The #1 Question Every Homebuyer Asks
"How much house can I afford?" It's the first question and the most important one. Buy too much house and you'll be house poor. Buy too little and you'll outgrow it in a few years.
Here's how to calculate your perfect price point.
The 28/36 Rule
Financial experts use the 28/36 rule as a starting point:
- 28% Rule: Your monthly mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) should be no more than 28% of your gross monthly income.
- 36% Rule: Your total monthly debt payments (mortgage + car payments + student loans + credit cards) should not exceed 36% of your gross income.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Household Income $75,000/year
- Monthly gross: $6,250
- Max mortgage payment (28%): $1,750
- Estimated home price: $280,000 - $310,000
- Down payment at 3.5%: $10,850
Example 2: Household Income $100,000/year
- Monthly gross: $8,333
- Max mortgage payment (28%): $2,333
- Estimated home price: $370,000 - $410,000
- Down payment at 3.5%: $14,350
Example 3: Household Income $150,000/year
- Monthly gross: $12,500
- Max mortgage payment (28%): $3,500
- Estimated home price: $560,000 - $620,000
- Down payment at 3.5%: $21,700
Factors That Increase Your Buying Power
- Higher credit score: A 760+ score can save you 0.5-1% on your rate
- Larger down payment: 20% down eliminates PMI, saving $100-300/month
- Low existing debt: Pay off car loans and credit cards before applying
- Stable employment: 2+ years at the same employer is ideal
- VA eligibility: Zero down payment = maximum buying power
Don't Forget Hidden Costs
Your mortgage payment isn't your only housing cost. Budget an additional 1-3% of the home's value annually for:
- Maintenance and repairs
- Utilities
- Lawn care / landscaping
- Furnishing
- HOA fees (if applicable)
Get Your Personalized Number
Every situation is unique. Our AI-powered pre-approval process analyzes your complete financial picture — income, debts, credit, assets — and tells you exactly what you can afford. Get your personalized home affordability estimate now.
You can also use our free mortgage calculator to estimate monthly payments.
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David R. Bizousky
Founder & CEO, Slate Financial
David R. Bizousky is a financial services entrepreneur and the founder of Slate Financial, a leading alternative lending platform that has funded over $2.5 billion for 10,000+ businesses across all 50 states.
