How much house can I afford?

Lenders work backward from your income and your existing debts. This does the same arithmetic they do, with Peninsula property tax built in — so the number you get is a realistic ceiling rather than a national-average one.

$
Gross, per year, before tax.
$
Car loans, student loans, minimum card payments. Not rent.
$
Excluding closing costs, which run about 1–2% here.
%
Share of gross income going to housing plus all other debt — the back-end ratio lenders underwrite to.
%
$
Per year, combined.

—

Estimated maximum home price

Maximum total housing payment—
  of which principal & interest—
  of which property tax—
  of which insurance & HOA—
Loan amount—
Down payment as a share of price—

Read this number carefully

This is a ceiling, not a target. It is the most a lender's arithmetic would likely support — which is a different question from what you'll be comfortable paying while also saving, travelling, and absorbing a surprise.

Two things this cannot see. It doesn't know your credit score, which moves your rate and therefore your buying power meaningfully. And it doesn't know your reserves — on the Peninsula, where competitive offers often waive contingencies, cash beyond the down payment is part of whether an offer gets accepted at all.

If your down payment lands under 20% of the resulting price, expect mortgage insurance on top, which this calculator flags but does not subtract from your ceiling.

What this means at Peninsula prices

Run the number, then compare it against the city guides. If your ceiling is $1.8M, Burlingame single-family is likely out of reach but the condo and townhome market isn't — and neighbouring cities change the picture significantly. That comparison is usually more useful than the number itself.

Compare the cities Talk through your situation

This calculator is an educational estimate, not a pre-approval, a loan offer, or financial advice. I am a licensed REALTOR®, not a lender or a financial advisor. Only a lender can tell you what you actually qualify for. Confirm all figures with a lender before relying on them. Austin Schumacher, MBA | REALTOR® · CA DRE# 02229792.