Asset Based Mortgage Calculator
Traditional mortgages are typically based on income verification, but what if you have substantial assets instead of a steady paycheck? Thatโs where an Asset Based Mortgage Calculator comes in. This tool helps borrowers determine how much financing they can qualify for by converting assets like savings, investments, or retirement accounts into qualifying income.
What Is an Asset Based Mortgage?
An asset based mortgage (also called an asset depletion loan) allows you to qualify for a home loan using your liquid or semi-liquid assets instead of regular employment income.
Common eligible assets include:
- Cash and savings accounts
- Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
- Retirement accounts (IRAs, 401k)
- Money market funds
- Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Instead of reviewing monthly wages, lenders calculate how long your assets could cover the mortgage payments, typically dividing them over a set period (e.g., 120 or 360 months).
Formula Used in the Calculator
The general formula lenders apply is: Qualifying Income=Eligible Assets โ ReservesDepletion Period (months)\text{Qualifying Income} = \frac{\text{Eligible Assets โ Reserves}}{\text{Depletion Period (months)}}Qualifying Income=Depletion Period (months)Eligible Assets โ Reservesโ
Where:
- Eligible Assets = total value of verified assets
- Reserves = funds required to remain untouched (e.g., emergency reserves)
- Depletion Period = usually 120 months (10 years) or 360 months (30 years), depending on the lender
The calculator then checks how much loan amount you can afford based on this qualifying income.
How to Use the Asset Based Mortgage Calculator
- Enter your total eligible assets (e.g., savings, investments).
- Subtract any required reserves if applicable.
- Choose a depletion period (commonly 120 or 360 months).
- Input estimated interest rate and loan term.
- Click Calculate to see:
- Estimated qualifying monthly income
- Maximum loan amount you may be eligible for
- Monthly payment estimates
Example Calculation
- Eligible Assets: $1,200,000
- Required Reserves: $200,000
- Depletion Period: 360 months (30 years)
- Interest Rate: 5%
- Loan Term: 30 years
Step 1:
Qualifying Income = (1,200,000 โ 200,000) รท 360
= 1,000,000 รท 360
= $2,777/month qualifying income
Step 2:
With this qualifying income, the calculator estimates the maximum mortgage amount you may afford.
Result:
- Maximum Mortgage: โ $520,000
- Monthly Payment: โ $2,777
Benefits of Using the Asset Based Mortgage Calculator
- โ No traditional income required โ Great for retirees or high-net-worth individuals.
- โ Accurate affordability check โ Aligns mortgage eligibility with asset levels.
- โ Compare scenarios โ Test different depletion periods and reserves.
- โ Quick decision-making โ Get instant clarity before talking to lenders.
- โ Budget planning โ Understand your monthly payment capacity.
Features
- Calculates qualifying income from assets.
- Supports different depletion periods (10, 20, or 30 years).
- Estimates maximum loan amount.
- Provides monthly payment breakdowns.
- User-friendly and instant results.
Use Cases
- ๐ก Retirees โ Use retirement savings to qualify for a mortgage.
- ๐ผ Self-Employed โ Qualify even without consistent income statements.
- ๐ฐ Investors โ Use assets instead of income for property financing.
- ๐ Financial Advisors โ Help clients plan mortgage eligibility.
- ๐ข Lenders & Brokers โ Provide clients with instant prequalification insights.
Pro Tips
- Keep reserves asideโlenders require safety cushions.
- Choose longer depletion periods to show higher affordability.
- Use diversified assets (cash + investments) for better loan potential.
- Recalculate regularly as your assets fluctuate.
- Compare different lenders since rules may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is an asset based mortgage?
A loan where qualification is based on assets instead of income. - Who benefits from asset based mortgages?
Retirees, self-employed, and high-net-worth individuals. - What assets can be used?
Cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement accounts, CDs. - Are real estate assets counted?
Generally no, unless liquidated into cash. - What is a depletion period?
The time over which assets are spread to calculate qualifying income. - What are reserves?
Funds required to remain untouched for emergencies. - Can retirement accounts be included?
Yes, though some may be discounted by lenders. - How does the calculator estimate income?
By dividing eligible assets over a chosen depletion period. - Does credit score still matter?
Yes, credit history is still considered. - Are down payments required?
Usually yes, but terms may be flexible. - Whatโs the minimum asset amount?
Depends on lender, often $500,000+. - Can I get a 30-year mortgage?
Yes, many lenders use 30 years for depletion. - Does this eliminate income proof?
Yes, but you must verify assets. - Can the calculator estimate payments?
Yes, it shows monthly affordability. - Is interest rate included?
Yes, to estimate monthly mortgage costs. - Can assets fluctuate during the loan?
Yes, but only initial values are considered. - Is this good for early retirees?
Yes, ideal for those living off assets. - Can I use business assets?
Usually not, unless liquid and personally owned. - Does this guarantee approval?
No, itโs an estimateโlenders may vary. - Why use this calculator?
To plan loan eligibility, compare scenarios, and prepare for mortgage applications.
Final Thoughts
The Asset Based Mortgage Calculator is a powerful tool for anyone who wants to qualify for a home loan without relying on a paycheck. By converting assets into qualifying income, it helps retirees, investors, and self-employed individuals estimate how much they can afford and plan accordingly.
Whether youโre downsizing, buying a second home, or simply planning ahead, this calculator makes mortgage planning faster, clearer, and more reliable.
