Housing Decision Tools
Whether you're buying your first home or deciding if it's the right time to stop renting, our precision tools help you make the best financial choice.
The housing market in 2025 continues to be defined by a complex interplay of interest rates, inventory levels, and shifting demographic trends. For most Americans, a home is the largest purchase they will ever make, and the financial ramifications of that decision can last for decades.
Our housing center is designed to strip away the "hype" and focus on the math. Lenders often tell you how much you can borrow, but they rarely tell you how much you should borrow to maintain your lifestyle and long-term savings goals.
Building Your Housing Strategy
A successful housing transition usually follows a three-step analytical process:
- Budget Validation: Use the Home Affordability tool to see your limits under the 28/36 rule.
- Scenario Testing: Use the Mortgage Calculator to simulate different down payments and interest rate environments.
- Comparison Analysis: If you are currently renting, use the Rent vs Buy tool to find your break-even year.
New to Home Buying?
We recommend starting with the **Home Affordability Calculator** to determine your maximum budget, then moving to the **Mortgage Calculator** to see the fine-print details of your potential payment.
Check AffordabilityData & Methodology
All housing calculators on this platform utilize current 2025 federal tax algorithms and amortized interest models. We prioritize transparency by including often-overlooked costs like property taxes, homeowners insurance (HOI), and private mortgage insurance (PMI) in our default estimates.