How much can I afford?

Your yearly income before taxes, from all sources you would list on a loan application.

Minimum monthly payments on loans and cards, such as a car loan, student loans and credit cards. Don't include rent, groceries or utilities.

The cash you have saved for the down payment, in dollars. Keep some extra for closing costs and emergencies.

The yearly cost of the loan, as a percentage of what you owe. Use a current quote from a lender, because rates change often.

How many years you have to pay the loan back. A 30-year loan has smaller monthly payments; a 15-year loan has bigger payments but costs far less interest overall.

Yearly property tax as a percentage of the price. It varies a lot by county, often between 1% and 2%. Use your local rate.

What you pay each year to insure the property, in dollars. Get a quote from an insurance company.

A monthly fee some communities charge for shared upkeep such as landscaping, roofs or amenities. Enter 0 if there is none.

The yearly cost of private mortgage insurance as a percentage of the loan. It applies when you put down less than 20%, and is often between 0.3% and 1.5%. A lender can quote it.

The most you want your total housing payment to be, as a percentage of your income before taxes. Lenders often use about 28%. A lower number is more comfortable.

The most all your monthly debts, including the new housing payment, should be as a percentage of your income before taxes. Lenders often use 36% to 45%.