How much house can you actually afford?
A real estimate of your maximum home price and monthly payment, from your income, down payment, and debts. Then I’ll help you turn it into a pre-approval that wins.
- Principal & interest
- $8,657
- Property tax · est.
- $1,635
- Homeowners insurance · est.
- $458
- Total monthly
- $10,750
An estimate, not a pre-approval or a loan offer. It assumes a 30-year fixed loan and standard debt-to-income limits; your actual buying power depends on your credit, loan program, and a lender’s underwriting. Insurance and property tax are typical figures and vary by home.
I’ll connect you with a lender to lock in a real pre-approval, then show you homes that fit, including off-market listings before they go public.
Affording a Bay Area home.
How much house can I afford on my income?
A common guideline is that your total monthly debt, including the mortgage, property tax, insurance, and HOA, should stay at or below about 43% of your gross income. Your down payment, interest rate, and existing debts then set the maximum home price. The calculator above estimates that number, but a lender's pre-approval is what actually defines your buying power.
What is debt-to-income ratio?
Debt-to-income (DTI) is the share of your gross monthly income that goes to debt payments. Lenders use it to size your loan. Most conventional loans cap total DTI around 43%, though some programs allow more. Lowering your monthly debts raises how much home you can afford.
How much down payment do I need in the Bay Area?
There is no single answer. Conventional loans can go as low as 3 to 5% down, but in a competitive Bay Area market a larger down payment strengthens your offer and lowers your monthly payment. The right number depends on your savings, your loan program, and how aggressive you need to be to win.
How accurate is this calculator?
It is a solid estimate for planning, not a pre-approval. It assumes a 30-year fixed loan and standard DTI limits, and uses typical insurance and property-tax figures. Your real number depends on your credit, the loan program, and a lender's underwriting. Use it to get oriented, then get pre-approved.