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Home Affordability With a Large Down Payment

Estimate your home buying budget when you have a substantial down payment of 20% or more, eliminating PMI entirely.

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Home Affordability With a Large Down Payment

A large down payment is one of the most powerful tools in home buying. Putting 20% or more down eliminates PMI entirely, lowers your loan amount, and can get you a better rate. This calculator shows how that extra savings translates to more home.

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Get immediate results with prefilled settings for this scenario. Adjust any value to match your exact situation.

Why use this calculator

  • See the buying power boost from eliminating PMI
  • Understand how a larger down payment lowers every monthly cost component
  • Compare your range with and without PMI side by side

FAQ

How much does eliminating PMI save?

PMI typically costs 0.3–1.5% of the loan amount per year. On a $350K loan at 0.5%, that's about $146/month. Eliminating PMI with 20% down frees that money for a higher mortgage payment, letting you afford roughly $20K–$25K more home.

Is it always better to put 20% down?

Not always. If putting 20% down depletes your emergency fund or delays buying by years while prices rise, a smaller down payment with PMI may be more practical. This calculator helps you compare both paths.

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Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Actual affordability depends on credit score, lender requirements, local taxes, and other factors not modeled here. Consult a qualified mortgage professional before making purchasing decisions.