up to their HELOC credit limit, the monthly payment on a $50,000 HELOC at today's rates would be about $372 for an interest-only payment, or $448 for a principle-and-interest payment.
While home loan interest rates overall have risen dramatically since 2022, HELOC rates still tend to be lower than those on credit cards and personal loans. If you qualify for the best rates, a HELOC can be a less expensive way to consolidate debt or finance a home renovation.
Depending on which situation applies, lenders cannot issue them a home equity loan until they either earn additional equity in their home or pay off some of their existing debts. Another common issue you might run into is having a credit score or payment history not meeting a lender's requirement.