On the money
Home mortgage rates are at historic lows. Is the time right for you to buy a new home?
A number of Web sites can help you decide with calculators that figure out a home mortgage based on income and other financial obligations. Here’s a sampling of sites that feature mortgage loan calculators:
- Bankrate.com
www.bankrate.com/brm/calculators/mortgages.asp
Select “How much house can you afford?” to calculate a mortgage within your means.
- Homestore.com
www.homefair.com/homefair/march/qual2.html
Determine the loan amount you can qualify for.
- HSH Associates, Financial Publishers
The calculator helps find an affordability estimate.
- Mortgage101.com
Search for rates and loan type by typing in a ZIP code.
- SmartMoney
www.smartmoney.com/home/buying/
It offers a home-buyer primer with calculator.