Dreaming of owning your own home but not sure if you're ready? With our Rent vs Buy Program, many clients are surprised to learn they could afford a home for the same—or even less—than what they're currently paying in rent. And the best part? You could get started with as little as $1,000 down. Our calculator helps you compare your current rent with a potential mortgage, breaking it all down in a simple monthly budget analysis.

Rent vs Buy Calculator | Pathways Home Group

You can buy a house for the same as rent

Use our calculator to see how your rent compares to buying

Based on a 6.5% rate
No numbers are exact or guaranteed — changes can occur at any time
Numbers do not include taxes or insurance

From rent to keys —
let’s talk!

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Rent vs Buy Program

You can buy a house for the same as rent.

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What You'll Need to Know

Down Payment

Traditional down payments are around 20% of a home's value—but not with us. Our Rent vs Buy Program makes homeownership accessible, starting at just $1,000 down depending on loan type and qualifications.

A higher down payment lowers your monthly mortgage and can qualify you for better interest rates, but don't let a small savings account hold you back—we have options.

Annual Household Income

This includes your and your co-borrower's combined income before taxes:

  • Salary, commissions, bonuses
  • Tips, overtime
  • Rental or investment income
  • Alimony or child support (if applicable)

This helps determine how much house you could comfortably afford.

Other Monthly Debts

Include the minimum required payments for:

  • Credit cards
  • Car loans
  • Student loans
  • Alimony or child support
  • Any current home loans (except the one you're applying for)
  • Personal loans or rent

Do not include balances you pay off in full each month, or rent that will be replaced by your mortgage.

Loan Term

Most clients choose a 30-year fixed mortgage for lower monthly payments, but 15-year and other term options are available. Your loan term will affect your monthly payment and the total interest paid.

Interest Rate

For simplicity, our calculator uses a 6% fixed interest rate. Your actual rate may vary depending on your credit, loan program, and other factors—but we'll guide you through every step.

Taxes & Insurance

Estimated property taxes and homeowners insurance are built into your monthly budget estimate. You can adjust these for more accuracy based on the home you're looking at.

HOA Fees (if applicable)

If you're buying a condo, townhome, or property with a Homeowners Association, a monthly fee may apply. These fees go toward maintaining common areas and amenities.

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

This is one of the biggest factors in your mortgage approval. It compares your total monthly debts to your gross monthly income.

  • Ideally, keep it below 36%
  • FHA loans may allow up to 41%
  • Below 20%? That's excellent!
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Bottom Line

If you're paying rent, you're already paying a mortgage—just not yours.

With down payments starting at $1,000 and flexible loan options, there's a good chance you can own a home sooner than you think.

Let us help you run the numbers—and start the journey to owning your future.

👉 Try the calculator and find out what you could own for the same price as rent.