How Much House Can I Afford in Massachusetts? (Real Numbers for 2026 Buyers)

How Much House Can I Afford in Massachusetts? (Real Numbers for 2026 Buyers)

One of the most common questions I hear from buyers across Pembroke and the South Shore is:

“How much house can I afford?”
Most people expect a price answer.
But lenders actually calculate a payment answer.

In Massachusetts — where taxes, insurance, and property values are higher than national averages — focusing only on price often leads buyers to shop in the wrong range.

 
Step 1: Your Budget Is Based on Payment — Not Approval
You may be approved for more than you’re comfortable paying.

Mortgage approval uses debt-to-income ratios.
Comfort uses your lifestyle.

Two buyers earning the same income can have completely different affordability because of:

Student loans
Childcare costs
Retirement savings goals
Commuting expenses
The right purchase price comes from the payment that still lets you live normally after closing.

 
Step 2: What Makes Up a Massachusetts Monthly Payment
Your mortgage payment is made of four components:

Principal + Interest + Taxes + Insurance (PITI)

In towns like Pembroke, property taxes alone can add several hundred dollars per month — meaning two identical priced homes in different towns can have very different affordability.

This is why payment planning matters more than chasing a specific interest rate.

 
Step 3: Why Online Calculators Mislead Buyers
Most affordability calculators only estimate principal and interest.

They ignore:

Local tax rates
Insurance differences
Condo fees
Private mortgage insurance
This causes buyers to shop above their real comfort level and feel discouraged later.

 
The Smarter Approach
Instead of asking “How much house can I afford?”

Ask:

“What monthly payment keeps my financial life comfortable?”
Once that number is clear, the price range becomes obvious — and home shopping becomes far less stressful.

 
Local Advice
Before deciding whether now is the right time to buy in Massachusetts, build a payment strategy first.
That’s how buyers avoid surprises and compete confidently.

 
Trevor Levine
Premise Mortgage, LLC
781-650-0864
NMLS #1872222