For buyers

How Much Home Can I Afford?

Work backwards from your income and savings to the price you could actually buy at.

Two things limit what you can buy: what a lender will let you borrow against your income, and how much cash you have for the down payment and closing costs. Whichever runs out first sets your price. This works out both and tells you which one is holding you back.

$

Everyone on the loan, added together. Use the figure before tax — that is what a lender uses.

$

Car loans, student loans, credit card minimums, child support. Not rent, groceries or utilities.

$

For the down payment and closing costs. Keep some back for moving and the first repairs.

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%

Put more down and the price you can reach goes up — until your income becomes the limit instead.

More options
%

Paid in cash on the same day as the down payment, which is why they come out of the same pot here.

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Per year, as a percentage of the home value.

$

Per year.

$

Per month. Lenders count these against you exactly like a mortgage payment.

%

Charged while you owe more than 80% of the value.

%

The front-end ratio. Around 28–36% is typical.

%

The back-end ratio — housing plus every other debt. Around 43% is the common ceiling, and some programmes go higher.

Home price you could afford

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Monthly payment that allows
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Principal & interest
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Property tax
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Home insurance
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Mortgage insurance
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HOA dues
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Amount borrowed
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Down payment
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Cash left over
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What limits you
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An estimate, not a quote. These figures are estimates for planning only. They are not a loan offer, a quote, or advice. Interest rates, taxes, insurance, and closing costs vary by lender, property, and location. Confirm every number with your lender and a licensed professional before making a decision.

Want to know what you can actually borrow?

A lender can tell you in a few days, in writing, and it costs nothing. We can point you to one, or just answer questions.