Home Affordability Calculator
Estimate how much house you can afford based on your income and debts.
How is Home Affordability Calculated?
Buying a home is the most significant financial decision most people ever make. To determine your "buying power," lenders primarily look at your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio. Our calculator uses the conservative "36% Rule," which suggests that your total monthly debt payments (including your new mortgage) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.
The 28/36 Rule Explained
Financial experts often point to the 28/36 rule as a benchmark for affordability:
- 28%: Your maximum monthly mortgage payment (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance – PITI) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.
- 36%: Your total debt obligations (mortgage plus car loans, student loans, and credit card debt) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.
Key Factors Impacting Your Budget
Beyond your salary, several variables dictate your maximum purchase price:
- Interest Rates: A 1% increase in interest rates can reduce your buying power by roughly 10%.
- Down Payment: A larger down payment reduces your loan amount and can eliminate the need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
- Property Taxes: These vary wildly by location. Our calculator estimates an average tax and insurance cost of roughly 1.5% of the home value annually.
Example Calculation
If you earn $100,000 per year, your gross monthly income is $8,333. Using a 36% DTI, your total allowable monthly debt is $3,000. If you have a $400 car payment, you have $2,600 left for your mortgage, taxes, and insurance. With a 6.5% interest rate and 20% down, this might allow for a home priced around $450,000.