Should I Buy This House?
Affordability + climate + resale + lifestyle composite
Affordability
Stress test (rate against)
Lifestyle + Risk
📚 Learn more — how it works, FAQ & guide Click to expand
Learn more — how it works, FAQ & guide
Click to expand
Should I Buy This House? Composite Decision
Affordability + stress test + lifestyle + climate risk + resale potential in one score. Beyond bank pre-approval which assumes peak comfort.
How to use this tool
- 1
Affordability stress test
Beyond bank pre-approval lies.
- 2
Lifestyle factors
Schools, commute, climate.
- 3
Score
Buy / wait / skip with reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why "stress test" beyond pre-approval?
Banks approve at peak comfort. Reality: rate hikes, job loss, medical bills, partner career break all happen. A house affordable today at 28% DTI may be 45% in 2 years — house-poor.
Climate risk really matters?
Yes, 2026+. Insurance in CA fire zones, FL flood zones up 200% in 5 years. Some areas now uninsurable. Buy in climate-fragile region = future stranded asset.
Rent vs buy threshold?
Rule: price-to-rent ratio. <15 = buy, 15-20 = depends, >20 = rent. Add: stay 7+ years (fees + appreciation), maintenance 1-2%/yr, opportunity cost (S&P alternative).
You might also like
🔒
100% Privacy. This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your data is never uploaded to any server.