Juliet Cartolano Homes

04/23/2026

I respect Dave Ramsey. He's helped millions of people get out of debt and think more seriously about money.

But his home buying advice in 2026 deserves an honest look at the actual math.

Here's what his framework requires.

20% down. 15-year fixed rate mortgage. Monthly payment no more than 25% of take-home pay.

Sounds reasonable. Let's run it.

Take a married couple both earning $100,000 a year. $200,000 combined household income. Two six-figure salaries. By almost any measure this is a financially successful American family.

To buy a $700,000 home in a decent area in most major metros they'd need $140,000 in cash for the down payment. The current 15-year fixed rate per Freddie Mac is 5.65%.

At that rate the mortgage on the remaining $560,000 runs approximately $4,625 a month. Add property taxes, insurance, and a modest HOA and you're comfortably above $5,500 a month.

Their combined take-home after taxes is roughly $11,000 a month.

That's 50% of take-home pay going to housing. Dave's rule says 25%.

Okay let's drop to a $500,000 home. More modest. More reasonable. Same criteria.

15-year mortgage at 5.65% on $400,000 after 20% down runs about $3,300 a month in principal and interest. With taxes and insurance you're at roughly $4,200 a month.

That's still 38% of take-home pay.

Still doesn't pass the Ramsey test.

So what CAN this dual-income six-figure household actually afford under Dave's framework?

About $340,000.

The median home in America costs $418,000. A $340,000 home exists in a shrinking number of markets and almost none of them are where the jobs are.

The advice isn't wrong in theory. The 15-year mortgage builds equity faster. Avoiding PMI makes sense. Keeping housing costs under 25% of take-home is genuinely good financial hygiene.

The problem is the advice was built for a housing market that no longer exists.

04/22/2026

https://youtu.be/QP43n5Vzz6M?si=fi0UACqvHD4ApISr

California Removes Property Taxes for Seniors 60+? The Truth Revealed (2026) 🚨You may have heard shocking headlines claiming California has eliminated prope...

03/24/2026

🏡 **Buyer Question of the Week**

❓ **“Are there any upcoming developments planned nearby?”**

This is a **smart question every buyer should ask before making an offer.**

Future developments in the area can **significantly impact both property value and lifestyle**. While some changes can increase desirability, others might affect things like traffic, noise, or views.

Here’s what to look into 👇

🏗 **New Housing Developments**
More homes nearby could increase demand in the area — but also increase density.

🛍 **Retail & Commercial Projects**
New shops, cafés, or business hubs can boost convenience and property value.

🚧 **Transport & Road Changes**
New roads, train stations, or transport upgrades can improve accessibility and increase prices.

🏫 **Schools & Community Facilities**
New schools, parks, and healthcare facilities often make an area more attractive to families.

📈 **Regeneration Projects**
Large regeneration plans can transform an area and drive long-term property appreciation.

💡 **Buyer Tip:**
Always check the **local council planning portal** or ask your agent about **approved or proposed developments** in the area before committing.

A great home today should also be a **great investment for tomorrow.**

💬 **Thinking about buying soon? Drop your questions below — your question could be next week’s feature!**

03/19/2026

Should I Buy New Construction or Resale?

The answer? It depends on your goals, budget, and timeline.

🏗️ New Construction
✔️ Modern layouts & energy efficiency
✔️ Customization options
✔️ Fewer immediate repairs
⚠️ Possible higher price & longer wait time

🏡 Resale Home
✔️ Established neighborhoods
✔️ Mature landscaping
✔️ Potentially better pricing
⚠️ May need updates or renovations

Neither is “better” — it’s about what fits your lifestyle and long-term plans.

The key is understanding the pros and cons before you decide.

Thinking about buying? Let’s talk through which option makes the most sense for you.

03/17/2026

03/17/2026

How Much Home Can I Comfortably Afford?

Just because you’re approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should spend it all.

Here’s what “comfortable” really means:

💰 Your monthly payment fits your lifestyle
📊 You’re not stretching your budget
🏦 You still have savings after closing
🛠️ You can handle maintenance and unexpected expenses
🎯 You can live — not just pay your mortgage

A good rule of thumb? Your home should support your life goals, not stress them.

The goal isn’t to buy the most expensive house you qualify for — it’s to buy the smartest one for your future.

If you’re wondering what that number looks like for you, let’s run the numbers together.

03/12/2026

Why Shouldn’t I Open New Credit Before Closing?

Because your loan isn’t fully approved until the day you close.

Many buyers don’t realize this:
Your lender will check your credit again before funding your loan.

Opening a new credit card, financing furniture, or buying a car can:

🚫 Increase your debt-to-income ratio
📉 Lower your credit score
⚠️ Change your loan approval status
❌ Even delay or cancel your closing

Even small changes can create big problems at the finish line.

The safest move?
Don’t make any major financial changes until you have the keys in your hand. 🔑

When in doubt — ask your lender or agent first.