Home Affordability Calculator
Your Estimated Home Budget
How Much House Can I Afford?
Determining your home buying budget is the most critical first step in the real estate journey. While a bank might pre-approve you for a specific amount, understanding your personal comfort level with monthly payments is what ensures long-term financial stability.
The 28/36 Rule Explained
Lenders typically use the 28/36 rule to determine how much they are willing to lend you. This rule focuses on your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio:
- 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 the new mortgage plus car loans, student loans, and credit card payments) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.
Key Factors in Your Budget
Our calculator takes several variables into account to provide a realistic estimate:
- Gross Annual Income: Your total earnings before taxes.
- Monthly Debts: Any recurring monthly payments like auto loans or personal loans.
- Interest Rate: Higher rates significantly decrease your buying power because more of your payment goes toward interest rather than the home's price.
- Property Taxes & Insurance: These "hidden" costs can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly payment.
Realistic Example
Imagine a couple earning $100,000 annually with $500 in monthly car payments. They have $60,000 saved for a down payment. At a 7% interest rate, the 28/36 rule suggests they could afford a home priced approximately $395,000. Their monthly payment (PITI) would be around $2,333, which keeps their total debt ratio within the safe 36% limit.
Tips for Increasing Your Affordability
If the results are lower than you hoped, consider these strategies:
- Improve your credit score: A higher score helps you qualify for lower interest rates.
- Pay down existing debt: Reducing your monthly car or loan payments lowers your back-end DTI, allowing for a larger mortgage.
- Save a larger down payment: Not only does this reduce the loan amount, but reaching 20% also eliminates the need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).