The Century 21® Affordability calculator estimates how much you can afford based on your financial situation when looking to purchase a home. By entering details such as your income, monthly expenses, down payment amount, interest rate, and loan term, you can get a clearer picture of a potential home price range that fits within your budget.
To receive the most accurate estimates you'll need the following details:
Annual gross income (before taxes):
Your total yearly income before any deductions like taxes, social security, or retirement contributions.
Extra monthly income:
Any consistent income you receive in addition to your salary, such as bonuses, alimony, or any additional side jobs.
Monthly debts (excluding housing):
Your recurring financial obligations like car loans, credit card payments, student loans, or personal loans.
Down payment:
The upfront amount you'll pay towards your home purchase. A larger down payment can reduce your monthly mortgage and total loan amount.
Loan term:
The loan term is the technical legal name given to the amount of time that a person has to pay off his or her mortgage. This is the total amount of time that the mortgage will last if the borrower makes all scheduled payments. For instance, a person with a 15-year mortgage would have a 15-year term. The most common loan terms for mortgages are 15 and 30 years. In some cases, though, people can opt for 10-year mortgage terms. A person with a longer term will have to pay more money in interest. Less of his monthly payment will go toward paying down the principal of the loan. A person with a shorter loan term will pay more money each month; however, he will be paying down more money on the balance of the loan. People must choose the right loan term to fit their financial situation.
Interest rate:
Your interest rate is an amount of money that is added to the loan. This interest is in addition to the principal amount of the loan. It is how the lender makes a profit from the loan and is compensated for the risk taken when approving the loan. It is not uncommon to pay a higher interest rate for a home loan if your credit is really poor. Improving your credit profile will improve your chances of getting a loan at the lowest possible interest rate.
