By David Delgado | Freedom Choice Lending

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How much home can I actually afford?”, you’re already ahead of most buyers.

Here’s the problem:
Most people are given a maximum approval number — not a smart buying number.

And those two are not the same.

As a mortgage professional, my job isn’t to push you to the top of your approval. It’s to help you buy a home that fits your life comfortably today and still makes sense years from now.

Let’s break this down the right way.

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The Biggest Mistake Buyers Make

Many buyers assume:

“If I’m approved for it, I can afford it.”

But lenders approve based on guidelines, not your lifestyle.

Approval doesn’t account for:

• Childcare or school expenses
• Groceries and gas increases
• Travel, savings, or emergencies
• Future plans (kids, business, job changes)

That’s how buyers end up house-rich but life-poor.

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The Two Numbers You Must Know

1. Your Maximum Approval

This is what guidelines allow based on:

• Income
• Debts
• Credit
• Interest rate

Most conventional loans allow up to ~45–50% debt-to-income (DTI) in some cases.

That’s the ceiling — not the target.

2. Your Comfort Payment

This is the number that matters most.

Your comfort payment is:

• The monthly amount you can pay without stress
• The payment that still lets you save, live, and sleep at night

💡 This is where smart buyers start.

What Goes Into a Monthly Housing Payment?

Your real housing payment includes more than just the loan:

• Principal & Interest
• Property Taxes
• Homeowners Insurance
• Mortgage Insurance (if applicable)
• HOA dues (if applicable)

Online calculators often miss these — or underestimate them.

That’s why two buyers with the same price can have very different payments.

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A Smarter Way to Calculate Affordability

Instead of asking “What price can I buy?”
Ask this first:

“What monthly payment feels comfortable?”

From there, I reverse-engineer:

• Home price range
• Down payment options
• Loan programs
• Grants or credits (if available)

This gives you:

• Clarity
• Control
• Confidence

No guessing. No pressure.

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Why Buying Below Your Max Is Powerful

Buying within your comfort zone allows you to:

• Build savings faster
• Handle unexpected expenses
• Refinance or upgrade later
• Enjoy your home without financial stress

Remember:
Equity grows over time — stress compounds fast.

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Real Talk: The Market Will Change — Your Payment Shouldn’t Hurt

Rates will move.
Home values will rise and fall.

But a payment you can comfortably afford keeps you:

• Stable in downturns
• Ready for opportunities
• In control of your future

That’s real financial confidence.

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My Promise to You as Your Mortgage Professional

At Freedom Choice Lending, I don’t start with:
“Here’s your max approval.”

I start with:
“Here’s what makes sense for you.”

If you tell me:

• Your ideal monthly payment
• Your comfort level
• Your long-term goals

I’ll show you:

• Your true buying power
• Your smartest price range
• Your best path to homeownership

Direct Line (562) 281-6163
Main Office (866) 587-6927
David Delgado – NMLS #349079
Presiden/CEO
Freedom Choice Lending
NMLS #1998153

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