What's the difference between "comfortable" and "stretch"?

The comfortable range keeps your housing costs and debts at levels lenders commonly consider manageable. The stretch range shows what may be possible with a higher debt-to-income ratio, which leaves less room in your monthly budget.

What is debt-to-income ratio?

It's the share of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments, including your future mortgage. Lenders use it to help decide how much you can borrow.

Is this the same as getting pre-approved?

No. This is a starting point. A pre-approval from a lender looks at your full financial picture and is the best next step before you start touring homes. I'm happy to connect you with a lender I trust.

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What can I afford?

Before you fall in love with a house, it helps to know your comfortable price range. Enter your income, monthly debts, and down payment to see an estimate of what you might be able to afford.

Gross annual household income

Before taxes, for everyone on the loan.

Monthly debt payments

Car, student loans, credit card minimums, and other loans.

Down payment savings

Interest rate

Default rate last updated October 1, 2026. Your actual rate depends on your lender and credit.

Loan term

Property tax rate (yearly)

Homeowners insurance (yearly)

Your estimated price range

Enter your income to see an estimate.

Based on these numbers, it may help to talk through options like reducing debt or increasing your down payment. I'm happy to help you make a plan.

Comfortable

Stretch

How this works: lenders compare your monthly debts to your gross monthly income (your "debt-to-income ratio"). The comfortable range keeps your housing payment under 28% of your income and all your debts under 36%. The stretch range allows debts up to 43%, which leaves less room in your budget.

This is an estimate, not a pre-approval. A lender will look at your full financial picture. A pre-approval is the best next step before you start touring homes, and I'm happy to connect you with a lender.

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Questions people ask

What's the difference between "comfortable" and "stretch"?: The comfortable range keeps your housing costs and debts at levels lenders commonly consider manageable. The stretch range shows what may be possible with a higher debt-to-income ratio, which leaves less room in your monthly budget.
What is debt-to-income ratio?: It's the share of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments, including your future mortgage. Lenders use it to help decide how much you can borrow.
Is this the same as getting pre-approved?: No. This is a starting point. A pre-approval from a lender looks at your full financial picture and is the best next step before you start touring homes. I'm happy to connect you with a lender I trust.

This calculator provides estimates for illustration only. It is not a loan approval, a guarantee of financing, or financial, tax, or legal advice. Talk with a licensed lender, attorney, or tax professional about your specific situation.

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Ready to get pre-approved?

A pre-approval is the best next step before you start touring homes. I'm happy to connect you with a lender and talk through your numbers.

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