How large of a mortgage can i get approved for

Input these numbers into our Home Affordability Calculator to get a clear idea of your homebuying budget.

Why it's smart to follow the 28/36% rule

Most financial advisors agree that people should spend no more than 28 percent of their gross monthly income on housing expenses, and no more than 36 percent on total debt. The 28/36 percent rule is a tried-and-true home affordability rule of thumb that establishes a baseline for what you can afford to pay every month.

For example, let’s say you earn $4,000 each month. That means your mortgage payment should be a maximum of $1,120 (28 percent of $4,000), and your other debts should add up to no more than $1,440 each month (36 percent of $4,000). What do you do with what’s left? You’ll need to determine a budget that allows you to pay for essentials like food and transportation, wants like entertainment and dining out, and savings goals like retirement.

How much mortgage payment can I afford?

As you think about your mortgage payments, it’s important to understand the difference between what you can spend versus what you can spend while still living comfortably and limiting your financial stress. For example, let’s say that you could technically afford to spend $4,000 each month on a mortgage payment. If you only have $500 remaining after covering your other expenses, you’re likely stretching yourself too thin. Remember that there are other major financial goals to consider, too, and you want to live within your means. Just because a lender offers you a preapproval for a large amount of money, that doesn’t mean you should spend that much for your home..

How to determine how much house you can afford

Your housing budget will be determined partly by the terms of your mortgage, so in addition to doing an accurate calculation of your existing expenses, it's important to get an accurate picture of your loan terms and shop around to different lenders to find the best offer. Lenders tend to give the lowest rates to borrowers with the highest credit scores, lowest debt and substantial down payments.

How does your credit score impact affordability?

Your credit score is the foundation of your finances, and it plays a critical role in determining your mortgage rate. For example, let’s say you have a credit score of 740, putting you in the running for a rate of 4.375 percent on a loan for a $400,000 property with a 20 percent down payment. If your credit score is lower — 640, for example — your rate could be higher than 6 percent. In that scenario, the monthly payment to cover the principal and interest could be $300 cheaper for the higher credit score.

To find out your score, check your credit report at one of the big three agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

How does your debt-to-income ratio impact affordability?

Lenders will also look at your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI,  to get a clear picture of how risky it is to loan you money. Simply put, the higher your debt-to-income ratio, the more the lender will doubt your ability to pay the loan back.

Lenders have maximum DTIs in place that could stand in the way of getting approved for a mortgage. On conventional loans, for example, lenders usually like to see debt-to-income ratios under 43 percent, although in some cases, 50 percent is the cutoff. If you want to shrink your debt-to-income ratio before applying for a mortgage — which is a good idea — pay off your credit cards and other recurring debts like student loans and car payments.

Here's how to figure out your DTI:

Add up your total monthly debt and divide it by your gross monthly income, which is how much you brought home before taxes and deductions. Here’s an example:

• Add up your monthly debt: $1,200 (rent) + $200 (car loan) + $150 (student loan) + $85 (credit card payments) = $1,635 total
• Now, divide your debt ($1,635) by your gross monthly income ($4,000): 1,635 ÷ 4,000 = .40875. By rounding up, your DTI is 41 percent.
• If you get rid of the $85 monthly credit card payment, for example, your DTI would drop to 39 percent.

How much house can I afford on my salary?

Let’s say you earn $70,000 each year. By using the 28 percent rule, your mortgage payments should add up to no more than $19,600 for the year, which equals a monthly payment of $1,633. With that magic number in mind, you can afford a $305,000 home at a 5.35 percent interest rate over 30 years. But you’d need to make a down payment of 20 percent.

How does the amount of my down payment impact how much house I can afford?

The down payment is an essential component of affordability. For example, if we include down payment on that $70,000 annual salary, your home budget shrinks to $275,000 with a down payment of 10 percent (if you’re aiming to keep the 28 percent rule intact). By making a larger down payment, you would reduce the loan-to-value ratio, which makes a difference in how your lender looks at you in terms of risk.

Bankrate’s mortgage calculator can help you explore how different purchase prices, interest rates and minimum down payment amounts impact your monthly payments. And don’t forget to think about the potential for mortgage insurance premiums to impact your budget. If you make a down payment of less than 20 percent on a conventional loan, you’ll need to pay for private mortgage insurance, or PMI.

How does the type of home loan impact affordability?

While it's true that a bigger down payment can make you a more attractive buyer and borrower, you might be able to get into a new home with a lot less than the typical 20 percent down. Some programs make mortgages available with as little as 3 percent or 3.5 percent down, and some VA loans are even available with no money down at all.

How much house can I afford with an FHA loan?

Federal Housing Agency mortgages are available to homebuyers with credit scores of 500 or more and can help you get into a home with less money down. If your credit score is below 580, you'll need to put down 10 percent of the purchase price. If your score is 580 or higher, you could put down as little as 3.5 percent. There are limits on FHA loans, though. In most areas in 2022, an FHA loan cannot exceed $420,680 for a single-family home. In higher-priced areas, the number can go as high as $970,800. You’ll also need to factor in how mortgage insurance premiums — required on all FHA loans — will impact your payments.

How much house can I afford with a VA loan?

Eligible active duty or retired service members, or their spouses, can qualify for down payment–free mortgages from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These loans have competitive mortgage rates, and they don't require PMI, even if you put less than 20 percent down. Plus, there is no limit on the amount you can borrow if you’re a first-time homebuyer with full entitlement. You’ll need to also consider how the VA funding fee will add to the cost of your loan.

How much house can I afford with a USDA loan?

USDA loans require no down payment, and there is no limit on the purchase price. However, these loans are geared toward buyers who fit the low- or moderate-income classification, so you will need to put a big emphasis on understanding how mortgage payments will impact your overall monthly budget.

How does where I live impact how much house I can afford?

Where you live plays a major role in what you can spend on a house. For example, you’d be able to buy a much bigger piece of property in St. Louis than you could for the same price in San Francisco. You should also think about the area’s overall cost of living. If you live in a town where transportation and utility costs are relatively low, for example, you may be able to carve out some extra room in your budget for housing costs.

I’m a first-time homebuyer. How much can I afford?

Being a first-time homebuyer can be especially daunting: You’re paying rent, so how can you manage to save money at the same time for a down payment? Data from the National Association of Realtors shows that adhering to the 28 percent rule is becoming especially challenging for first-time buyers: In the first quarter of 2022, the typical first-time buyer actually spent more than 28 percent of income on their mortgage payments.

Fortunately, there are programs designed specifically for first-time homebuyers. Depending on where you live and how much you earn, you may be able to qualify for assistance with your down payment and/or closing costs.

Tips for improving your home affordability

Before you start looking at real estate and shopping around for the right lender, it’s important to take these steps to improve your chances of becoming a homeowner without breaking the bank.

• Work to improve your credit score: Boosting your credit score is the best way to put yourself in a position for the lowest mortgage rate possible. Pay down your credit cards and avoid applying for any additional accounts as you prepare to apply for a mortgage.
• Improve your debt-to-income ratio: Work to reduce your debts — by refinancing student loans to a lower interest rate, for example. You might also focus on making your income bigger by negotiating a pay raise at your current job or getting a second job for additional earnings. Either way, you will demonstrate to a lender that you have more money, which makes you less of a risk.
• Come up with a bigger down payment: The more you can contribute upfront, the less you need to borrow. Your down payment doesn’t all have to come from your own savings, either. If you have a family member or close friend who can afford to, they might give you a gift to add to your down payment. They will need to sign a letter stating that the money is a true gift — not a loan that you’ll need to pay back.
• Consider other locations: You might have your heart set on a certain neighborhood or a certain city, but flexibility is key. If you can cast a wider net, you will open yourself up to places where home prices are lower.
• Figure out how much space you really need: Do you need a 3,500-square-foot home with a sprawling backyard? If this is your first time buying a piece of property, perhaps a starter home is a better bet for your bank account. If you’re years away from having a family, you can always start small, build up equity and sell to find a bigger home when you’re ready. Additionally, consider looking at condos, which have a cheaper median price tag than single-family homes.

What other factors impact home affordability?

• Be prepared for your property taxes: When you buy a home, you assume the tax liabilities that come with it. So, in addition to paying off your mortgage, you’ll need to factor in the property taxes that cover your contribution for government services like a police department, firefighting services and public schools. That bill varies widely based on your property’s valuation and where it’s located. For example, the average property tax bill for a single-family home in New Jersey was more than $9,700 in 2021, while Alabama homeowners paid an average of just $905, according to data from ATTOM.
• Set aside an emergency fund for mortgage payments: Life happens — and sometimes, that means bad things happen. In addition to making your regular mortgage payments, you’ll need to stash away money in case, for instance, you lose your job. Your emergency fund provides a layer of protection to protect yourself in a worst-case scenario.
• Budget for ongoing repairs and maintenance costs: When you’re a renter, a plumbing problem is your landlord’s responsibility. When you’re an owner, it’s yours. How much you’ll need to spend depends on how old the home is, but even brand new construction will require continued investment for upkeep.
• Shop around for homeowners insurance: When you buy a house, you need to make sure it’s protected in the event of a disaster. The average homeowner pays nearly $1,400 in homeowners insurance premiums for $250,000 worth of dwelling coverage. Costs vary widely depending on what you need in your policy and where you live. Be sure to compare multiple quotes to get solid coverage at a decent price.

Should I buy a home?

With home prices hitting record highs, you might wonder whether now is even a good time to buy a house. It’s important to focus on your personal situation instead of thinking about the overall real estate market. Is your credit score in great shape, and is your overall debt load manageable? Do you have enough savings that a down payment won’t drain your bank account to zero? If your personal finances are in excellent condition, a lender will likely be able to give you the best deal possible on your interest rate.

It’s not just about money, though. Think about what’s on the horizon for you. Are you comfortable planting roots for the foreseeable future? The longer you can stay in a home, the easier it is to justify the expenses of closing costs on the loan and moving all your belongings — and the more equity you’ll be able to build.

Home affordability FAQs

Bottom line: Home affordability begins with these key factors

Don’t let rising home prices automatically scare you away. Being able to purchase a property starts with these questions:

Do you pay your bills on time? A history of no late payments will make you look good in the eyes of any lender. They’ll know that they can expect to receive your mortgage payment each month when it’s due.

Do you have proof of steady income? If you have a steady job that deposits a similar amount into your checking account every two weeks, you’re in good shape. Lenders will evaluate your bank accounts, review recent pay stubs and look at your tax forms. If you’re self-employed or earn irregular income, you’ll need to show even more evidence of your earnings — likely the past two years of tax returns.

Do you have a low debt-to-income ratio? If you’re earning a lot more money than you’re paying back for other debt, you’re in a good position.

What’s the best mortgage rate you can get? The lower your rate, the more you’ll save on interest payments. The good news: If you answered yes to the previous three questions, you’ll likely qualify for the lowest rates a lender can offer.

What is the maximum amount she can afford to borrow for a home mortgage?

What is the maximum I can borrow for a mortgage UK?