Before looking at houses, you must understand your current cash flow. Affordability isn't just what a lender says you can borrow, but what you can comfortably pay without sacrificing your lifestyle.

Buying a home is often the largest purchase you’ll ever make, and affording it requires a blend of disciplined saving, strategic budgeting, and leveraging available financial programs. A good rule of thumb for general affordability is the : keep your housing costs under 30% of your gross income, have 30% of the home's value in savings, and aim for a home price no more than 3x your annual income. 1. Master Your Personal Budget

Add up all monthly debt payments (car loans, student loans, credit cards) and divide by your gross monthly income. Lenders typically prefer a DTI below 36%–43% .