Run the numbers.
Payments, affordability, cash to close, seller net, rent vs. buy and refinancing, built for coastal Orange County and Los Angeles prices.
Estimated monthly payment
View amortization by year
| Year | Principal | Interest | Balance |
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You could afford about
Assumes a 30-year fixed loan, 1.1% property tax, insurance at about 0.18% of price and no HOA. Lenders look at total monthly debts, including the new housing payment, against your gross income. A lender pre-approval is the real number.
Estimated cash to close
In California, the buyer's deposit (often around 3% of the price) goes into escrow within a few days of acceptance and counts toward this total. Buyers typically pay their own lender, escrow and title fees; transfer taxes and who pays what can be negotiated. Ask us for a line-by-line estimate on any home.
Estimated net proceeds
Before income taxes. Many sellers qualify for the home-sale capital gains exclusion on a primary residence; ask your CPA. Want a real net sheet? We build one from current comps on your street.
After 7 years
Buying cost counts mortgage interest, property tax, insurance, upkeep, closing costs and selling costs, minus appreciation, and the return your down payment could have earned invested at 5%. It skips tax deductions and is a rough guide, not advice.
Monthly savings
Principal and interest only. If you'll stay past the break-even point, a refinance usually pays off. Resetting to a new 30-year term lowers the payment but can raise total interest.
Questions buyers ask.
What does my monthly payment include?
Lenders quote PITI: principal, interest, property taxes and homeowners insurance, plus mortgage insurance if you put less than 20% down. HOA dues and Mello-Roos are usually paid separately but still count toward what you can afford.
What does owning really cost beyond the mortgage?
Plan for utilities, which run higher in a house than an apartment, and upkeep. A common rule of thumb is about 1% of the home's value per year for maintenance and repairs, more for older homes. Toggle these on in the payment calculator to see your all-in number.
How can I lower my payment?
Compare at least two or three lenders, since rates and fees vary. Shop homeowners insurance. Strengthen your credit before you apply. Ask about buying down the rate with points or a seller credit. And consider an adjustable-rate mortgage if you expect to move or refinance within its fixed period.
What's a jumbo loan?
A loan above the conforming limit set each year for your county. Many coastal Orange County and Los Angeles purchases are jumbo. Jumbo lenders often want stronger credit, 10% to 20% down and several months of cash reserves.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Conventional loans can go as low as 3% to 5% down with mortgage insurance. Twenty percent avoids mortgage insurance and makes offers more competitive. Jumbo loans usually need 10% to 20%.
Should I get pre-approved before touring?
Yes. A full pre-approval tells you exactly what you can borrow and makes sellers take your offer seriously. We can introduce you to lenders who close on time.
Tools that get you to a real number.
Home value
A personal valuation from closed sales on your street, delivered within 24 hours.
Get my home valueBuyer's Guide
The full roadmap, from pre-approval and offers to inspections, escrow and keys.
Read the guideEstimates only, for illustration. Not a loan offer, commitment or quote of rates or terms. Actual payments, taxes, insurance and closing costs vary by lender, loan program, property and location. Talk to a licensed lender for exact figures.