Understanding the numbers behind borrowing power

Borrowing power is a starting point, not a promise. Lenders look at the income you can demonstrate, your household spending, existing commitments, and the way a loan would perform under a higher-rate scenario.

A useful first step is to make your commitments visible. Include regular debt repayments, family costs, and expenses that may not appear in a bank transaction snapshot. A finance conversation can then focus on options that fit your real situation.