Before you start touring homes in Sacramento… Before you fall in love with quartz countertops and backyard patios… Before you bookmark 37 listings at midnight… You need one thing: Your real budget. Not the number a lender says you qualify for. Not the number Zillow suggests. Your number. In 2026, getting this right is the difference between buying confidently and feeling stretched every month after closing. Let’s break this down clearly. Step 1: Stop Asking “What’s My Max?” T