Mortgage Planning
Mortgage Affordability Stress Tester FAQ
A quick FAQ for the mortgage affordability stress tester: fast answers on inputs, regions, taxes, PMI/LMI, rental offset, scenarios, exports, probabilities, privacy, and limits.
Published: January 1, 2026 · Updated: January 1, 2026 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Open the stress tester
Run a scenario, check this FAQ, and rerun after any input changes.
Disclaimer
- Educational only. Not advice. No guarantees. See Privacy Policy for data handling.
Getting started
Inputs: Use gross income, add debts, taxes, PMI/LMI, HOA, maintenance, and other monthly costs.
Presets: Choose the closest region preset, then edit fields.
Units: Keep all numbers in the units the tool expects (often monthly).
Outputs and charts
Safe loan: Model-based suggestion from stress results.
DTI distribution: Shows mid and high percentiles. Fatter tails mean more stress.
Default probability: Model-based frequency of stressed paths; not a forecast.
Scenarios and exports
Compare: Change one input at a time. Label scenarios with dates.
Export: Save snapshots with labels. Re-export after any change.
Privacy and limits
Privacy: Avoid sensitive data; see the Privacy Policy.
Limits: Educational tool, not approval. Real outcomes vary.
FAQs
How often should I rerun?
Rerun when rates, income, debts, or taxes change.
Can I test two properties?
Yes. Keep assumptions the same and change only price.
How do I pick PMI/LMI?
Enter a reasonable percent and threshold for your market; this is educational.
Should I add rental offset?
Test offset off and a conservative offset, then compare results.
Why does default probability change?
It changes with inputs and randomness; compare directionally, not as a forecast.
How do I handle taxes rising?
Run a higher tax scenario to see impact on DTI and safe loan.
Can I see percentiles?
Check the DTI distribution chart for mid and high percentiles.
Where is export guidance?
See the export help post for steps.
Is this advice or approval?
No. Educational only. No guarantees.
Run and review
Open the mortgage affordability stress tester, run a scenario, and use this FAQ while you compare results.