Question 1

How much house can I afford on my salary?

Accepted Answer

A common guideline is the 28/36 rule: spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs (PITI) and no more than 36% on total debt payments including housing. For example, on an $85,000 salary your conservative monthly housing budget would be about $1,983.

Question 2

What is a good debt-to-income ratio for a mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders prefer a front-end DTI (housing costs only) of 28% or less and a back-end DTI (all debts) of 36% or less. FHA loans may allow up to 43% back-end DTI, and some conventional lenders go up to 50% with strong compensating factors, but lower ratios give you more financial breathing room.

Question 3

What is included in a PITI payment?

Accepted Answer

PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance — the four components of a typical monthly mortgage payment. Principal and interest go toward paying off the loan, property taxes fund local government services, and homeowner's insurance protects against damage and liability. HOA fees, if applicable, are an additional cost.

Home Affordability Calculator

Assumptions

Conservative (28% Debt-to-Income)

Moderate (36% Debt-to-Income)

Down Payment Needed

Financial Health Check

PITI Breakdown — Conservative (28%)

PITI Breakdown — Moderate (36%)

Monthly Payment Breakdown (Conservative)

Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Principal & Interest	—
Property Tax	—
Insurance	—
HOA	—
Total Monthly	—