In 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-Jones

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The ReaL Life Planning Podcast is for educational purposes only. None of the information discussed is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice, nor as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or as an endorsement of any company, security, fund, real property, or other securities or non-securities offering.

Real Life Planning, LLC is an Investment Advisor registered with the States of New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and California. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or completeness of, any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request, and on our website, REALLIFEPLANNING.COM.