Do I need 20% down to buy in Southern Maryland?

Not necessarily. Many buyers use less down and still make competitive offers with the right loan structure and a strong plan.

How much house can I afford if I’m approved for more?

Affordability should be based on payment comfort, reserves, and lifestyle—not the maximum approval. We choose the payment first, then set the price range.

What costs do buyers forget to plan for?

Taxes and insurance changes, HOA/condo fees, moving costs, repairs, and the first-year maintenance buffer.

Can you help me set a price range quickly?

Yes. With a few basics (income, debts, down payment, and target comfort), we can map a safe range and next steps fast.

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Can I Buy a Home Right Now?

Most buyers don’t need perfection — they need clarity. Here’s how to tell if you’re ready to buy now, and what to improve if you’re not.

What lenders actually evaluate

Approval is based on four fundamentals: income stability, credit profile, debt-to-income, and cash/reserves.

A safe-buy signal vs a risky-buy signal

A safe plan usually includes:

A risky plan usually looks like:

Example scenario

Example: A buyer earning $120,000 with a 700+ score and moderate debt may qualify quickly — but we still choose the price range by payment comfort and reserves, not the ceiling.

Guidance

If you’re close but not quite ready, the fastest path is usually one of these:

Quick explanation from Steve

Video coming soon. (No empty player box—this placeholder will be replaced once recorded.)

Next step

If you want a clear plan (not generic advice), start with the Homebuyer Planning Survey so I can tailor guidance to your goals and timeline.

Start the Homebuyer Planning Survey

If a question comes up while you’re reading, ask Steve247 using the chat in the corner of the page.

FAQ

Do I need 20% down to buy a home?

No. Many buyers use 3%–5% down on conventional loans, 3.5% on FHA, and 0% down with VA/USDA (if eligible).

How fast can I get pre-approved?

Often within 24–72 hours once income, asset, and ID documentation are provided.

What if I’m changing jobs soon?

Job changes can be fine, but we need to confirm how the new income can be documented before relying on it for approval.

About Steve Combs

Steve Combs is a mortgage strategist focused on helping buyers and homeowners make clear, confident mortgage decisions across Southern Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and the Annapolis / Anne Arundel area. He is registered to lend in 46 states and the District of Columbia and has been quoted in The Washington Post. The goal of this site is simple: make mortgage decisions feel clear—not overwhelming.