Are you looking to buy a house in Dayton, Ohio? If you are, one of the things probably top of mind for you is your budget and the home price you’ll be able to afford. Knowing your financial situation and making smart decisions about spending is one of the most critical responsibilities that come with homeownership.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
- Understanding the down payment, mortgage payment, and full home price you can afford
- The housing market landscape looks like in Dayton, Ohio right now
- What you can expect to pay for a new house in various Dayton neighborhoods and suburbs
Let’s get started!
Quick Takeaways
- One homebuyer rule of thumb is to never let your mortgage payment exceed 28% of your monthly income.
- Your down payment dictates the total home price you are able to afford.
- Median home price in Dayton is $115,000 and homes are staying on the market for about one month.
How to figure out your new home budget
The first step to knowing how much money you need to buy a house — anywhere — is actually figuring out how much you can afford.
A good place to start is with the 28% rule. It’s a rule of thumb that says your mortgage payment should not account for more than 28% of your monthly income. This isn’t only a practical rule, either — it’s the maximum many lenders will allow. A great credit score might get you approved for a slightly higher ratio, but we still say it’s good practice to stick with 28% or less.
Next, consider the amount you have saved for a down payment. A conventional mortgage will want you to put down 20% of your home’s full price as a down payment. FHA loans allow for a much lower percentage of 10% or even 3.5% for borrowers with good credit.
Depending on the type of mortgage you qualify for and decide to take out, your down payment planning will vary, but the amount you can put down really dictates the full home price you are able to afford.
Remember, too, that your mortgage is not the only expense involved in homeownership. Taxes, homeowners insurances, repairs, maintenance — these can all add up and it’s important to be prepared to fit them into your budget. Your lender and real estate agent should both be able to guide you through the exact financial responsibilities involved with a home you’re considering.
So, in summary, to determine your new home budget:
- Calculate 28% of your monthly income. That should be your maximum monthly mortgage payment.
- Know how much you’re able to put down for a down payment and the percentage down your mortgage lender will require.
- Research all additional financial responsibilities that come with a new home and build them into your budget.
The housing market in Dayton
Like it is in cities across the country, home prices in Dayton are on an upward trajectory. The median sale price for a home in the city of Dayton as of February 2022 was $130,000 and the median home sale price was $189,500. Homes are staying on the market for about 45 days.
The good news is that Dayton has a very reasonable cost of living and is considered to be the most affordable of Ohio’s four major metro areas. There are new home options for individuals and families at all income levels. Home prices in Dayton vary quite a bit depending on the neighborhood you choose and whether you’re buying in Dayton proper or one of its desirable surrounding suburbs.
How much money do you need to buy a house in Dayton?
Let’s look at some of Dayton’s most popular neighborhoods and suburbs to determine how much it would cost to buy a house in each of these areas.
*Median home prices sourced from realtor.com. Estimated mortgage payments calculated with Bankrate Mortgage Calculator. All are estimates.
Downtown Dayton
Downtown is the business hub of Dayton, full of young professionals on the go and the restaurants, bars, and coffee shops where they spend their spare time. It’s also the center of Dayton’s nightlife scene. While Downtown Dayton features tall buildings and a big-city feel, it also has urban parks and a beautiful river corridor with green space and water views to balance it out.
Median home price: $237,000
Amount needed to put 20% down: $47,400
Amount needed to put 10% down: $23,700
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 20% down: $1,178
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 10% down: $1,297
South Park
Located just south of Downtown and north of University Park, South Park offers easy commutes to the city’s two busiest corporate hubs. It’s a great option for homebuyers looking to for a neighborhood-y feel without being too far away from the Downtown hustle and bustle. Homes in South Park are known for their unique colors and architecture.
Median home price: $139,900
Amount needed to put 20% down: $27,980
Amount needed to put 10% down: $13,900
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 20% down: $722
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 10% down: $792
Patterson Park
Patterson Park sits on the Southeast edge of Dayton, a perfect spot for those looking for a more suburban environment while staying inside Dayton proper. With more green space between homes and less hustle and bustle than neighborhoods closer to Downtown, Patterson Park has a laid-back atmosphere that makes it an attractive option for all buyers.
Median home price: $240,000
Amount needed to put 20% down: $48,000
Amount needed to put 10% down: $24,000
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 20% down: $1,192
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 10% down: $1,313
Oakwood
Oakwood is well known for its quiet suburban living and top-rated school districts. This, together with its close proximity to Dayton metro (it’s located just south of the city) make it a popular choice. Niche recently named Oakwood the #1 place to live in Ohio!
Median home price: $265,000
Amount needed to put 20% down: $53,000
Amount needed to put 10% down: $26,500
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 20% down: $1,309
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 10% down: $1,442
Centerville
Centerville is a larger suburb just south of Dayton. It has both one of the top school districts in the region and one of the best ratings for places to retire in Ohio, making it a popular choice for young families and retirees alike. Centerville features tree-lined residential neighborhoods and a bustling, walkable Uptown, where you’ll find more than 100 small businesses and some of the area’s most historic buildings and sites. It’s a quick 15-minute commute to Downtown Dayton.
Median home price: $250,000
Amount needed to put 20% down: $50,000
Amount needed to put 10% down: $25,000
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 20% down: $1,239
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 10% down: $1,365
Beavercreek
Beavercreek is located just east of the city bounds. While it’s already the second-largest suburb of Dayton, it has a large amount of undeveloped land that indicates the area will continue to grow. It features more spread-out neighborhoods with 20+ parks, playgrounds, and other common green spaces. The Green Towne Center is a retail hub where residents can live, shop, dine, and enjoy the community atmosphere.
Median home price: $269,900
Amount needed to put 20% down: $53,980
Amount needed to put 10% down: $26,990
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 20% down: $1,332
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 10% down: $1,469
Bellbrook
Bellbrook is a smaller suburb with a population around 7,000. It has highly-rated schools and a small-town community feel, and its downtown is experiencing an exciting revitalization. It’s a perfect choice for people looking for small-town living but who still need convenient access to Dayton metro.
Median home price: $271,250
Amount needed to put 20% down: $54,250
Amount needed to put 10% down: $27,125
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 20% down: $1,339
Estimated monthly mortgage payment with 10% down: $1,476
If you’re moving to the Dayton area, Oberer Homes can help you find the home that’s right for you. Contact us today to get started!
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