• ✕
  New car loan, $650/month

  Maximum becomes $529,100 (-$76,000). Lenders re-check credit before closing; new debt counts in TDS.

• ✓
  $8,000 new credit card balance

  Maximum becomes $589,000 (-$16,100). Lenders count a minimum payment of about 3% of the balance a month (our assumption; lenders vary).

• ✓
  Rate 0.75 points higher (hold expired)

  Maximum becomes $572,500 (-$32,600). Your held rate protects you only until the hold ends; after that the qualifying rate rises too.

• ✕
  Household income down 15%

  Maximum becomes $524,000 (-$81,100). A job change, lost overtime or one partner going part-time before closing.

• !
  Appraisal 5% below the price

  The lender lends against the lower of price and appraised value: 5% × $550,000 × 89% loan-to-value = about $24,500 more cash.

Estimate, not advice. Educational estimate only, not financial, mortgage, tax or legal advice. Lenders, insurers and governments set their own rules and can change them; confirm with a licensed professional before you decide.

2 of 4 changes would put $550,000 out of reach; a 5% low appraisal needs about $24,500 more cash.