Buyer tools
Home payment calculator
See what a South Bay home could cost each month and how much cash you'd need to close. Use your lender's numbers for the most accurate result.
01 — Your estimate
Monthly payment and cash to close
Nothing you type here is saved or sent. Defaults are only examples; change any of them.
| Principal & interestenter your lender's rate | $4,000 |
|---|---|
| Property tax1.2% of the price a year | $1,800 |
| Home insuranceenter a quote | $0 |
| HOA duescondos and many townhouses | $0 |
| Mortgage insuranceusually none with 20% down | $0 |
| Estimated monthly payment | $5,800 |
| Down payment | $360,000 |
| Closing costs | $0 |
| Cash to closebefore any credits from the seller | $360,000 |
A home's tax is reset at purchase under Proposition 13, so the seller's current tax bill isn't a guide to yours.
An estimate, not a loan offer. Your lender's Loan Estimate has the real numbers.
02 — Before you shop
Three numbers to know first
- Pre-approval amount. A lender checks your income, assets and credit and tells you what you can borrow. Sellers expect it with an offer.
- Cash you're comfortable using. Down payment and closing costs, plus savings left over afterward.
- The monthly payment you want. Use this calculator to turn that payment into a price range.
Selling too? The seller cost calculator estimates what you'll net from your current home.
03 — Questions
How is property tax figured when I buy in Santa Clara County?
Under Proposition 13 the base rate is 1% of the assessed value, which is reset to your purchase price. Voter-approved bonds and local assessments are added on top, so the total differs by city and even by street. The property's tax bill on the county's website shows the extra charges; your rate will be the 1% base plus those.
Why doesn't the calculator fill in an interest rate?
Rates change daily and depend on your credit, down payment, loan size and points. Get a quote from a lender, or two, and enter it here.
Do I need 20% down?
No. Many loans allow less, usually with mortgage insurance until you reach about 20% equity. Larger loans above the conforming limit (jumbo loans) often have their own down payment and reserve rules. A lender can tell you what you qualify for.
What goes into closing costs?
Lender fees, escrow and title, recording fees, and prepaid items such as interest, insurance and property tax. Your lender's Loan Estimate lists them. In some cities buyers also share the city transfer tax; the seller cost calculator shows which ones charge it.