How much house can I afford?
Enter your income, monthly debts, and down payment, and we'll estimate your comfortable price range using the same 28/36 rule lenders start with.
Car, student loans, cards, etc.
You could afford up to
$268,000
about $2,099/mo · $248,000 loan
Based on the lender 28/36 rule. Estimate only ... your actual approval depends on credit, the full application, and program. Talk to a lender to get pre-approved.
First-time buyers
Think you need a fortune to buy? You probably don’t.
Most people overestimate the cash it takes to get into a home. There are real ways to buy with far less up front ... and helping you find the right one is what we do.
- As little as 3–3.5% down with FHA and first-time conventional loans
- Down payment assistance ... some Metro Detroit programs up to $25,000
- $0-down options for those who qualify (VA and USDA rural)
- First-time buyer programs + the Michigan First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account
How the 28/36 rule works
- 28% ... housing: your total house payment stays at or under 28% of your gross monthly income.
- 36% ... all debts: your house payment plus car, student loans, and card minimums stays at or under 36%.
- Lenders may stretch these with strong credit or certain programs ... this is a comfortable starting point, not a ceiling.
Turn a number into a plan
A range is a great start ... a real pre-approval makes your offer competitive, and there may be down payment assistance that stretches your budget further. We can connect you with a trusted lender.