The IRS doesn't want you to know this but this is how you navigate the confusing phone menu and speak to a real person:
1) Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (7 AM to 7 PM, local time Monday to Friday)
2) Select your language: 1 for English, or 2 for Spanish
3) Press 2 for 'questions about your personal income taxes'
4) Press 1 for 'questions about a form already filed or a payment'
5) Press 3 for 'all other questions'
6) Press 2 for 'all other questions'
7) The system will ask you for your SSN, don't enter a number. It will ask you twice before moving on automatically
8) At the next prompt, press 2 for 'personal or individual tax questions'
9) Press 3 for 'all other questions'
2 years ago: 30-yr mortgage rate was 2.87% & average new home price in the US was $405k.
Today: 30-yr mortgage rate is 6.02% & average new home price is $547k.
Result: $28k increase in down payment (assuming 20% down) and 96% increase in monthly payment (from $1,343 to $2,628).