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ABOUT
THIS CALCULATOR:
To arrive at an "affordable" home price, we followed the
guidelines of most lenders. We've allowed a total debt-to-income
ratio of no more than 36%. And we have assumed a housing
payment-to-income ratio of 28% for our conservative estimate,
and 33% for the aggressive one. Before buying, however,
you should also factor in other savings needs, including
retirement and college.
ASSUMPTIONS: We've assumed a 30-year mortgage term,
annual property tax of $3,500 and homeowners insurance of
$481 - the national average. And we do not factor in private
mortgage insurance, which you'll owe if your downpayment
is less than 20 percent of the purchase price. It averages
from $50 to $80 per month. Plug in your own numbers for
more tailor-made results.
*Include auto and student loans, alimony, child support
payments and credit card payments.
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