The old '3x your income' rule won't work in a 6%+ rate world.

With the 30-year fixed averaging 6.76% (Freddie Mac's weekly primary mortgage market survey), buyers need new math.

Affordability in 2026 comes down to four numbers: lender-verified qualifying income, total debt load, your all-in monthly payment (mortgage + taxes + insurance), and the cash you need at closing.

Understand front-end vs. back-end DTI and how loan programs differ.

Start with a thorough preapproval and you’ll shop with precision, not guesswork.

How would clarifying those four numbers change your house hunt this year?

Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait? 2026 Decision Guide

Decide whether to buy a home now or wait with a clear 2026 market snapshot, readiness checklist, and next-step plan tailored to your buyer type.

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Matching your profile to the right loan—FHA, VA, USDA, HomeReady and Home Possible—often saves thousands by avoiding costly mismatches in credit, down payment, and insurance rules. A concierge mortgage partner like Flourish Capital Group Inc. can identify programs you qualify for, show real upfront costs and mortgage insurance implications, and map the exact steps to a legitimate preapproval.