Use this salary scenario carefully
The 28% and 43% outputs are planning scenarios—not universal approval limits. Compare the result with the Mortgage Calculator and DTI Calculator, while keeping cash reserves for maintenance and irregular costs.
Reviewed September 12, 2026 · Gross-income planning scenario
Quick answer: Salary is only one input. Debts, rate, down payment, taxes, insurance and reserves change the affordable range.
Estimate a home-price range from your income, recurring debt, down payment, rate and property-tax assumptions. The 28% and 43% outputs are planning scenarios — not universal mortgage approval limits.
28% housing-cost scenario
$407,432
A conservative planning output based on housing cost at 28% of gross monthly income.
43% total-debt scenario
$481,700
A stretch planning output based on total debt at 43% — not a current General QM maximum or approval guarantee.
Housing / gross income
28.0%
Total debt / gross income
33.0%
The CFPB removed the former fixed 43% DTI cap from the General Qualified Mortgage definition and replaced it with price-based thresholds. Actual underwriting varies by program and lender.
The 28% and 43% outputs are planning scenarios—not universal approval limits. Compare the result with the Mortgage Calculator and DTI Calculator, while keeping cash reserves for maintenance and irregular costs.
It depends on debts, down payment, rate, taxes, insurance and reserves. Use this as a planning scenario, then confirm with a lender.
Use these closely related USFinNexus guides and tools to plan your next step.