HomeLoan ProgramsFirst-Time Buyer › Calculator
First-Time Buyer · Calculator

First-Time Buyer Affordability Calculator

See what your first home could cost each month — and how assistance lowers the cash you need up front.

MBReviewed by Mike Basti, Mortgage Broker & Founder · NMLS #377740
Quick Answer

Your payment depends on price, down payment, rate, and taxes/insurance. Assistance reduces the upfront cash — sometimes to nearly zero — while your monthly payment reflects the full financed amount.

Upfront vs. monthly

Two numbers matter: the cash to close (down payment + closing costs, reduced by assistance) and the monthly payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and any mortgage insurance). Assistance mainly cuts the upfront cash.

A realistic budget

We’ll calculate a comfortable price range using your income and debts, then show how each assistance program changes your cash-to-close and payment — so you see the true, affordable picture.

InputEffect
Down-payment assistanceLess cash needed upfront
Higher incomeHigher budget
Lower debtsHigher budget
Bigger down paymentLower payment

Frequently asked questions

How much cash will I need?

With assistance, sometimes very little — we’ll show your exact cash-to-close for each program.

Can you estimate my payment?

Yes — send your income, debts, and target price; we’ll show the full monthly payment.

Does assistance lower my monthly payment?

It mainly lowers upfront cash; your payment reflects the amount financed. We’ll show both clearly.

Save Financial is a California-licensed mortgage brokerage (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766). Figures are illustrative for 2026 and not an offer of credit.

Ready to buy your first home?

Talk to a licensed California mortgage broker for a free, no-obligation consultation.