Get Pre-Approved
Take the steps necessary to get a letter from the lender stating you are "pre-approved" for a loan in a specific price range. It's important to have this letter before you make a contract offer to buy real estate. Once you're pre-approved, you know what price range of homes you should be looking at.
Calculate Your Payment
Use this mortgage payment calculator to determine your monthly payments. You can also input your property tax and hazard insurance costs if you know these values.