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Guidelines like the 28/36 rule are a helpful starting point, but they don't tell the whole story. Use this calculator to explore how a mortgage payment might fit into your budget, then watch how the picture changes as your income, debts, or down payment move.
Built by Jesse Plunkett, CEPA, CRPC · Last reviewed July 11, 2026 · Verify on 
These figures are estimates based on the information you provided and do not include additional homeownership expenses, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance (PMI), HOA fees, or ongoing maintenance costs. For a comprehensive analysis that accounts for your complete financial picture, please consult with a financial professional.
This is an educational illustration, not a loan prequalification or a lending decision. Lenders weigh factors this tool can't see, including your credit profile and the property itself. Everything is calculated in your browser; nothing you enter is sent or stored unless you choose to send a question.
Ask it here and I'll reply personally. Sending a question doesn't add you to any email list.
A home purchase touches nearly every other part of your finances. A short call is enough to see how it fits into yours.
It's a common lending guideline: keep your housing payment at or below 28 percent of your gross monthly income, and all debt payments combined, housing included, at or below 36 percent. Lenders use it as a rough screen for what a borrower can repay comfortably. It's a starting point, not a verdict; your actual budget and goals decide what's comfortable.
No. It estimates the mortgage payment itself. Lenders usually quote PITI: principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, and the taxes and insurance portion can add hundreds of dollars a month depending on the property and location. Leave room for those, plus PMI if your down payment is under 20 percent, HOA dues, and ongoing maintenance.
There's no single right amount. Twenty percent avoids private mortgage insurance, but many buyers put down less and keep more cash on hand for repairs, moving costs, and emergencies. Draining every account to maximize the down payment can leave you house-rich and cash-poor in year one, which carries its own risk.
Almost always. Everything is handled virtually, so where you live is rarely a barrier. The only exception is a handful of states where I'm not registered yet, and if that's you, I'll tell you on our first call.
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Plunkett, Jesse. “Home Affordability Calculator.” True Stewards Advisory, https://truestewards.com/home-affordability-calculator. Accessed [date].
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