Can You Afford a Home Today? Real Income Numbers You Need to Know | Real Life Planning Podcast Episode 83
Financial PlanningIn Episode 83 of the Real Life Planning Podcast, Vekevia Tillman-Jones, CFP®, MBA, discusses the real math lenders use to qualify homebuyers — and what that means for your income, debt, and loan type. With relatable examples, honest talk, and no fluff, Vekevia walks through realistic income thresholds, mortgage scenarios, and tips to make homeownership more achievable—even with today’s prices.
" It's not that you're bad with money. It's not that you're failing. It's just that times have changed, and literally it's so much more expensive." — Vekevia Tillman-Jones
This week on Real Life Planning Podcast:
| 🏠 | How much income do you really need to buy a median-priced home today? [00:01:13] |
| 🏠 | What’s the difference between front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios? [00:03:00] |
| 🏠 | Why does FHA financing often make the difference for first-time buyers? [00:06:15] |
| 🏠 | How do lenders view adding a co-borrower on a mortgage? [00:05:30] |
| 🏠 | What mindset shift do buyers need to navigate today’s market? [00:07:34] |
Takeaway Quotes:
"Entry-level loans are stepping stones, not permanent labels.” –Vekevia Tillman-Jones
" For a lot of first time home buyers, FHA is going to be the one that gets you in the door." — Vekevia Tillman-JonesConnect with Real Life Planning:
About the Real Life Planning Podcast
Hosts Cynthia Meyer and Vekevia Tillman-Jones explore practical steps for real estate investors to build financial freedom and make working for someone else optional.
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