Buying a home is exciting—but how do you really know how much house you can afford? 🏡

In this episode of Closing the Deal, Zach Dickson (Realtor) and Sam Enright (Lender) break down the difference between what the bank says you can afford vs. your true budget. They reveal hidden costs, real-world client examples, and the tried-and-true 28/36 rule to help first-time buyers avoid becoming house poor.

You’ll learn: ✅ Why the bank’s approval number isn’t the number you should buy at ✅ How taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance impact your true payment ✅ Real client stories of stretching vs. playing it safe ✅ The “resentful homeowner” trap and how to avoid it ✅ How to prepare for unexpected expenses when budgeting

Whether you’re buying in 2025 or just starting your homeownership journey, this episode gives you the tools to buy smart, stress-free, and on budget.

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• 00:00 | Bank vs. Real Budget: Why Your Approval Number is Misleading
• 01:48 | Client Story: $450K Approval vs. $300K Comfort Zone
• 05:22 | Hidden Costs That Lenders Don’t Count (Utilities, Insurance, Subscriptions)
• 06:31 | Zach’s Experience: Excitement vs. Reality Check
• 09:23 | Lifestyle Choices: Wants vs. Needs in Homeownership
• 13:22 | The Resentment Factor: Why House Poor = Buyer’s Regret
• 14:26 | How to Calculate Affordability: The 28/36 Rule Explained
• 19:53 | Real-World Examples: $50K, $100K, and $150K Incomes
• 26:23 | Credit, Debt, and Stretching Your Budget
• 32:28 | Why Your First Step Should Be Talking to a Lender
• 35:11 | The Role of Unexpected Expenses in Your Home Budget
• 36:12 | Don’t Drain Your Savings: Why You Need a Buffer
• 38:19 | Key Takeaways + Wrapping Up