Buyer Tools
What Can You Comfortably Afford?
The same 28/36 debt-to-income rules lenders use — including taxes and insurance, not just the loan payment.
Your Finances
$120,000
$600/mo
$60,000
6.5%
1.8%/yr
$1,800/yr
Credit profile
Effective rate used: 6.500% (base + typical credit-tier adjustment)
Comfortable Price Range
$387,368
≈ $2,800/mo all-in (28/36 rule)
Lender Stretch Ceiling
$502,459
≈ $3,700/mo — approvable, but tighter every month
How this is calculated
- 28% rule: housing costs stay under 28% of gross monthly income.
- 36% rule: housing + all debts stay under 36%.
- Payment includes principal, interest, property taxes, and insurance — not just the loan.
- Stretch ceiling uses the 43% qualified-mortgage cap many lenders allow.
Educational estimates, not a pre-approval. Real budgets depend on credit, loan program, and the specific home.Ready for real numbers? Ela can connect you with trusted Cincinnati lenders — and find homes that fit the comfortable number, not the ceiling.