This is one of the first questions we hear from buyers—and it’s the right place to start.

In our area, affordability is shaped by more than just the purchase price. When you’re looking at homes in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Garden Ridge, Schertz, Cibolo, or the surrounding Hill Country, your monthly payment typically includes:

• Principal & interest (your actual mortgage)

• Property taxes (Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, etc. can vary neighborhood to neighborhood)

• Homeowners insurance

• HOA dues (if applicable)

• Mortgage insurance (for some loans with lower down payments)

Instead of asking, “What price can I get approved for?” flip the script to:

“What monthly payment fits comfortably in my life?”

A good starting point is making sure you’re still able to:

• Save for emergencies (ideally 3–6 months of living expenses)

• Contribute to retirement or other goals

• Enjoy your life—dining out, kids’ activities, trips, tithes, hobbies, etc.

From there, a local lender can help us back into a realistic price range based on current rates, your credit, and your down payment. Two buyers with the same income can qualify for very different amounts because of debts, student loans, car payments, and credit scores.

As a local agent, we also look at:

• Tax rates by neighborhood. A home in one community could have a noticeably different tax bill than another just a few miles away.

• HOA vs. no HOA. Some buyers prefer the amenities (pool, park, trails), others want more freedom and lower monthly costs.

• Commute and gas costs. Living a bit farther out (like near Canyon Lake or outside city limits) may lower your purchase price but increase your gas spend.

The goal is to find your sweet spot—where payment, lifestyle, and long-term goals all line up.

If you’d like help mapping out what’s truly comfortable for your situation here in the San Antonio, New Braunfels, or Hill Country area, we can connect you with trusted local lenders and then we’ll build a home search that respects your budget and your life.