Should I get pre-approved before I start house hunting?

Using the 28/36 rule as a general guide, a buyer would typically need gross household income in the range of $95,000 to $110,000 to comfortably afford a $400,000 home in New Braunfels, depending on the interest rate, down payment, property tax rate, insurance cost, and existing debt. This is a planning estimate, not a loan approval — a lender will calculate your exact number based on your full financial picture.

Most lenders prefer a back-end debt-to-income ratio — total monthly debt payments including the new mortgage, divided by gross monthly income — at or below 43 to 45 percent, with some programs allowing higher ratios for well-qualified borrowers. A lower DTI generally means more loan options and better terms, since it signals more room in your budget to absorb the payment.

No. Conventional loans commonly allow down payments as low as 3 to 5 percent, and FHA loans allow as little as 3.5 percent, though anything below 20 percent typically requires private mortgage insurance. Texas also has real down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers that can reduce the cash needed up front.

Texas property taxes run above the national average, and since they're included in most lenders' housing-payment calculations, a higher tax rate directly reduces the loan amount you'll qualify for at a given income. Comal County's specific rates and how homestead exemptions reduce the taxable value are covered in the New Braunfels Property Tax Guide.