Home Affordability Calculator
Determine how much house you can realistically afford based on your income and debts.
Your Estimated Home Budget
How to Use the Home Affordability Calculator
Finding the perfect home starts with understanding your financial boundaries. Our Home Affordability Calculator uses the standard Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratios employed by most major lenders to estimate the maximum home price you can sustain without overextending your finances.
The 28/36 Rule Explained
Lenders typically follow the "28/36 rule" to evaluate mortgage applications:
- Front-End Ratio (28%): Your total monthly housing costs (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.
- Back-End Ratio (36%): Your total monthly debt obligations (including your new mortgage plus car loans, student loans, and credit card payments) should not exceed 36% to 43% of your gross monthly income.
Factors That Influence Your Budget
While income is the primary driver, several other factors play a critical role in your final number:
- Down Payment: A larger down payment reduces the loan-to-value ratio, potentially lowering your interest rate and eliminating the need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
- Interest Rates: Even a 1% difference in interest rates can change your purchasing power by tens of thousands of dollars over a 30-year term.
- Monthly Debts: High recurring debts like car payments or student loans directly reduce the amount a bank is willing to lend you for a mortgage.
Example Calculation
If you earn $100,000 per year, your gross monthly income is $8,333. Using a conservative 36% DTI ratio, your total monthly debt limit is $3,000. If you already have a $500 car payment, you have $2,500 available for your mortgage, taxes, and insurance. With a 6.5% interest rate and a $60,000 down payment, you could afford a home priced at approximately $415,000.