One of the most common questions that comes up when buying a home is "How much can I qualify for?" The answer, unfortunately, is not straightforward. Your eligibility for a mortgage depends on several factors, including the loan program you're applying for, your credit score, down payment amount, employment status, and whether you're a first-time home buyer. Each loan program has its own rules about how much of your monthly income you can use to qualify, and how different sources of income are considered. Therefore, it's important to understand these factors and work with a lender to determine how much house you can afford.