Am I ready to buy a house financially? For many first-time homebuyers, that question feels harder to answer than ever.

In this clip, we break down the real financial pressure behind buying a home, including debt-to-income ratios, the 50% rule for mortgages, and why so many buyers feel like they’re one emergency away from losing approval. From living paycheck to paycheck to juggling car payments, student loans, credit cards, and rising housing costs, this conversation highlights why buying a house today feels so stressful and why that struggle is more common than people admit.

We also cover why saving for a down payment isn’t always enough, how closing costs catch first-time buyers off guard, and why down payment assistance programs and first-time home buyer grants are often the only realistic path to homeownership. If you’ve ever searched “can I afford a house,” “how much money do I need to buy a house,” or “am I ready to buy a house financially,” this clip will answer that question.

Whether you’re asking how much house can I afford, worried about mortgage approval with debt, or wondering if you should wait to buy a house, this conversation offers a realistic look at the financial reality most buyers face and what actually helps people move forward.

00:00 Understanding Gross Earnings and Debt Limits

01:16 The Stress of Financial Limits

02:45 Down Payment Assistance Programs

03:29 The Challenge of Saving for a Home

04:32 Closing: Navigating Financial Challenges & Homebuying