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PaperclipPerfector  4d ago (text post)   2138 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for November 23, 2025

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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What is your own personal risk/cost tolerance for housing these days - particularly for purchasing a home? Looking around, I see advice that ranges from "15 year mortgage at most and no more that 25% of your post-deduction take home income" all the way up to "up to 28% of your gross income on a 30 year mortgage". That much of a spread seems crazy to me, and I'd like to hear some personal opinions. If you can explain how you reached that conclusion, that would be even better.

I recently bought a house in June, and I did 20% down on a 30 yr with a mortgage rate that put me at 29% of my gross for everything (Principal, insurance, taxes, interest, HOA). It's a bit tight but not egregiously so, and my rate was 6.875 no points. So I'm essentially waiting until rates drop (and the 6 months has elapsed) to refi.

Neither my parents nor my realtor thought it was a particular risky maneuver. I was a bit nervous paying that much but it has been fine. I did have to lower my 401k contributions from 20% to 12% and I got some good budgeting software and have been pretty aggressively sticking to it. I'm pretty risk adverse in general but I'd say it has been worth it so far.

idk if this is helpful.

It's enormously helpful. Thank you.

Glad to be of service. I assume this is about house hunting for you are your partner?

Sure is

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