Run the numbers before you
fall in love with a house.

Our suite of three precision calculators delivers the clarity you need to move forward with absolute confidence. No guesswork, just authoritative answers.

Three questions, three answers

Explore our legacy tools to gain precise, institutional-grade insights into your home financing journey.

Affordability

Determine exactly how much home fits comfortably within your financial landscape, based on current income and market rates.

Rent vs. Buy

Compare the long-term equity growth of homeownership against the financial flexibility of your current lease agreement.

Refinance Savings

Analyze potential monthly savings and lifetime cost reductions by adjusting your current mortgage term or rate.

Your numbers

Adjust anything. The results update as you type...

Run the numbers before you talk to a lender

Three calculators that answer the questions buyers and homeowners actually ask: what can I afford, is buying better than renting, and does refinancing pay off.

What you can borrow

Your maximum price is capped by whichever comes first: your income, your existing debts, or your cash to close.

Income and debts
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$
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Loan terms
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Ownership costs
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Estimates only. Lender approval depends on credit score, loan program, reserves, and how your income documents. Property tax and insurance vary by address.

Important Disclaimer: The information and results provided by these mortgage tools are for informational and educational purposes only and are estimates based on the information you provide. Results are not a commitment to lend, loan approval, pre-approval, or guarantee of any specific loan amount, interest rate, payment, or loan terms. Actual eligibility, rates, payments, closing costs, and loan terms may vary based on creditworthiness, income, assets, property type, loan program, market conditions, and other underwriting requirements. All loans are subject to application, verification, underwriting, and approval. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

What a calculator can't tell you

Automated tools assume a perfect W-2 income structure. They cannot accurately account for the complexities of self-employment, fluctuating seasonal earnings, or how essential tax write-offs impact your true qualifying income.

They also overlook the structural nuances of your down payment. Whether you are leveraging family gift funds, contingent on selling an existing property, or holding seasoned assets, these details completely change your purchasing power and require a human touch to document properly.

Beyond principal and interest, true home affordability encompasses localized property taxes, shifting insurance premiums, and hidden HOA fees—variables that general calculators chronically underestimate or ignore entirely.

A documented, professional pre-approval replaces assumptions with certainty. It requires a genuine conversation with an expert to structure your mortgage around your actual life and financial goals, rather than an algorithm's guess.

Blake Brown - Lead Mortgage Reviewer

Our Team reads every one

Every tool, calculator, and guide on this platform passes through a rigorous review process to ensure it meets our institutional standards for accuracy and clarity.

We believe that transparency in lending starts with providing you the exact mathematical truth about your mortgage options, without bias or hidden assumptions.

Chris Brown

Owner, Brown A Legacy of Home Lending

Questions People Ask Before They Call

Will using these calculators affect my credit score?

No. Our tools perform soft inquiries or rely entirely on the data you provide. Your credit score remains untouched until you officially apply for a pre-approval.

How accurate are the monthly payment estimates?

Highly accurate. We pull in real-time local tax rates, average insurance premiums, and current interest rates to ensure your estimate reflects what you'll actually pay.

Do I need a 20% down payment to qualify?

Not at all. While 20% eliminates mortgage insurance, many of our loan programs allow for down payments as low as 3%, and some VA or USDA loans require zero down.

What if my credit isn't perfect?

You don't need a perfect score to buy a home. We offer specialized loan options for varying credit profiles. Our team can also guide you on the best steps to improve your standing.

Are closing costs included in these calculations?

Yes, our advanced calculators provide an estimated breakdown of closing costs, so you aren't caught off guard when it's time to finalize your loan.

How soon should I get pre-approved after using the calculators?

Whenever you feel comfortable with your estimated numbers. A pre-approval gives you exact figures and shows sellers you are a serious buyer, putting you in a stronger position.

Ready for a real number?

Our calculations give you a strong estimate, but a verified pre-approval gives you real buying power. Take the next step to lock in your position and shop with confidence.

Three offices. Same team.

Edwardsville

231 N Main St
Edwardsville, IL 62025

Brycen Brown · NMLS #2567359

618-278-8820
Mon–Fri 9:00–5:00

Get directions to Edwardsville →

Lake Geneva

753 Geneva Parkway, Building 2, Suite 4
Lake Geneva, WI 53147

James Bochnovic · NMLS #1892655

630-217-7604
Mon–Fri 9:00–5:00

Get directions to Lake Geneva →

Oakbrook Terrace

1801 S Meyers Rd, Ste 500
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Blake Brown · NMLS #1525629

618-978-5744
Mon–Fri 9:00–5:00

Get directions to Oakbrook Terrace →

Brown

A Legacy of Home Lending

618-278-8820

Follow the team

Available loan programs

  • Pre-Approval
  • Conventional
  • FHA
  • VA
  • USDA
  • Jumbo
  • Refinance

Areas served

Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Troy, Collinsville, Maryville, Highland, Bethalto, Wood River, Alton, O'Fallon, Belleville, Lake Geneva, Delavan, Elkhorn, Walworth County, Oakbrook Terrace, Oak Brook, Lombard, Downers Grove, and the greater St. Louis Metro East, Southeast Wisconsin, and Chicago western suburbs.

Equal Housing Opportunity. We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age, marital status, or source of income.

© 2026 Brown — A Legacy of Home Lending. All rights reserved.