Transient is the most hyped, abused and trendy word in GS. A transient is a short-duration signal that represents a nonharmonic attack phase of a sound source. It contains a high degree of nonperiodic components and a higher magnitude of high frequencies than the harmonic content of that sound.
But like any estimate, it's based on some rounded numbers and rules of thumb. For example, this mortgage affordability calculator assumes that your monthly mortgage payment should be no more than 28% of your monthly income, to leave enough money for other expenses and investments you'll want to make.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average price for a new home sold in the United States in 2009 was $270,900. But that's not the amount you'll borrow. You usually pay some money up front---a down payment. You may have $100,000 to use for a down payment, so your mortgage payment will be based on borrowing $170,900.