Free · 2026

How Much House
Can You Afford?

Enter your salary and ZIP code. Get the exact home price you can safely afford based on your real take-home pay, local property taxes, and 2026 mortgage rates.

📍 ZIP-Based Property Tax 💰 Salary → Take-Home Link 🏦 2026 Mortgage Rates 📊 3 Budget Scenarios 🌎 English & Español
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💼 Your Income & Debts
🏦 Loan Details
20% — $40,000
3%10%20%30%
✅ Your Home Buying Power
🏡
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📊 Your 3 Budget Scenarios
Monthly Payment Breakdown
📏 Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)
Safe (<28%) Stretching (28–36%) Too Much (>36%)

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💸 Free Down Payment Help

Most first-time buyers don't know this: all 50 states offer down-payment assistance, often $5,000–$25,000+. You may qualify even with average credit.

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📈 2026 Mortgage Rates
30-yr Fixed (Conv.)~6.85%
15-yr Fixed (Conv.)~6.10%
FHA 30-yr~6.50%
VA 30-yr~6.20%
Avg US Home Price~$420,000
PMI Rate (if <20% down)0.5–1.5%
💡 The 28/36 Rule

No more than 28% of your gross monthly income should go to housing. No more than 36% to ALL debt combined. These are the two numbers lenders use to approve or deny your mortgage.

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📖 Maryland Money Guides
🏡 How Much House Can I Afford? (MD) 📊 Maryland Cost of Living 2026 💵 Maryland Paycheck Taxes
📋 Free Interactive Checklist · 2026

First-Time Home Buyer Checklist

Check off each step as you go. Tap "Learn" on any item if a word is new. Your progress saves automatically on this device.

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This checklist is for general information only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Loan terms, grants, and rules vary — always confirm with a licensed lender or housing counselor.