Buying a house is a big step, at BrickWood Mortgage we can help you calculate mortgage payments and determine the type of home you can afford, to do so we’ll take a look at the factors below, along with other expenses.  Your monthly income,  Existing debt. Down payment.    It is important to remember that just because you can afford a house on paper it doesn’t mean your budget can actually handle the payments. You must consider how much money you’ll have left over after you make the down payment. In general, lenders look closely at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). You have to also calculate how much you expect to pay in maintenance and other house-related expenses; it is best to speak to a mortgage professional to help you calculate these. At BrickWood Mortgage, our team of mortgage experts can help you with these and many other questions; we are your local South Carolina mortgage broker in Charleston, SC; Myrtle Beach, SC; and beyond. Contact us  today!