Suze Orman Buying A Home Apr 2026

: You must have 8 to 12 months of living expenses saved in a separate account after the down payment is paid.

: You should only buy if you plan to stay put for at least five years, preferably 10, to ensure the home's value appreciation outpaces the high costs of selling (like the 6% agent fee). suze orman buying a home

Suze Orman 's philosophy on buying a home is centered on the principle of absolute financial security. She views a home not as a speculative stock, but as an asset that builds long-term stability—provided you are financially "ready" to own it. : You must have 8 to 12 months

According to Suze Orman's blog, you should not even consider house hunting until you have checked these four boxes: She views a home not as a speculative

: Orman strongly advises against buying a home if you are still carrying high-interest credit card debt. Determining True Affordability

: While 20% remains the "gold standard" to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and secure the best rates, Orman has adjusted her rule to a 10% minimum given recent price hikes.

A central theme in Orman's advice is that your lender’s "pre-approval" amount is irrelevant. Does buying a home still make sense? by Suze Orman