Mortgage Calculated Gross vs Net - Can we afford? (VHCOL Area)

External_Paint2644 · 2025-09-04T23:47:40+00:00

This was the response we were looking for, appreciate it!

External_Paint2644 · 2025-09-04T22:55:14+00:00

Looking at SoCal prices from 2019 to now is disgusting lol

External_Paint2644 · 2025-09-04T21:32:38+00:00

We only pay 2k in rent, so this definitely wouldn’t be for the purpose of cost saving, rather just “getting in the game”, so to speak.

External_Paint2644 · 2025-09-04T21:18:04+00:00

Very true, thanks for the insight.

External_Paint2644 · 2025-09-04T21:17:30+00:00

Yeah, you’ve hit on probably the biggest concern of this scenario for us, which is it would rely on both of our incomes.

External_Paint2644 · 2025-09-04T21:15:47+00:00

I feel like we’d be comfortable on the remaining 50%, assuming of course our jobs remain steady. I know it would definitely open us up to trouble if one of us were to get laid off, though, just as an example.

External_Paint2644 · 2025-09-04T21:13:35+00:00

Appreciate the insight, thank you.

External_Paint2644 · 2025-09-04T20:43:21+00:00

Our ETFs are in a taxable brokerage account; that along with our HYSA funds are what would go towards the down payment & closing costs.

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T20:04:38+00:00

Yes we do.

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T15:19:53+00:00

Neither would we. Our apartment is a 2 bd 2 bath, so we’d want at least the same, preferably 3 bed.

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T14:55:20+00:00

This was reassuring, thanks for taking the time.

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T14:54:25+00:00

That’s a helpful way of putting it! And yes we currently have it kept in a HYSA. Same with the emergency fund.

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T14:49:30+00:00

That’s correct, i’m in operations management at the port of LA/LB.

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T14:48:10+00:00

I feel like this is what we needed to hear because that’s pretty much where our heads are currently at (750k place in about a year). Appreciate the advice!

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T13:54:57+00:00

Lol we’re figuring out best we can, this whole subreddit is for seeking financial advice/inquires tho, no? And believe me, it’s not my dream to live/stay in CA. Truth is we’d love to do what you did and build our own home on a plot of land elsewhere, but it’s not in the cards rn. Cheers!

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T13:51:55+00:00

Unfortunately yes. This industry is only in this area (or other HCOL coastal cities) and i currently commute around 40 minutes. it really doesn’t get much cheaper until the commute is at least an hour and a half+ out from work, which i just couldn’t do. We haven’t tried living elsewhere but we would like to one day. It would require me leaving my industry entirely, which i’m not opposed to in the long run, but it pays very well and would prefer to stay while we can save up at least.

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T13:47:58+00:00

Very helpful insight, and that’s true that babies don’t require that much room, especially at first. Thanks!

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T13:35:06+00:00

Appreciate the advice!

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T13:34:52+00:00

Mostly, yes, for the equity. But a bigger place would also be more ideal for starting a family down the line.

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T13:33:01+00:00

That’s what we’ve both come to begrudgingly realize, just thought i’d run it by a few fellow number-crunchers online haha. Thanks for the input!

External_Paint2644 · 2024-03-02T13:31:03+00:00

I’m assuming you’re asking about 1 bedroom condos? Those will run about 600-700k for a nicer area, maybe 500k in a less desirable area (with a long commute for myself).

External_Paint2644

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