The Handy Lender™ · Homeownership Cost Planner

Most buyers know their payment.
Almost nobody knows their real cost.

Your mortgage payment is one number. What you actually spend each month owning a home is another — and the gap between those two numbers is where financial surprises live.

This tool shows you the complete picture: principal, interest, taxes, insurance, utilities, and the maintenance reserve most lenders never mention. No surprises after closing.

Purchase price

$450,000

Down payment

Annual household income

$100,000

Monthly debts (car, student loans)

$300

Colorado county

HOA monthly (if applicable)

None

No personal data collected. For educational purposes. Talk to Dean for a precise figure.

Based on what you shared, here's the complete picture...

— Dean Reiber, The Handy Lender™

True monthly cost

—

Everything included — P&I, taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance

Your mortgage payment alone

—

What most lenders quote you

The gap most buyers miss

—

Per month in costs beyond the mortgage

Where this payment sits relative to your income —

← Comfortable Stretch Caution →

—

"Will we still be okay?"

After housing, taxes, and existing debts — here's what's actually left each month to live on.

Take-home income est.

—

After est. 25% tax burden

Housing + debt payments

—

Total committed monthly

Monthly breathing room

—

For groceries, savings, life

—

Monthly cost breakdown

Total true monthly cost —

The first-year reality

What most buyers don't budget for.

Beyond your mortgage, the first year of homeownership almost always comes with a wave of one-time costs nobody mentions. These aren't emergencies — they're just the reality of moving into a home that needs to become yours.

Estimated first-year surprise budget

Plan for this before you close — not after

—

Your financial picture over time

Renting vs. owning — an honest comparison

If you rent

Estimated rent (comparable)—

Equity built in 5 years$0

5-yr rent increase (3%/yr)—

Net worth impact$0

If you own

True monthly cost—

Equity built in 5 years—

Payment in year 5—

Est. net worth impact—

—

Dean's interpretation

Here's what I'd focus on.

Free Refinancing for Life™ — what if rates drop?

Your payment if you refinance
at 5.5%

This is why staying in touch matters. When rates drop, a refinance can meaningfully change your monthly reality — and with Free Refinancing for Life™, there's no lender fee to hold you back.

New P&I payment

—

At the rate you select below

Monthly savings

—

vs. your current payment

Annual savings

—

Every year at that rate

If rates drop to: 5.500%

Your next best move

Here's how I'd think about this.

Talk through your options with Dean → Explore down payment assistance

Important: All figures are estimates for educational purposes only. Actual costs vary based on credit score, loan type, lender, property taxes, insurance rates, HOA, utility usage, and home condition. Maintenance reserve is estimated at 1% of purchase price annually — actual costs vary significantly by home age, type, and condition. Tax rates shown are approximate county averages. Mortgage rate assumed at current market — your actual rate depends on credit profile and market conditions at time of application. Rent vs. own comparison assumes 3% annual appreciation and 3% annual rent increase. This tool does not constitute financial advice or a commitment to lend. Dean Reiber NMLS #2463805 · Cornerstone First Mortgage NMLS #173855 · Equal Housing Lender.

Most buyers know their payment.Almost nobody knows their real cost.

What most buyers don't budget for.

Your payment if you refinanceat 5.5%

Here's how I'd think about this.

Most buyers know their payment.
Almost nobody knows their real cost.

Your payment if you refinance
at 5.5%