Your lender’s numbers
Lenders look at your credit, reserves, loan type and their own guidelines. A pre-approval from a lender is the number to shop with.
Buyer Tools · Kaylie Curtis
Colorado Home Affordability Calculator
Wondering how much home you can afford in Colorado? Plug in your own numbers below. Every default is just an example, so change anything you like and the estimate updates as you type.
Calculator
Estimate your price range
The calculator takes the lower of two limits: your housing ratio, and your total debt ratio after your monthly debts. Then it works backward to a price that fits that payment.
Enter your info to see your estimate
Fill in your numbers on the left, then leave your name, email and phone. Your estimated maximum price and payment appear only after you submit—no spam.
Before You Shop
What the estimate leaves out
Metro district levies
Many newer Colorado neighborhoods are in a metro district, which adds its own levy to the property tax bill.
Metro districts in ColoradoMortgage insurance
With less than 20% down, many loans add mortgage insurance. Ask your lender for a quote.
Closing costs
Plan for lender and title costs on top of your down payment. Use the buyer closing cost calculator or the Colorado closing costs guide, and match both to your Loan Estimate.
FAQ
Affordability calculator: common questions
Is this a pre-approval?
No. It’s an estimate only. Talk to a lender for a pre-approval before you write an offer.
Where do the default numbers come from?
They’re examples to get you started, not current rates or local tax figures. Replace each one with your own numbers.
Can you recommend a lender?
Yes. I’m happy to introduce you to lenders I work with. You’re always free to choose your own.
How does the calculator work out my price?
It starts with your gross monthly income and uses the lower of two limits: your housing ratio (28% by default), or your total debt ratio (36% by default) minus your other monthly debts. From that monthly budget it subtracts insurance and HOA dues, then finds the price where principal and interest on the loan (price minus down payment) plus property tax at the rate you entered fits. This is an estimate only. Talk to a lender.
Does it include mortgage insurance or closing costs?
No. It doesn’t add mortgage insurance (PMI), and it treats your whole down payment as going toward the price, with nothing set aside for closing costs. A lender can tell you whether mortgage insurance applies and what closing costs to plan for.
What are the 28% and 36% ratios?
They’re rule-of-thumb debt-to-income limits: housing costs at about 28% of gross monthly income, and all monthly debt payments, including housing, at about 36%. Lenders and loan programs set their own limits, so you can change both numbers here. Talk to a lender about what applies to you.
Kaylie Curtis
Luxury Real Estate Agent
The Gold Standard Brokerage
Contact
Ready to start your search?
Share a few details and I’ll reach out personally to talk through your budget, your areas and next steps.
The Gold Standard Brokerage was founded by Sean Gribbons and is run by Sean Gribbons and Kaylie Curtis together.
Thank you.
Your inquiry is on its way to Kaylie, and she’ll be in touch with you personally. For anything time-sensitive, call or text 720-357-5785.