: Real-world costs include more than just the mortgage; standard maintenance typically runs 1% to 2% of the home's value annually. Perspectives on the "Ramsey Way"

Dave Ramsey 's home-buying guidelines are built on a philosophy of extreme risk reduction and long-term "debt freedom". While conservative, they are designed to ensure your home remains a "blessing" rather than a financial burden. The Core Guidelines

“Ramsey's approach isn't about buying the most house possible; it's about reducing risk and avoiding being "house poor."” Facebook · The Island Packet · 1 week ago

: You should have zero consumer debt (credit cards, car loans, student loans) before buying.