Loading...
"How much house can I afford?" on a VA loan comes down to two things: your debt-to-incomeand VA's residual income requirement. This estimates a price with $0 down and shows both.
Sources: VA Lender’s Handbook (Pamphlet 26-7, Ch 4), VA — VA-backed home loans, VA mortgage payment calculator
Include base pay, BAH, BAS — VA can count tax-free allowances (grossed up).
Car, credit cards, student loans, child support.
You may afford a home around
$226,126
with $0 down · up to about $1,960/month PITI
For a South household of 3, VA wants you to keep at least this much each month after your mortgage and debts:
$889/mo
Residual income is VA's primary underwriting test — it's why VA loans default less. A lender confirms yours.
Two tests, and VA leans on the second. This estimates your price from VA's 41% debt-to-income guideline, then shows VA's residual income requirement — the minimum left over after your mortgage, debts, and living costs — for your region and family size (from VA Pamphlet 26-7). VA weighs residual income above DTI, so a strong residual can support a DTI over 41%.
Estimate only. Price assumes $0 down with the first-use funding fee financed and no PMI. It doesn't verify your actual residual income (a lender does, using your taxes and utilities) or your credit. Model the exact payment with the VA mortgage calculator. Not lending advice.
We'll send your result so you can save it for when you actually need it. Free, no account — and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or create a free account to save your results and track your progress across devices. Always free.
Next: run the exact monthly payment, check your residual income in detail, and confirm your entitlement.