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The Cost of Christmas Trees, Lights and Other Holiday Costs

You’re not alone if you’re looking for a little extra holiday cheer this year. Many people wonder about The Cost of Christmas Trees. According to the Associated Press, approximately 20 million Christmas trees are sold each year. That figure is anticipated to climb this year in 2021.

How Much Are Christmas Trees?

Many people wonder about The Cost of Christmas Trees. There should be plenty to pick from if you don’t wait until the last minute. Having a game plan, including a budget, will assist. The average cost of a Christmas tree at top U.S. shops, according to GOBankingRates, is $112.63. Your total cost may vary based on where you shop and the tree you buy.

How Much Are Christmas Lights?

The average cost of professional Christmas illumination installation is $423. The usual price range is $218 to $663. The light strands alone cost between $80 and $300. Installation costs range from $120 to $500. A multistory residential building might cost up to $1,500 to construct.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, your neighborhood will begin to sparkle with Christmas decorations. In the depths of winter, it spruces up your home and brightens up your grounds. Hiring a professional can turn your house into a neighborhood showpiece while also assuring that the wiring and installation are safe.

Budgeting For A House this Christmas

When it comes to buying a property, everyone knows the golden rule: don’t buy more than you can afford. However, each buyer’s definition of “affordable” will be different. The median sales price for a new house in November 2021 was roughly $385,900, which means that some people spend a lot more and others pay a lot less. Regardless of where you lie on the spectrum, buying a home is likely to be one of the largest single purchases you’ll ever make.

However, having a pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender isn’t enough to find the sweet spot of affordability. First-time buyers often shop based on the amount of money a lender is ready to offer them, rather than taking into consideration other costs. If they can’t afford the monthly payment, they may face financial difficulties and maybe foreclosure.

The 28% Rule Can Get You Started

The 28 percent guideline states that your mortgage shouldn’t be more than 28% of your monthly gross income. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) allows clients to borrow up to 31% of their gross income. 2 Remember to factor in other bills outside your home payment when determining your true affordability.

Mortgage lenders look at a borrower’s debt-to-income ratio before approving a loan. Let’s imagine your monthly mortgage payment is $1,000 and your other costs are $1,000, totaling $2,000. Assume you earn $6,000 every month. Your debt-to-income ratio is now 33%.