Home affordability calculator

How we estimate affordability

Lenders use two debt-to-income ratios. The housing ratio compares your full payment to gross monthly income. The total ratio adds car loans, student loans and card minimums. This calculator applies whichever limit is stricter, then solves for the price that fits, including taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance.

The Balanced setting mirrors common conventional guidelines. The Comfortable setting is what we recommend for households saving for retirement or planning a growing family.

What moves your number most

Rate and monthly debts matter more than most people expect. Paying off a $450 car payment can raise your price range by roughly $70,000 at today's sample rates. A 0.5% lower rate adds around $25,000 on a $115,000 household income.

From estimate to pre-approval

A pre-approval verifies income and assets so sellers can trust your number. It also catches items this calculator cannot, like variable bonus income, gift funds and down payment assistance, which can expand your options.