Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Determine how much house you can afford based on your income, debts, and down payment.
Your Estimated Affordability
Maximum Mortgage Amount: $0
Estimated Monthly Payment: $0
Estimated Maximum Home Price: $0
Understanding Mortgage Affordability
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. Understanding how much you can realistically afford is the crucial first step. A mortgage affordability calculator helps you estimate the maximum loan amount you might qualify for, and consequently, the price range of homes you should be looking at.
Key Factors Influencing Affordability
Several critical factors determine how much a lender will be willing to loan you and how much house you can comfortably afford:
- Annual Gross Income: This is your total income before taxes and other deductions. Lenders use this as a primary indicator of your ability to repay a loan.
- Total Monthly Debt Payments: This includes all your existing monthly financial obligations such as credit card payments, student loans, car loans, and personal loans. These debts reduce the amount of income available for a mortgage payment.
- Down Payment: The upfront amount you pay towards the purchase price of the home. A larger down payment reduces the loan amount needed, which can lower your monthly payments and potentially help you qualify for a larger mortgage.
- Interest Rate: The annual rate at which interest is charged on the loan. A higher interest rate means higher monthly payments for the same loan amount.
- Loan Term: The duration of the mortgage, typically 15 or 30 years. Longer loan terms result in lower monthly payments but you'll pay more interest over the life of the loan.
- Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Lenders often use DTI to assess your ability to manage monthly payments and repay debts. It's calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments (including the estimated new mortgage payment) by your gross monthly income. Lenders generally prefer a DTI of 43% or lower.
How the Calculator Works
This calculator uses a common guideline that your total housing expenses (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance – PITI) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and your total debt obligations (including housing) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income. These are often referred to as the "28/36 rule," though actual lender guidelines can vary.
The calculator first determines your maximum allowable monthly mortgage payment based on the 28% rule (after accounting for other debts). It then uses this maximum payment, along with the provided interest rate and loan term, to calculate the maximum mortgage amount you can afford. Finally, it adds your down payment to this maximum mortgage amount to estimate the maximum home price you can afford.
Example Calculation
Let's say you have:
- Annual Gross Income: $90,000
- Total Monthly Debt Payments (car loan, student loan): $600
- Down Payment: $50,000
- Estimated Annual Interest Rate: 6.8%
- Loan Term: 30 years
Step 1: Calculate Gross Monthly Income
$90,000 / 12 months = $7,500 per month
Step 2: Calculate Maximum Allowable Total Debt Payments
$7,500 * 0.36 (36% DTI) = $2,700 per month
Step 3: Calculate Maximum Allowable Mortgage Payment
$2,700 (Max Total Debt) – $600 (Other Debts) = $2,100 per month (for Principal & Interest, Taxes, Insurance – PITI)
(Note: For simplicity, this calculator focuses on Principal & Interest. Taxes and Insurance would further reduce affordability.)
Step 4: Calculate Maximum Mortgage Amount
Using a mortgage payment formula or calculator, a monthly P&I payment of approximately $2,100 over 30 years at 6.8% interest supports a loan of about $324,700.
Step 5: Calculate Estimated Maximum Home Price
$324,700 (Max Mortgage) + $50,000 (Down Payment) = $374,700
Therefore, with these figures, you might be able to afford a home priced around $374,700, with a maximum mortgage of about $324,700 and an estimated monthly Principal & Interest payment of $2,100.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides an estimate for informational purposes only. It does not constitute a loan offer or guarantee of approval. Actual mortgage amounts and terms are determined by lenders based on a full credit application, underwriting, and specific market conditions. It is highly recommended to consult with a mortgage professional for personalized advice.