08/30/2026
π Two $300,000 homes can have VERY different monthly payments.
That's something buyers often don't realize until they start seriously shopping.
The price of the house is only one piece of your monthly housing cost.
You may also be paying:
π° Principal + interest
ποΈ Property taxes
π‘οΈ Homeowners insurance
π’ HOA or condo fees
π Mortgage insurance, when applicable
And in Baltimore City, those numbers can vary from property to property.
That's why when someone asks me:
βHow much house can I afford?β
I don't think the best answer is simply a purchase price.
I want to know:
π What monthly payment feels comfortable?
π What other expenses do you have?
π How much do you want left for savings and emergencies?
π What assistance or other homebuying opportunities might be available?
Because qualifying for a $350,000 home doesn't necessarily mean you should spend $350,000.
The goal isn't to buy the most expensive home you qualify for. It's to comfortably own the right one.
This week I break down how I help buyers figure out their real homebuying budget.
π Read: How Much House Can I Actually Afford in Baltimore? (link in comments)