Home Affordability 101: A Friendly Guide for West Texas Buyers

If you're thinking about buying a home in the Texas Panhandle, West Texas, or the Permian Basin, you're probably asking the big question:

"How much house can I actually afford?"

You're not alone—this is the starting point for most homebuyers, whether it's their first home or their third. With so much information out there, it can be hard to know what actually matters when figuring out your home buying budget.

Let’s break it down together — in simple terms — so you can start your journey with confidence.

First, What Really Goes Into Affordability?

When people think “affordable,” they often just look at the monthly payment. And while that’s a big part of the picture, it’s not the whole story. Here’s what you, as a savvy homebuyer, should consider :

1. Your income

2. Your monthly debts (like car loans, credit cards, student loans)

3. How much you’ve saved for a down payment

4. Estimated property taxes and insurance

Example of Affordability Calculator in use
Texas Tech Credit Union's Mortgage Affordability Calculator

The good news? You don’t have to calculate all of that yourself.

Use our home affordability calculator for a quick, personalized estimate based on your real numbers. You’ll see how your income, debts, and down payment stack up— and what kind of home price might fit your budget.

Just plug in your info and click Get a Custom Quote —no guesswork, no commitment.

Why Start Your Search with Us?

We’re not just a mortgage lender. We live and work in the same communities you do — and we care about getting you the right home loan, not just a home loan.

  • Thanks to our not-for-profit credit union structure, we offer lower rates than most big banks.
  • Our Best Rate Guarantee means if you qualify for a better mortgage rate elsewhere, we’ll pay you $1,000.*
  • We know West Texas. We understand local property taxes, market trends, and what it takes to buy a home in this part of the state.

Ready to See What You Can Afford?

The sooner you know your budget, the more confident you’ll feel — whether you're browsing listings or talking to a realtor.

Try our home affordability calculator now and click Get a Custom Quote. It's fast, free, and built to help West Texans like you.

* Details: View texastechfcu.org/brg for program rules.