One of the first questions every homebuyer asks is, “How much house can I really afford?”
It’s an important step—one that sets the tone for your search, your financing, and your peace of mind once you move in.

At Evermark Property Group, we help buyers across Enfield, Somers, and Western Massachusetts make confident decisions by understanding both what the numbers say and what truly fits their lifestyle.

📊 The 28/36 Rule: A Reliable Starting Point

Most lenders recommend that your total housing costs (mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA fees) stay under 28% of your gross monthly income.
Your total debt load, including car loans or credit cards, should stay below 36%.

For example:
If you earn $6,000 per month, your comfortable housing budget is roughly $1,680 per month—leaving room for savings and unexpected expenses.

But numbers don’t tell the full story. Factors like your commute, property taxes, and local insurance costs in towns such as Somers, Ellington, or East Windsor can all shift what “affordable” really means.

🏠 Local Factors That Affect Affordability

1. Property Taxes – Taxes vary widely between Connecticut and Massachusetts towns. A home in Enfield might have lower taxes than one in Longmeadow, even at the same price point.

2. Insurance Rates – Certain zip codes may see higher premiums due to location, age of home, or proximity to water.

3. Utilities & Maintenance – Older homes in areas like Stafford or Hampden might have higher heating or septic costs than newer construction.

4. Commuting Costs – Proximity to Hartford or Springfield can save hours and gas money each week—often offsetting a slightly higher mortgage payment.

Understanding these local nuances is where a knowledgeable real estate agent truly adds value.

📈 Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop

A mortgage pre-approval will give you a clear picture of your borrowing power and help you refine your search. Lenders look at income, credit, down payment, and debt ratios to determine your exact approval amount.

At Evermark, we work closely with local lenders in both Connecticut and Massachusetts who can quickly provide pre-approvals so you can focus on homes that fit comfortably within your budget.

🌟 The Evermark Advantage

Our experienced team has been proudly serving Enfield, Somers, Ellington, East Windsor, Hampden, East Longmeadow, and Longmeadow for over a decade.
We combine deep local knowledge with practical financial insight—helping buyers find homes that fit both their budget and their goals.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or ready to upgrade, Evermark Property Group can help you determine exactly how much house you can afford and connect you with trusted local lenders.

👉 Contact Evermark Property Group today to speak with a local Enfield CT real estate agent and start planning your next move.

📩 [email protected]
📍 265 Hazard Ave, Enfield, CT