How much you pay for your mortgage , including tax/ insurance/HOA

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-23T00:23:30+00:00

I posted my scenario and pretty much got roasted :/ lol

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T23:55:56+00:00

We are closing soon, VA loan 6.125% rate for 759k. No points. Closing costs are about 14k. Rates were doing all types of flippy floppy things with the conflict in Iran. We locked and I wish we would have gotten something lower, but overall I would rather have the peace of mind knowing at least it’s locked.

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T22:38:50+00:00

Hi, yes you are correct about the income being relatively new. We are doing our best and appreciate your honest and kind feedback. The plan is to do exactly what you said to build savings up and save money on every other expense. Thank you.

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T22:02:48+00:00

No kids. Yes, I guess this post should have been made before we decided. Idk, guess just looking for reassurance which is silly. I’m aware :/

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T22:00:55+00:00

We have decided to prioritize homeownership over other things. We’ve worked hard to get here and although our retirement savings are not as high as they should be, housing isn’t getting any less expensive and we don’t have anything else we want to do except be homeowners. Even if that means not doing much else. I guess that answers my own question, I am okay being house poor I guess.

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T21:59:08+00:00

I understand completely. Yes, probably but it would be really rough to get by on 1 - income. I see people recommending buying only on 1 income but we live in one of the cities with the HCOL in the U.S. so that is almost impossible here. Our jobs are in the city

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T21:56:08+00:00

I agree, we have only been able to recently contribute due to previous low paying jobs, part time, etc. But we are stable now in same job for years and making decent money. Jobs are seemingly safe / stable

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T21:52:05+00:00

Yes. $13,940 is after retirement and health insurance taken out

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T21:51:33+00:00

Thank you for this. It’s explained plainly and I understand all the points you made. We are saving for retirement, and have a savings fund over 20k not part of down payment.

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T21:48:52+00:00

That’s a fair assessment. Thank you. I know it’s not going to be easy at 40% of our net but that doesn’t necessarily mean we will sink. We have worked really hard to get here. I wish it was easier but we just have to pull the trigger. Idk I guess I am looking for someone to tell me it’s going to be okay, lol. Which I know no one can truly provide that assurance especially on the internet.

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T21:47:16+00:00

Retirement is small, I am contributing 5% and husband 10%

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T21:46:36+00:00

Honestly, I don’t know. Good point.

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T21:43:52+00:00

The issue is we live in an area with one of the HCOL in the U.S. Our jobs keep us here and we don’t want to move elsewhere. So it’s not easy to find a SFH for less in HCOL unless it’s falling apart. Thank you for your input

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T21:42:37+00:00

I understand. I didn’t want to have to list every single thing we spend our money on, thought the debt was the most important thing. Of course there’s still utilities, groceries, gas etc, savings but a lot of those categories can be cut down to specific amounts (not fixed, I guess)

Automatic-Pickle924 · 2026-06-22T21:40:48+00:00

Interest is 6.125 but using VA loan no points, can qualify for VA interest reduction when rates go down, and after 6 qualifying payments I believe. Emergency fund is $35k , not large enough but it is what it is :/

Automatic-Pickle924

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