How to use the Real Estate Calculator
This tool shows the full monthly cost of owning a home including taxes, insurance, HOA and maintenance.
Open the Real Estate Calculator →
What you need to enter
- Price ($)
- Down payment (%)
- Rate (%)
- Term (years)
- Property tax (% / year)
- Insurance ($ / year)
- HOA ($ / month)
- Maintenance (% of price / year)
The formula
Total monthly cost = loan payment + property tax ÷ 12 + insurance ÷ 12 + HOA + maintenance estimate (a % of price ÷ 12).
Worked example
Using the default values in the calculator:
- Price ($): 350000
- Down payment (%): 10
- Rate (%): 6.5
- Term (years): 30
- Property tax (% / year): 1.2
- Insurance ($ / year): 1400
- HOA ($ / month): 100
- Maintenance (% of price / year): 1
| Total monthly cost | $2,849.35 |
| Principal & interest | $1,991.01 |
| Property tax | $350.00 |
| Insurance | $116.67 |
| HOA | $100.00 |
| Maintenance | $291.67 |
| Cash needed for down payment | $35,000.00 |
Tips for better results
- A common maintenance estimate is about 1% of the home value per year.
- Add utilities for a full budget.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Budgeting only the loan payment.
- Underestimating repairs.
Please note: Calculators and guides give general estimates, not financial, tax or investment advice. Real offers depend on your lender, location and personal situation. See our Disclaimer.