Did you know that the median home price in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2023 was $416,100? According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, that’s how much some homebuyers were willing to pay for a home. This means that some folks are buying homesat or below $400,000. However, a lot of homebuyers are getting into homes priced closer to $500,000 or more.
While a home at the $500,000 price point may not be for everyone, a lot of first time homebuyers are choosing to look for ‘forever homes’ instead of a ‘starter home’. In fact, in 2023, the average age of a first-time homebuyer is 36 years old, andtheir average down payment has historically been in the 6%-to-7% range.
If you’ve been looking into homes priced near $500,000, we’ve got a few tips you should consider. Continue reading to learn more about affording a mortgage on a home worth $500,000 or more. You can also get the homebuying process started now with a mortgage pre-approval from Guaranteed Rate!
How much income do I need to afford a $500k home?
The income needed to afford a $500,000 home depends on several factors, including your down payment, interest rate, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and other monthly debt obligations.
A common guideline used by lenders is thedebt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Lenders generally want your total monthly housing costs to be no more than 28% to 36% of your gross monthly income. This often includes mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.
Let's assume a 20% down payment and a 6.5% interest rate* on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Here's a rough estimate of the income you might need to afford a $500,000 home:
Down Payment:20% of $500,000 is $100,000.
Loan Amount:$500,000 - $100,000 (down payment) = $400,000.
Monthly Mortgage Payment
Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payment. At a 6.5% interest rate on a 30-year loan, this could be roughly $2,528. **
Property Taxes and Insurance
Property taxes and homeowners insurance costs vary by location. As a rough estimate, these could be around 1% of the home's value annually.
Monthly Debt Obligations
Consider your other monthly debt obligations, such as car loans, student loans, and credit card payments. Lenders generally want your DTI ratio under 36%. This includes your mortgage payment and other debts.
Assuming you have no other monthly debts, here's a simplified calculation:
Monthly Mortgage Payment + Property Taxes & Insurance = $2,528 + $500 = $3,028
To keep your housing costs below 28% of your monthly income, your gross monthly income should ideally be around $10,814. To maintain a 36% DTI ratio, your gross monthly income should be around $8,411.
Keep in mind that this is a simplified estimate. Individual circumstances can vary. Lenders also look at your credit score, employment, and other factors when deciding how much they are willing to lend.
It's a good idea to consult with a mortgage lender or financial advisor. That way, you can get a precise assessment based on your financial situation.
What do down payment options look like for a home worth $500k?
When purchasing a home worth $500,000, the down payment options typically depend on the percentage of the home's purchase price you're able and willing to pay upfront. Here are some common down payment percentages and their corresponding amounts for a $500,000 home:
20% Down Payment Option
A 20% down payment option is a common benchmark for homebuyers. A 20% down payment option gets recommended often because it avoids the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI). For a $500,000 home, a 20% down payment would be $100,000.
15% Down Payment Option
A 15% down payment option on a $500,000 home would be $75,000. With this option, you would likely need to pay for PMI until you reach a 20% equity stake in your home.
10% Down Payment Option
A 10% down payment option on a $500,000 home would be $50,000. This usually needs PMI until you have 20% equity.
5% Down Payment Option
A 5% down payment option on a $500,000 home would be $25,000. This is a common minimum for many conventional loans. However, it typically involves higher mortgage insurance costs.
3.5% Down Payment Option (FHA Loan)
If you qualify for an FHA loan, you might be able to put down as little as 3.5% on a $500,000 home. This would be $17,500. FHA loans come with mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) that last for the life of the loan in most cases. Remember that while a larger down payment can lower your monthly mortgage payment and potentially save you money in the long run, it's essential to choose an option that aligns with your financial situation and goals.
What are a few tips I can use to afford a home worth $500k?
Tips to afford a $500k mortgage
Affording a home worth $500,000 can be challenging. However, with careful planning and some strategic steps, you can make it more manageable. Here are a few tips to help you afford a home in this price range:
Save for a Larger Down Payment
Aim to save at least 20% of the home's purchase price for the down payment. A larger down payment reduces the loan amount. It can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), which adds to your monthly costs.Manage Your Credit Score***
A higher credit score can qualify you for a better interest rate on your mortgage. Pay your bills on time, reduce credit card balances, and avoid taking on new debt to improve your credit score.Budget and Cut Expenses
Create a detailed budget to understand your financial situation better. Look for areas where you can cut unnecessary expenses. Once you have a list, use those funds toward saving for a down payment.Increase Your Income
Look for opportunities to boost your income. These may include taking on a part-time job, freelancing, or advancing your career. A higher income can help you qualify for a larger loan amount.Explore Loan Programs
Investigate different loan programs, including government-backed loans like FHA or VA loans.**** These programs may come with more down payment options and lower rates.Be Realistic About Your Needs
While a $500,000 home might be your goal, consider whether you can find a suitable home for less. Focusing on your needs can make homeownership more achievable.Factor in All Costs
Remember that homeownership involves more than just the mortgage payment. Account for property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, and potential homeowners association fees in your budget.Consult with professionals
Consulting with a financial advisor or mortgage professional can provide you with personalized guidance. They can also suggest strategies to make a $500,000 home more attainable.
Remember that affordability is not just about getting approved for a loan. It's also about being able to comfortably manage your monthly housing costs without sacrificing your overall financial well-being. Take your time, make informed decisions, and consider financial stability when looking at homes in this price range.
Where can I apply for a mortgage today?
Do you have a home worth $500,000 or more already in mind? Let the team at Guaranteed Rate help you find a mortgage that will help you afford the home you’ve been thinking about.
Start by gettingpre-approved for a mortgage today. A mortgage pre-approval will show buyers and real estate agents how serious you are. It will also give you an idea of how much you're likely to get approved for, and is a common first step for prospective homebuyers to take.
Get pre-approved today and take one step closer to getting into the home you deserve.*****
*Sample rate provided for illustration purposes only and is not intended to provide mortgage or other financial advice specific to the circumstances of any individual and should not be relied upon in that regard. Guaranteed Rate cannot predict where rates will be in the future
** Example based on a purchase price of $500,000 down payment of 20%, 30 year, fixed rate mortgage at a rate of 6.5%/6.71 annual percentage rate (APR), and 360 payments of $2,528. Sample rate and APR generated as of 8/22/23 and are not advertised loan terms from Guaranteed Rate.
*** Guaranteed Rate does not provide credit counselling or credit repair services.
**** Guaranteed Rate is a private corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. It has no affiliation with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the Nevada Department of Veterans Services, the US Department of Agriculture, or any other government agency. No compensation can be received for advising or assisting another person with a matter relating to veterans’ benefits except as authorized under Title 38 of the United States Code.
***** Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply.
