Mortgage Planning
Cash Buffer for Closing Costs and Emergency Fund
Buffers keep things calmer. Here is a simple checklist for upfront and ongoing items, one quick example, and a link to the emergency fund planner so you can test buffers alongside affordability.
Published: January 1, 2026 · Updated: January 1, 2026 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Open the stress tester
Plan your buffers alongside affordability scenarios and note cash needs.
Disclaimer
- Educational only. No guarantees. No personal data requests.
Why buffers matter
Upfront closing costs reduce available cash; an emergency fund helps absorb surprises without leaning on debt. Testing buffers alongside affordability keeps plans realistic.
Checklist
- Closing cost percent
- Down payment
- Cash buffer for moving or setup
- Emergency fund for unexpected expenses
- Maintenance allowance for repairs
Illustrative example
If closing costs are 3% on $400,000 ($12,000) and you want three months of essential expenses at $3,000/month ($9,000), you’d plan for $21,000 in buffers alongside your down payment.
FAQs
Should buffers sit in the tool?
Use the tool for affordability and the emergency fund planner for buffers; track both.
Do buffers change DTI?
Buffers are cash targets, not monthly costs, but closing costs can affect how much you put down.
Where is privacy info?
See Privacy Policy.
Plan your buffers
Open the mortgage affordability stress tester and the emergency fund planner to balance cash needs and monthly comfort.