7 calculators

Affordability & Qualifying Calculators

Work backward from income and debts to a home price you can carry comfortably — not just one you qualify for.

About these calculators

Before you shop for a home, find the number you can actually carry. These calculators work backward from your income, monthly debts and down payment to a realistic home price and loan amount — the figure a lender's debt-to-income limits will support, not just the maximum they might approve.

Pin down the income a given payment requires, the down payment you'll need, and whether renting still beats buying for now. Each tool keeps the focus on a payment you can live with through the life of the loan.

Common questions

Affordability & Qualifying calculators — frequently asked

How much house can I afford?

A common rule keeps your total housing payment under 28% of gross monthly income and all debts under 36%.

Your down payment, interest rate and existing debts all move the number — these calculators work backward from your income to a realistic price.

What is a debt-to-income ratio (DTI)?

DTI is your total monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income. Lenders generally cap it near 43%, with the housing portion alone around 28%. A lower DTI improves both your approval odds and the rate you are offered.

How much income do I need to buy a house?

It depends on the price, rate, down payment and your other debts. Rather than guess, work backward: pick a monthly payment you are comfortable with, and these calculators show the income and home price it supports.

Is it better to rent or buy right now?

It depends on how long you will stay, local prices versus rents, and what your down payment could earn elsewhere. Buying usually wins the longer you stay; the rent-vs-buy calculator puts real numbers on your situation.