Affordability before the open house crush
House affordability tools exist to protect you from anchoring on a listing price. Start from income, existing debts, a plausible rate, and the deposit you can actually document. The output is a conversation starter for brokers and partners—not a promise from an underwriter.
Stress the payment
Try a rate one point higher than today’s advert. If the budget collapses, you need a larger deposit, a cheaper area, or more time saving. Link to DTI and rent-vs-buy views so the home number sits inside a whole-life cash plan.
US and UK packing
Insurance, taxes, and fees vary widely. Keep a buffer beyond principal and interest. Private browser math is not advice.