Can You Afford That Payment?
Enter your income and debts below. We'll calculate your maximum qualifying payment and show you whether your target mortgage fits — plus how paying off specific debts changes the picture.
Your Income
Enter your total gross (pre-tax) annual household income.
Your Target Mortgage Payment
What monthly mortgage payment are you hoping to qualify for?
Your Monthly Debts
Add each monthly debt obligation below. Toggle "Pay Off" to see how eliminating a debt changes your qualification.
This calculator provides estimates only and is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to underwriting approval. A 50% DTI cap is used as a general maximum — actual limits vary by loan program, credit score, and compensating factors.
Save Your DTI Results
Enter your email to download your results as a PDF. We'll also send you a copy.
How Debt-to-Income Ratio Works
What counts as debt?
Lenders count minimum monthly payments on credit cards, auto loans/leases, student loans, personal loans, and installment accounts. They do not count utilities, subscriptions, groceries, or cell phone bills.
The 50% rule
Most loan programs cap your total DTI at 50% of gross monthly income. That means all debts plus your new mortgage payment can't exceed half your pre-tax monthly income. Some programs have lower limits (43-45%).
Why payoffs matter
Paying off a debt before closing removes that payment from your DTI calculation entirely. Even a small car payment elimination can unlock thousands more in purchasing power.
Ready for a Real Pre-Approval?
This calculator gives you a rough picture. A Mortgage Clarity Call gives you the full one — credit pull, program matching, and a real pre-approval letter. Free, no obligation, 30 minutes.