House Affordability Calculator
Mortgage Affordability Tool

House Affordability Calculator

Estimate the maximum home price you can comfortably afford based on your income, debts, down payment, and current mortgage rates — using the industry-standard 28/36 rule.

Your Financial Inputs

Enter your details below — calculations update instantly.

Income & Debts
$ /yr
$ /mo
Mortgage & Loan Terms
$
%
Property Costs
%/yr
$ /yr
$ /mo
Affordability Setting
36%
28% Conservative 36% Standard 43% Aggressive

Your Affordability Results

Based on the 28/36 rule and current mortgage rates.

Maximum Affordable Home Price
$0
Loan Amount $0
Monthly Payment $0
Required Income $0
Front-End Ratio
0%
Back-End Ratio
0%
Monthly Payment Breakdown
How each dollar of your housing payment is allocated
Principal & Interest$0
Property Tax$0
Home Insurance$0
HOA Dues$0
Total Monthly Payment$0

Affordability Scenarios at Different DTI Levels

Compare your max home price under conservative, standard, and aggressive borrowing strategies.

C
Conservative
28% DTI · Lowest risk
Max Price $0
M
Moderate · Recommended
36% DTI · Standard guideline
Max Price $0
A
Aggressive
43% DTI · Max stretch (FHA limit)
Max Price $0
Home Price Comparison
Maximum affordable price at each DTI threshold
The Golden Rule

Understanding the 28 / 36 Rule

Most lenders use this benchmark to decide how much mortgage you can handle without financial strain.

28% Housing Front-end ratio 8% Other debts Auto, student, etc. 64% Remaining Income Taxes, food, savings, lifestyle P&I + Tax + Ins + HOA Debts Living expenses & savings 36% Total Debt — Back-End Ratio
Front-End Ratio · 28%
Housing Costs Cap
Your total monthly housing payment — including principal, interest, property taxes, insurance, and HOA — should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income.
Housing ≤ 0.28 × Gross Monthly Income
Back-End Ratio · 36%
Total Debt Cap
All monthly debt obligations combined — housing plus auto loans, student loans, credit cards, child support — should stay under 36% of gross monthly income.
Total Debt ≤ 0.36 × Gross Monthly Income

Smart Borrowing Tips

Practical guidance to keep your home purchase sustainable.

Save 20% Down
A 20% down payment eliminates Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), saving you 0.5–1% of the loan amount annually.
Check Your Credit
A credit score above 760 typically unlocks the best interest rates. Even a 0.5% rate reduction can save tens of thousands over the loan term.
Emergency Fund
Keep 3–6 months of expenses (including mortgage) in savings. Homeownership brings surprise costs — repairs, appliances, deductibles.
Plan Closing Costs
Budget 2–5% of the home price for closing costs — appraisal, title insurance, origination fees, and prepaid taxes/insurance.
Don't Max Out
Just because you qualify for a higher amount doesn't mean you should take it. Leave room in your budget for retirement, travel, and life events.
Compare Lenders
Get Loan Estimates from at least 3 lenders. Rates and fees vary significantly — comparison shopping can save 0.25–0.5% on your rate.

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, loan approval, or a commitment to lend. Actual affordability depends on lender-specific criteria, credit history, employment verification, and current market conditions. Consult a licensed mortgage professional for personalized guidance.

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