Don't Trust The Mortgage Calculator

When you’re starting the journey to buy a home, one of the first questions that comes up is: How much home can I afford? It’s a critical question—and one that’s often misunderstood.

If you’ve used an online mortgage calculator to get a quick estimate, you’re not alone. These tools are everywhere, and they seem helpful. But here's the truth: most online mortgage calculators give you an incomplete—and sometimes misleading—picture of what your real monthly payment will be.

The Problem with Online Calculators

These calculators are designed to capture your attention. They often show a low monthly payment to make homeownership seem more affordable than it may truly be. But what they don’t include can be a game-changer for your budget:

• Property Taxes: These can vary dramatically depending on location, and a calculator often uses national averages or skips them entirely.

• Homeowners Insurance: A must-have that adds to your monthly cost.

• HOA Dues: If you’re buying in a community with a homeowners association, those fees can range from modest to substantial.

• Mortgage Insurance (PMI): If you’re putting down less than 20%, you’ll likely need to pay PMI—another cost that’s frequently left out.

These missing pieces can lead to a payment that’s hundreds of dollars more than the estimate you were shown. That’s a big deal. If you start home shopping based on these faulty numbers, it can lead to disappointment—or worse, financial stress from stretching beyond your means.

So, What’s the Real Answer?

To get a real, honest answer to “How much home can I afford?”, you need more than a generic calculator. You need a personalized analysis—based on your actual income, debts, credit score, location, goals, and budget.

This is where a mortgage professional comes in. A good loan officer won’t guess—they’ll tailor the numbers to your specific situation so you know exactly what to expect. No surprises. No fine print. Just a clear understanding of what’s truly affordable for you.

Let’s Stop Guessing. Let’s Start Planning.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Don’t leave it up to guesswork or gimmicky calculators. Let’s have a real conversation about your options so you can move forward with confidence.

When you're ready, we're here to help you run the numbers the right way.