Budgeting Basics for Homebuyers – How Much House Can You Really Afford?

Thinking about buying a home in Conroe, TX, or nearby? 🏡 Before you start scrolling through listings, it's time to talk budget. In my latest episode of the "How to Buy a Home with Bren Brewer" video series, we’re diving deep into one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of homeownership—how to figure out what you can truly afford.

💰 Why Budgeting Matters Before You Buy

A lot of homebuyers—especially first-timers—make the mistake of focusing solely on the purchase price of a home. But real talk? That’s just one piece of the puzzle. In this 5-minute video, I walk you through the full picture, including:

• The 28/36 Rule lenders use to qualify you for a mortgage
• The real monthly costs of owning a home: principal, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and more
• How much you actually need for a down payment
• The surprise expense most people forget: closing costs
• Why your budget matters more than your loan approval
• A quick math formula to estimate your own monthly affordability

By the end, you'll understand the difference between what a lender says you can afford—and what’s truly right for you and your lifestyle.

🧮 Grab My Free Mortgage Budget Worksheet

To make your home-buying journey even easier, I’ve created a FREE downloadable budget worksheet that walks you through the numbers step by step. This tool helps you determine your max housing budget based on your income, debt, and financial goals—no guesswork, no surprises.

📌 Download your free Mortgage Budget Worksheet here:

👉 https://www.brenbrewer.com/mortgage-calculator

🔑 Whether You're Buying in Conroe, The Woodlands, or Montgomery...

...understanding your budget is the first and most important step in the home buying process. It keeps you confident, clear-headed, and in control—so you can shop smart and avoid stretching your finances too thin.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer in Spring, looking to upgrade in Magnolia, or relocating to Montgomery ISD for top-rated schools, this budgeting foundation will set you up for success.

✅ Ready to Buy Smarter?

Watch the full video now, download your free worksheet, and let’s start building your custom home buying game plan. I’m here to help every step of the way!

➡️ Watch the video + download the worksheet:

https://www.brenbrewer.com/mortgage-calculator

🙋‍♀️ Got questions? Leave a comment on the video or reach out directly—I love helping buyers get financially ready to make the move of a lifetime!