Pre-approval basics: the 5 numbers that matter
Budget clarity: what you can afford vs what you should buy.
The 5 numbers
- Purchase price range (not just the max)
- Monthly payment target (comfortable, not “possible”)
- Cash to close (down payment + closing costs + reserves)
- Rate / loan type (FHA/Conventional/VA/USDA impacts)
- Debt-to-income reality (how tight your budget will feel)
BRIK takeaway
“Approved for” and “should buy” are different. We align the numbers to your lifestyle so you don’t become house-poor.