Buying Your First Home Alone «EXTENDED — ANTHOLOGY»

: High monthly outgoings on credit cards or car loans reduce how much a lender will let you borrow.

: When touring solo, look for rust on hinges or "sticky" windows; these are often hidden signs of moisture issues that could be expensive to fix alone. Solo Affordability Estimates (2026) Based on common lending guidelines like the 28% rule : Annual Income Estimated Home Price Range Monthly Housing Budget $50,000 $155,000 – $185,000 $70,000 $180,000 – $350,000 $112,000 buying your first home alone

: Budget for an extra 2-5% of the home price to cover inspections, appraisals, and title insurance. : High monthly outgoings on credit cards or

: This allows you to add a family member’s income to your mortgage application to borrow more, while ensuring only you are on the title of the home. : This allows you to add a family

: Look for state-specific programs that provide down payment assistance or lower interest rates.

: To stay safe, ensure your monthly mortgage payment doesn't exceed 30% of your gross income , you have 30% of the home's value in savings (for down payment and reserves), and the home price is no more than 3x your annual income .

: Practice "thrifty shopping" by embracing second-hand items from Vinted or Facebook Marketplace to maximize your savings rate. 2. Leverage Solo-Friendly Programs