Mortgage Calculator & Buying Power Estimator
Estimate your monthly payment, see your buying power, and understand exactly how much cash you'll need to close — all in one place.
Estimate Your Monthly Payment
Adjust the sliders to see your full monthly housing cost — principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA.
Estimated Monthly Payment
Based on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage
How Much Cash Do You Actually Need?
It's more than just the down payment. Here's the full picture of what to bring to closing.
Down Payment
$150,000
20% of purchase price
Est. Closing Costs
$22,500
~3% of purchase price
Total Cash to Close
$172,500
Down payment + closing costs
Estimate only. Actual closing costs vary by lender, county, and transaction. Some loan programs offer down payment assistance that can reduce your cash needed. Talk with Andy for a precise breakdown.
How Much Home Can You Afford?
Based on your income, debts, and down payment, here's an estimate of your total buying power.
Linked to your down payment slider above
Estimated Buying Power
Total home price you may be able to afford
This is a conservative estimate based on standard debt-to-income guidelines. Your actual buying power depends on credit score, loan type, and other factors Andy can review with you.
Ready to Go Beyond the Calculator?
The numbers above are a starting point. Here's how to turn them into a real plan.
Start Your Application
Begin a formal mortgage application through the secure NEXA system. Your information stays protected.
Talk With Andy First
Not ready to apply? Ask Andy your questions first — no pressure, no obligation. Just a conversation.
Told No? Get a Second Look
Already been turned down or told "not yet"? Andy reviews your situation and finds options others may have missed.
Property Taxes Vary Across Southern California Counties
Property tax rates across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties vary significantly and have a major impact on your true monthly payment. Each county has different assessment practices and local tax allocations. When evaluating homes in different areas, Andy always walks you through the full tax picture so you can compare apples to apples.
Use the calculator above as a starting estimate — then connect with Andy for a precise tax breakdown on any specific home you're considering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mortgages & Affordability in Southern California
How accurate is an online mortgage calculator?
Online calculators give you a useful ballpark estimate, but they can't account for your exact credit score, loan type, lender-specific fees, or the precise property tax rate for a specific address. Use the calculator to understand your budget range — then talk with Andy for a precise breakdown tailored to your situation.
What is included in a monthly mortgage payment?
A full monthly mortgage payment typically includes four components known as PITI: Principal (the loan amount being paid down), Interest (the lender's fee for the loan), Taxes (property taxes collected in escrow), and Insurance (homeowners insurance and, if required, private mortgage insurance or PMI). Some loans also include HOA fees if the property is in a homeowners association.
How much do property taxes affect my monthly payment in Southern California?
Significantly — and they vary widely by location. Property tax rates across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties vary considerably based on local assessments and municipal needs. A $750,000 home in one city can have a monthly tax escrow hundreds of dollars different from the same-priced home in another. Always verify the exact tax rate for any specific address before budgeting.
What is PMI and when do I need to pay it?
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is typically required when your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price. It protects the lender — not you — in case of default, and typically costs 0.5%-1.5% of the loan amount annually. PMI is removed once you reach 20% equity in the home. Some loan programs (FHA, VA, USDA) have their own mortgage insurance structures that differ from conventional PMI.
What is 'buying power' and how is it different from a loan amount?
Your buying power is the total home price you can comfortably afford — it combines your loan amount (what a lender will let you borrow) with your down payment (the cash you bring to the table). It's based on your income, debts, interest rate, and down payment. The calculator above gives you an estimate; Andy can give you the real number after a short conversation.
How much cash do I actually need to bring to closing?
Cash to close includes your down payment plus closing costs (typically 2-5% of the purchase price). It also may include prepaid items like the first year of insurance and initial escrow deposits. The calculator above estimates your down payment plus a 3% closing cost allowance — your actual amount may vary. Andy walks you through the full breakdown before you commit.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Calculators are a great starting point, but true buying power comes from a solid strategy and official pre-approval. Let's discuss your goals and build your plan.