How much house can this income afford
Lenders screen by debt-to-income; run the 28/36 rule yourself before they do.
Tools used in this guide
The job
The 28/36 rule caps housing costs at ~28 % of gross income and total debt at ~36 %. The estimate converts your income, debts, rate, and down payment into a price ceiling.
Income, debts, terms
Enter gross annual income, monthly debts, down payment, rate, term, and estimated taxes+insurance. The tool solves the max loan both rules allow and adds your down payment.
Worked example
$90 k income, $400/mo debts, 6.5 % on 30 y, $400/mo tax+insurance: the 28 % line allows ≈ $1,700/mo principal+interest → ≈ $269 k loan → ≈ $336 k home with $67 k down (20 %).
Where it stops
A screening number, not pre-approval — credit score, PMI when down < 20 %, HOA fees, and local tax rates all move the real limit. Use it to set a search range, not a budget promise.