OP here. With interest rates being what they are, maxing at $500k feels comfortable. $1.2M on our income feels like insanity, I don’t care what we can get approved for. With the one kid $500k seems like the sweet spot for savings, school, and high quality of life. |
It would be nice to buy in that range. But 500-600k doesn't buy you anything decent in this area anymore. |
| shoot for max PITI of 3500 |
You did which 5 years ago? Not clear which post you are responding to. |
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If you need more than 275k to get a house 700k+, who in the world is populating every 2000 sq Ft+ SFH in Potomac, Bethesda, McLean, and even North Potomac/lower Gaithersburg? Where is this explosion of high income jobs?
I think up to 900k is fine, especially if you can put down above 20%. |
My thoughts exactly. Can’t find much under $1.1 million anywhere in nova. |
I’m the $275k PP and that’s not really true. Inside the beltway there is plenty in Falls Church 22041/22042/22044 and Annandale for ~$800k. Not fancy houses and private may be necessary, but totally doable. |
800k yes, but posters were telling Op not to go above 600k. Which is like… a shack or tiny shoddy townhouse in a respectable neighborhood. You don’t want to be living in a shack or a grungy neighborhood if you’re making 275k |
I assumed they meant a $600k mortgage, not house. In any case, that’s what we make and we compromised on neighborhood (I wouldn’t calls our grungy but it’s not particularly nice) to be able to get a SFH close in. |
Agreed. We pay $3240/month for a $600k mortgage at 3% we earn $250k/year. That was the top of our budget. Don’t stretch beyond this if you also plan to save for retirement and sending kids to college. |
| OP here. Yes, $500k on the mortgage. We’re looking at somewhere around $250k as a down payment. |
Better to buy something “not decent” than to risk foreclosure. |
agree. This hasn’t been a possible price point for awhile. |
+1. Put your money toward a decent house and neighborhood. Then drive old cars. Go to good public schools. You’ll be fine. |
| OP, you say you own current home free and clear, but you don’t seem to be accounting for the cash that would freed up when you sell that house, I take it you aren’t planning on Selling current home? |