Hey there! We’re the Jorgenson Group, your local real estate insiders here to unpack affordability in Texas—with humor, heart, and helpful numbers. Let’s get real: If you make $3,000 a month, can you buy a house? Spoiler: it’s not impossible—but you’ve gotta strategize.
1. Rule of Thumb: 31–36% DTI Is Your North Star
Lenders often use your front-end Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio—housing costs versus income—as a key litmus test. A solid target is around 28–31% of monthly income for housing and up to 36–43% including other debts. At $3,000/month, that means housing costs should ideally fall between $900–$1,080, maxing out at $1,290 with other debts factored in. (Source: Zillow)
2. What Do Those Numbers Translate To?
FHA loans tend to be more flexible, with the housing payment cap at about 31%, which means about $900/month. VA loans, which many military families (our folks!) are eligible for, allow up to 41%, or around $1,230/month. (Source: Zillow)
3. What Home Price Range Are We Talking?
Let’s do some back-of-the-napkin math: imagine a 30-year mortgage with current rates—say around 6–7%. A $900/month mortgage might get you near a $150,000 home, depending on down payment, taxes, and insurance. Yet—here in Texas, property taxes, especially in urban areas, and insurance costs can quickly eat into that budget. (Sources: SmartAsset, Bank at First, HomeLight)
4. The Bigger Picture (and Reality Check)
Nationally, housing affordability is out of reach for many. Only a handful of metros—like Pittsburgh, Detroit, and St. Louis—still meet the standard “30% rule.” The rest? Buyers are shelling out more than 44% of their income on housing. Add Texas property taxes and insurance into the mix, and suddenly our $900/month sweet spot ain’t so sweet. (Source: Investopedia)
5. So—Can You? Maybe, But Let’s Get Strategic
Yes, you could buy—but it depends heavily on location, loan type, down payment, and how low you can keep other debts. Here’s what we recommend:
Explore loan programs: FHA, VA (if eligible), or first-time homebuyer assistance programs.
Boost that down payment—even a few thousand dollars can dramatically change your monthly payment.
Reduce debt before applying to improve your back-end DTI.
Consider roommates, co-buying, or accessory units—multi-income or creative spaces can help stretch that $3,000 budget.
Look in more affordable towns—smaller Texas cities offer surprising value if you’re flexible with commute or vibe.
The Jorgenson Group Takeaway
If you’re earning $3,000/month, buying a house isn’t off the table—but it’s a chess move, not a slam dunk. With FHA or VA financing, thoughtful budgeting, and smart market choices, you can absolutely start building your real estate journey.
Need help evaluating affordability, running loan scenarios, or finding areas where that income stretches further? We're here with the data, humor, and Texas-style hustle to help make it happen—one comfy neighborhood at a time.
