Home Affordability Calculator
Affordability Alert
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'; resultHTML += 'How Much House Can I Afford?
Determining your home buying power is the first step in the real estate journey. While a bank might pre-approve you for a high amount, understanding your "true" affordability requires looking at your gross income, existing debts, and the cash you have available for a down payment.
The 28/36 Rule Explained
Most lenders use the 28/36 rule to determine creditworthiness:
- Front-End Ratio (28%): Your total monthly housing costs (mortgage, taxes, and insurance) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.
- Back-End Ratio (36%): Your total debt obligations (including the new mortgage plus car loans, student loans, and credit cards) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.
Key Factors in the Calculation
1. Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: This is the most critical metric. If you have $500 in monthly car payments and $200 in student loans, that $700 is deducted directly from the amount you can put toward a mortgage.
2. Down Payment: A larger down payment reduces your loan amount, which lowers your monthly interest costs. If you put down less than 20%, you may also need to factor in Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
3. 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.
Example Scenario
User Profile: $100,000 Annual Income, $400 Monthly Debt, $60,000 Down Payment.
At a 6.5% interest rate, this user can afford a home priced at roughly $445,000. This ensures the total monthly payment fits comfortably within the 36% DTI threshold.
Ways to Increase Your Buying Power
If the result isn't what you hoped for, consider these strategies:
- Pay Down Debt: Reducing monthly revolving debt (like credit cards) has a 1-to-1 impact on your available mortgage budget.
- Improve Credit Score: A higher score qualifies you for lower interest rates, effectively lowering your monthly payment for the same loan amount.
- Save for a Larger Down Payment: This decreases the principal loan amount and may eliminate the need for PMI.