Home affordability checker
Find what home price fits your budget—based on your income, debt and savings.
Home Affordability Calculator
Finding your true home-buying budget
Your Income Sets the Foundation for what you can afford, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. Lenders look at your total monthly debts alongside your income to ensure you can comfortably manage a mortgage. Most want to see your total debt payments—including your future mortgage—stay below a certain percentage of your gross income.
Down Payment Size Affects Everything from your monthly payment to your loan options. A larger down payment means better rates and no mortgage insurance, but there are excellent loan programs for buyers with as little as 3-5% down. The key is understanding how different down payment amounts change your overall costs and options, and what down payment amount aligns with your unique situation.
Current Debts Shape Your Options more than most people realize. Credit cards, car loans, student debt—they all reduce what lenders think you can handle. Sometimes paying down existing debt before house hunting can dramatically increase your buying power and get you better rates.
Location Affects More Than Lifestyle when it comes to affordability. Property taxes, insurance costs and HOA fees vary widely by area. That perfect price point might work in one neighborhood but stretch your budget in another. Understanding location-specific costs helps you search realistically.
First-time buyer considerations
The Hidden Costs of Homeownership go beyond your mortgage payment. Budget for maintenance, repairs and upgrades that landlords used to handle. Setting aside money annually for upkeep is essential, and it's something that surprises many first-time buyers who only focused on the monthly payment.
Market Timing Isn't Everything despite what you might hear. Yes, interest rates and home prices fluctuate, but waiting for the "perfect" market can tend to mean missing out on building equity. Focus on what you can afford now rather than trying to predict the future.
Your Personal Situation Matters Most when deciding how much house to buy. Job stability, family plans and lifestyle preferences all factor in. A financial advisor can help you see how homeownership fits into your bigger financial picture.
Renting vs. Buying Comes Down to Your Timeline and priorities. Renting makes sense when you need flexibility or aren't ready for maintenance responsibilities. Buying works when you're ready to plant roots and want your monthly payments building something for your future. There's no universal right answer—just what's right for you now.
Disclaimer
Datalign Advisory calculators offer estimates based on your inputs and generally accepted financial principles. Results are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from actual outcomes. These tools are intended for educational use and are not a substitute for professional financial advice.
Get more than estimates — talk to an advisor about your goals.
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