Home is
where your
story starts.

I am a local Kansas City lender dedicated to educating and empowering my clients to make the best financial decisions for their families.

Which best describes you…

Real estate Agent

I want to partner with you.

Homebuyer

I want to buy a house.

Mortgage Education Tool | Loans by Leah

What house can I afford?

The answer starts with two things: your income and your existing monthly debt payments.

Your numbers

Gross monthly income (before taxes)
$4,000
Existing monthly debts (car, student loans, credit cards)
$300
Down payment saved
$10,000
Max housing payment
$780
per month
Estimated home price
$130,000
Your debt ratio
7.5%
With $10,000 down and your income, lenders will look at a home in the $120,000–$140,000 range. Build that down payment and eliminate debts and your buying power grows fast.

The 43% rule

Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Your total monthly debts, including your new mortgage payment, should stay under 43% of your gross income. The sweet spot most lenders like to see is under 36%. The lower your existing debts, the more house you can afford.

Which loan is right for me?

The best loan depends on your credit score, your savings, and whether you've served in the military.

300 Poor580 Fair620 Good740 Very good800+ Excellent
FHA Loan 580+ credit
Government-backed. 3.5% down payment. Great for first-time buyers with limited savings or a less-than-perfect credit score. Requires mortgage insurance (MIP). KC limit: $541,287.
Conventional 620+ credit
Not government-backed. As little as 3% down with strong credit. No mortgage insurance once you hit 20% equity. Best rates go to 740+ scores.
VA Loan Military
For veterans and active military. Zero down payment. No mortgage insurance. Usually the lowest rates available. One of the best deals in lending.
USDA Loan Rural areas
For homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. Zero down payment. Income limits apply. Worth checking if you're open to living outside the city.
You don't choose your loan from a bank, a government office, or a broker separately. A local mortgage lender like Fountain Mortgage can offer all of these under one roof. The loan type is separate from where you go to get it.

What about bank loans vs. independent lenders?

Banks (like Chase or Wells Fargo) offer mortgages, but they only offer their own products. Independent mortgage companies like Fountain work with multiple investors and can often find you a better rate. Credit unions can be a solid middle ground. The key is to shop around and compare at least three quotes before you commit.

Renting vs. buying

The honest answer is that it depends on how long you plan to stay. Here's the real comparison for the Kansas City area.

KC median home price
$325K
Avg KC rent (2BR)
~$1,400
Home value growth (YTD)
+6.7%
Renting
Monthly cost stays predictable short-term
No maintenance costs or surprise repairs
Flexibility to move for jobs or life changes
Your payment builds zero equity for you
Rent typically rises 3–5% per year
Landlord controls your living situation
Buying
Every payment builds equity you own
Fixed mortgage never rises (30-yr fixed)
KC homes up 5.8% this year alone
Tax benefits: mortgage interest deduction
You decide the rules — pets, paint, renovate
Needs down payment and closing costs upfront
Kansas City's median home price is 33% below the national average. In most KC zip codes, a mortgage payment on a starter home is within $100–$200 of a comparable rent payment. After 5 years, buyers in KC typically come out $47,000 or more ahead compared to renting the same amount of time.

The break-even rule

If you plan to stay in a home for 5 or more years, buying almost always wins financially in a market like Kansas City. If you might move in 2–3 years, renting can make more sense. The goal is to own as early as you can, stay as long as you can, and let the asset grow.

Start building now, even if you're 17

Open a savings account today labeled "house fund." Work on your credit score (get a secured card, pay it off monthly). Avoid taking on car debt you don't need. The people who buy their first home in their mid-20s are the ones who started thinking about it in high school.

KC market data from Redfin and HMLS. Payment estimates are principal and interest only and do not include taxes, insurance, or HOA fees. This tool is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a loan commitment or financial advice. Contact Leah Hileman at Fountain Mortgage for a personalized quote.

Curious about your current situation?

Testimonials

the word is out…

“

Shelby and her team were not only extremely knowledgable, but so kind and helpful in guiding us through the process and providing a variety of options for us to consider as first-time home buyers. We can't recommend them enough!!!

Lauren R

 

“

First time home buyer here, who had no idea what I was getting into when my family had an opportunity to buy our dream home off market. Shelby was amazing as she helped us navigate the stressors of buying a home with her bright personality, words of encouragement, and professionalism. Her clear communication throughout the process allowed us peace of mind as she fought for us whenever there was an obstacle we had to overcome. This was an amazing experience with an amazing outcome for my family thanks to Shelby and all of her hard work.

Harrison V

Who We Are

people investing in people

At the end of the day, we’re all about helping you succeed. That means our #1 goal is to helping you achieve yours — and we do that by listening, learning and earning your trust.

Ready to see what our team can do for you?

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