Mortgage Guides

Mortgage Decision Guides

These guides help people understand major mortgage decisions before using our calculators. Examples include determining affordability, evaluating rent vs buy decisions, and understanding the impact of extra mortgage payments.

How Much House Can I Afford?

Understand how income, debt, interest rates, and housing costs determine the home price you can afford.

How Much House Can I Afford Based on Income?

Estimate how much house you may afford based mainly on income using the 28/36 rule, then compare that quick estimate to a full affordability analysis.

Is It Better to Rent or Buy?

Learn when renting makes more sense and when buying may be the better long-term financial decision.

Should I Pay Extra on My Mortgage?

Explore the benefits and trade-offs of making extra mortgage payments to reduce interest and shorten your loan.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a House?

Learn how to evaluate whether buying a home makes sense now based on affordability, savings, interest rates, and your time horizon.

Use Calculators for Detailed Estimates

While our guides provide the context needed to understand major financial decisions, our calculators help you estimate real financial scenarios.

Explore all mortgage calculators →

Mortgage decision guides

These guides are built to help you think through real mortgage decisions before committing to a payment. Use them to compare renting versus buying, evaluate affordability, and understand how long-term mortgage choices affect your budget.