Home / Mortgage Affordability

How Much House Can I Afford?

Find your comfortable price range using the 28/36 bank rule.

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Total income before taxes.

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Credit cards, car loans, student loans.

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Advanced Settings (Taxes & HOA)

Ready to find your dream home?

Enter your financial details to see what you can afford.

Understanding Mortgage Affordability

Before you start house hunting, it's crucial to know your budget. Lenders typically use the 28/36 rule to determine how much they will lend you.

The 28/36 Rule Explained

  • Front-End Ratio (28%): Your monthly housing costs (mortgage, tax, insurance) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.
  • Back-End Ratio (36%): Your total monthly debt payments (housing + credit cards + car loans) should not exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.

How to Increase Your Affordability?

If the calculator shows a lower number than you hoped, try these steps:

  1. Pay off debt: Reducing monthly car or card payments increases your borrowing power significantly.
  2. Increase down payment: A larger down payment reduces the loan amount and eliminates PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance).
  3. Check interest rates: Improving your credit score can qualify you for lower rates, increasing your purchasing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this include closing costs?
No, this calculator estimates the purchase price. Closing costs are typically 2-5% of the home price and are paid upfront.
What if my DTI is higher than 36%?
Some lenders (like FHA loans) allow DTIs up to 43% or even 50%, but you may pay a higher interest rate.