How Much House Can I Afford?
A Simple Guide for Smart Budgeting
Shopping for a home without knowing your true budget is like driving with no map. Before you fall in love with a house, figure out what you can actually afford — and still sleep at night.”
Use our affordability calculator and expert-backed tips to set a clear, realistic home buying budget — no guesswork required.
01.
📘 Know Your Budget
What “affordability” really means, how lenders calculate it, and how to set your own ceiling.
02.
💵 Estimate Your Buying Power
How your income, debt, and down payment interact to shape what you can borrow.
03.
🛠 Plan for Real-Life Costs
Why you need to factor in repairs, insurance, taxes, and AHA’s tools to stay ahead.
How Our Calculator Helps You Buy Smarter
Smarter Budgeting Starts with the Right Numbers
Most affordability tools stop at your income and loan terms. Ours looks deeper — factoring in real-life monthly expenses, down payment strategies, and risk-free budget tips so you don’t become “house poor.
- Estimate your max home price based on your lifestyle and income
- Calculate your Housing-to-income Ratio and monthly payment estimate with adjustable inputs
- Account for taxes, insurance, and repairs in your total housing costs
- Avoid overbuying — and plan for long-term financial stability
Affordability Calculator
Estimated Budget Breakdown
- Available for PITI after deducting monthly obligations and retirement:
- Home Price:
- Loan needed:
- • Principal & interest:
- • Property taxes:
- • Insurance:
- • Maintenance & repairs (1%/yr):
- Total monthly housing cost: