Lenders Look at Your Money Differently. Here's How.
Understand how mortgage lenders calculate what you can afford — then build a budget that gets you approved.
What's in the Planner
Debt-to-Income Calculator
Understand the exact ratio lenders use. Your DTI matters more than you think.
50/30/20 Rule for Homebuyers
The classic budgeting formula, adapted for mortgage approval.
Gross vs. Net Income Breakdown
Lenders use gross income. We'll show you how to calculate it from all sources.
Pre-Approval Readiness Checklist
Know exactly what you need before applying. Missing one thing delays everything.
Ready to Run Your Numbers?
Use our budgeting hub to calculate what you can afford in real-time.
You are on step 1 of 4 · Budget
You've got the worksheet — the number that fits your life is now on paper.
Next up: Income. Credit. Assets.
Keep the momentum. Step 2 · Three Pillars picks up exactly where this page leaves off — still free, still no credit pull, still no sales call.