How Much Can You Afford

A quick estimate of the purchase price that fits your income, using a 43 percent debt to income ratio, a common conservative benchmark (many loans allow more), and Texas property tax rates. It is a starting point. A lender's pre approval is the real number.

Property tax is the item people from other states miss. Total rates across Dallas County run roughly 1.6 to 2.5 percent of value a year depending on the city and school district, with a MUD or PID adding more in some newer subdivisions. On a $500,000 house that is about $670 to $1,040 a month on top of the loan, before any homestead exemption. Our county pages carry the adopted rates. The Home Check shows whether an address sits in a MUD or other water district.