What this means
Homes require ongoing maintenance. A reserve helps plan for repairs, appliances, roof work, HVAC service, plumbing, and seasonal upkeep.
The calculator uses a home-price percentage so the reserve scales with the size of the purchase.
Key takeaways
- Use the all-in monthly cost, not only principal and interest.
- Check leftover cash after debts and living expenses.
- Verify lender, tax, insurance, and HOA numbers before purchase.
Formula or planning rule
Common mistakes
- Ignoring utility increases after moving.
- Using lender approval as the same thing as comfort.
- Spending cash-to-close without preserving reserves.
- Forgetting HOA, PMI, or reassessment risk.
How to use this site
Run the calculator with your expected purchase price, down payment, rate, taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance reserve, debts, and living expenses. Save the scenario link and compare multiple purchase prices before making an offer.
FAQ
Is maintenance reserve included in the calculator?
Yes. The calculator is designed to include maintenance reserve as part of a more realistic mortgage affordability estimate.
Does this replace a lender estimate?
No. It is an educational planning tool. Confirm loan, tax, insurance, and legal details with qualified professionals.
Why use leftover cash?
Leftover cash helps show whether the payment is workable after the mortgage, ownership costs, debts, and normal monthly expenses.