Brian Cooper, REALTOR® · DRE# 01434286 · eXp RealtyFind out how much home you can afford using the 28/36 DTI rule, current rates, and Ventura County property tax.
This calculator gives you a useful estimate. For an exact answer on YOUR property, Brian Cooper does a real comparative market analysis with neighborhood-level comps, condition adjustments, and current Simi Valley market dynamics.
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Contact BrianThe 28/36 rule is a standard underwriting guideline: monthly housing cost (PITI — principal, interest, taxes, insurance) shouldn't exceed 28% of gross monthly income, and total monthly debt payments shouldn't exceed 36%. Some loan programs allow higher ratios (FHA up to 50% in some cases), but 28/36 is a comfortable target.
Maxing out your DTI ratio leaves no margin for unexpected expenses, life changes, or interest rate increases on adjustable-rate loans. We recommend buying at 80-85% of your maximum to maintain financial flexibility.
HOA fees, Mello-Roos special assessments, PMI (if down payment is below 20%), and reserve requirements. Add these to your monthly cost analysis. Your actual lender will factor them into the formal pre-approval.