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Payment Shock: What It Is—and How to Beat It
Manage episode 503190933 series 3675445
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That first mortgage payment can feel like a jolt—but lenders actually define “payment shock” pretty precisely: your new payment is 5% higher or $100 more than your current housing cost (whichever is less). In this episode, Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explain how payment shock factors into approvals and how to plan around it. You’ll learn:
- How Lenders View It: Why payment shock is a yellow flag—not an automatic denial—and how it interacts with DTI, down payment, and reserves
- Real-World Gotchas: The $1,200→$1,260 threshold example, and how a higher-than-expected insurance premium can add $100/month all by itself
- Budget Rehearsal: Use “payment practice”—live with the higher amount now and bank the difference—to stress-test your budget and build a cushion
- If Money Gets Tight: Consider house-hacking or renting a room—plan before you fall behind
- Why It Eases Over Time: Fixed principal & interest don’t rise like rent; as incomes grow, that “shock” often becomes a bargain in 5–10 years
- Minimize the Shock: Bigger down payment, lower-tax areas, avoid pricey HOAs, shop insurance, and ask for seller credits to free up cash
For the full guide, read:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/mortgage-payment-shock/
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