In today's market it is imperative to plan ahead and know how much you can afford without over-extending yourself. Having this in mind here are a few guidelines to follow so that in the event of further economic turmoil or an emergency you are prepared.

In attempt to arrive at an "affordable" home price, here are some lender guidelines that will help. Allow yourself a total debt-to-income ratio of no more than 35 percent. This is based on a housing payment-to-income ratio of 28% for a conservative estimate and 33 percent for the aggressive one. Before buying, be sure to factor in other savings needs, including retirement and college if you have a family. Contact Team SchuCo to get pre qualified today!