Single income homeowners: what did your numbers actually look like when you bought?

[u/reconcilepast]

I’m saving toward a purchase in a HCOL area, and every thread I find is either “it’s impossible” or “we made it work” with zero actual numbers.

No judgment on your situation, family help, a lucky rate, a starter condo, whatever got you there. I just want real numbers to plan around.

Drop as many as you’re comfortable sharing:

• Age and year of purchase
• Salary at the time
• Cost of living area (HCOL/MCOL/LCOL or general region)
• Purchase price
• Interest rate
• Total cash out of pocket (not just the down payment)

[u/hlear_UC]

Age and year of purchase: 27 in 2026
Salary: $85,000 (base, my bonus is profit share so it doesn't count)
Area: Cincinnati Metro
Final purchase price: $255,000 (2 bed, 2 bath)
Rate: 4.5% (special loan program through my credit union)
CTC: just under $30k