Most people head straight to an online mortgage calculator, see a monthly payment that looks "fine," and call it a day. But here’s the truth: the mortgage is only one piece of the puzzle. To buy with confidence—and avoid becoming "house poor"—you need a dedicated budget spreadsheet. Why a Spreadsheet Beats a Basic Calculator
Will your commute be longer? Will your utility bills jump? The Essential Columns for Your Draft buying a house budget spreadsheet
If you’re building your sheet today, make sure you have these three tabs: Most people head straight to an online mortgage
You’ll need 2% to 5% of the purchase price upfront—on top of your down payment. buying a house budget spreadsheet