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Home Buyer Calculators
Clear answers. No sales pressure. Just the data you need to make the right move.
1. How Much House Can I Afford?
Updated for 2026 RatesYour Financial Picture
Comfort Level
Use 45% of income. Standard approval limit for most loans.
Comfortable Home Price
$0
Est. Monthly Payment: $0
*Estimates include Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.
Market Snapshot
Unlock inventory trends for your specific price range.
United States Aggregate
National Average
Steady national appreciation.
2. Debt-to-Income Check
Lender's favorite metricDebt-to-Income (DTI) Check
41.3% RatioGood
Acceptable for most conventional loans.
3. Rent vs. Buy
The 5-Year timeline testRent vs. Buy Analysis
After 7 years...
Comparison is based on rent sunk cost vs home appreciation wealth gain. This is a simplified "wealth delta" model.
4. VA Loan Guide
For Veterans & Active DutyVA Loan Reality Check
See the real cost, including the VA Funding Fee.
VA Funding Fee
Total Loan
Est. P&I Payment
5. Closing Costs & Down Payment Estimator
Total Cash to CloseClosing Costs & Down Payment Estimator
National averages typically range from 2-5% of the purchase price.
FHA Strategy: Low down payment (3.5%), popular for first-time buyers.
Estimated Cash to Close
Heads up: FHA loans require Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP) regardless of down payment.
📌 Important Note on Closing Costs:
These figures are estimates. Actual costs vary significantly by location and specific lender fees.
- National Average: Typically ranges 3% - 4% of purchase price.
- High Tax States (NY/NJ/CA): Can reach 5% - 6% due to transfer taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much house can I afford?
- A general rule is that your monthly housing costs (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Use our affordability calculator above for a precise number based on your income, debts, and down payment.
- What is a good debt-to-income ratio to buy a house?
- Most lenders require a DTI of 43% or lower. A DTI below 36% is considered strong and may qualify you for better rates. Our DTI Check tool calculates your current ratio instantly.
- How much are closing costs?
- Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. On a $300,000 home, expect $6,000–$15,000 on top of your down payment. Our closing cost estimator breaks down every fee by category.
- Can veterans buy a home with no down payment?
- Yes. Eligible veterans and active duty service members can use a VA loan to purchase with 0% down and no PMI. Use our VA Loan Calculator to estimate your monthly payment including the VA funding fee.
- Is it better to rent or buy?
- It depends on how long you plan to stay, local home prices, and your mortgage rate. Our Rent vs. Buy tool uses a 5-year timeline to show which option builds more wealth in your specific situation.
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