: You should have zero consumer debt (credit cards, car loans, student loans) before buying.
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 dave ramsey home buying guidelines
Critics and financial analysts often point out that these rules, while safe, can be mathematically difficult to achieve in the 2026 housing market. : You should have zero consumer debt (credit
: Aim for 20% down to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) . He notes that 5–10% is "okay" for first-time buyers, but it is not ideal. Critical Perspectives on the Guidelines The Core Guidelines Critics and financial analysts often
: Your total monthly housing payment (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) should not exceed 25% of your take-home pay .