Texas Military Homebuyer Tool

    Texas BAH Housing Budget Calculator

    See how the BAH shown on your LES compares with an estimated mortgage payment and the broader monthly cost of owning a Texas home.

    Texas Military Housing Budget Calculator

    Compare the BAH shown on your LES with an estimated mortgage payment and broader monthly housing costs.

    Need your current rate? Use the official DoD BAH Rate Lookup. Your LES is the best source for the amount you currently receive.

    Estimated mortgage payment

    Broader housing costs

    Principal & interest
    $1,693/mo
    Property taxes
    $458/mo
    Homeowners insurance
    $200/mo
    HOA dues
    $0/mo
    Flood insurance
    $0/mo
    Estimated mortgage payment
    $2,352/mo
    Broader estimated housing cost
    $2,752/mo
    Compared with full BAH of $2,000
    $752/mo above budget
    Compared with your 90% BAH budget of $1,800
    $952/mo above budget
    BAH is designed to offset most typical local housing costs, including rent and average utilities. It is not guaranteed to cover a homeowner's complete monthly expense. HOA dues, maintenance, flood insurance, and the home you choose can create a gap even when the mortgage payment appears to fit within BAH.
    This calculator is an educational housing-budget estimate. It is not a mortgage application, prequalification, credit decision, loan approval, or rate quote. It does not evaluate income, debts, credit, residual income, assets, occupancy, entitlement, or lender requirements. Enter a financed VA funding fee in the estimated loan amount when applicable. Verify taxes, insurance, HOA dues, flood requirements, utilities, and your current BAH before making a housing decision.

    Shalanda Smith · NMLS #554554 · Keys by Shalanda · Powered by Secure Choice Lending · NMLS #1689518 · Licensed by the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending

    FAQ · BAH and Homeownership

    What Your BAH Comparison Can and Cannot Tell You

    Is BAH supposed to cover my entire mortgage payment?+

    BAH is designed to offset most typical local housing costs, including rent and average utilities. It is based on standardized rental profiles and is not a promise that it will cover every homeowner expense or the particular home you choose.

    Why should I enter the BAH from my LES?+

    The amount on your LES reflects what you currently receive. Published tables can change annually, and temporary adjustments may apply in some military housing areas.

    Why are utilities and maintenance separate from the mortgage payment?+

    Principal, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and required flood insurance form the estimated mortgage-related payment. Utilities and maintenance are broader household costs, so the calculator shows both totals instead of disguising them as one payment.

    Does this calculator show how much home I qualify to buy?+

    No. BAH is only one part of a mortgage file. Qualification also depends on base pay and other income, debts, credit, residual income, assets, occupancy, entitlement, property details, and lender requirements.

    Can a lender count BAH as income?+

    BAH can generally be considered as verified, stable nontaxable income when it is expected to continue. The exact treatment and any permitted gross-up depend on the complete loan file and lender guidelines.

    Continue Your Texas Military Homebuying Research

    Texas Mortgage Payment Calculator

    Build a detailed Texas property scenario with taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and loan-program costs.

    Explore Resource →

    VA Funding Fee Calculator

    Estimate the separate VA funding fee and whether it will be financed or paid at closing.

    Explore Resource →

    VA Entitlement Calculator

    Estimate remaining VA guaranty and whether an entitlement-based down payment may apply.

    Explore Resource →

    Texas VA Loan Guide

    Review Texas VA eligibility, occupancy, property taxes, and the homebuying process.

    Explore Resource →

    Clear mortgage guidance. A strategy built around you.

    Texas mortgage guidance for homebuyers, veterans, professionals, and investors who want confident decisions without the pressure.

    Shalanda Smith, NMLS #554554

    Keys by Shalanda is the personal brand of Shalanda Smith, operating under Secure Choice Lending, NMLS #1689518. Licensed in Texas by the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending.

    Company office: 1650 Spruce St., Suite 500, Riverside, CA 92507 · Serving homebuyers across all of Texas

    Texas SMLNMLS Consumer Access

    Texas Consumer Complaint Notice

    Consumers wishing to file a complaint against a mortgage banker or licensed mortgage loan originator should contact the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, 2601 North Lamar, Suite 201, Austin, Texas 78705. Toll-free: 1-877-276-5550. sml.texas.gov

    All loans are subject to credit approval. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. This is not a commitment to lend.

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