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Most payments have four parts, often called PITI: principal, interest, property taxes, and insurance. If the home is in a community with a homeowners association, HOA dues come on top. Lenders usually collect taxes and insurance monthly through an escrow account and pay the bills for you.

California property tax starts at 1 percent of assessed value under Proposition 13, and local voter-approved additions typically bring the effective rate to roughly 1.1 to 1.25 percent in Los Angeles County. The calculator defaults to 1.2 percent; your exact rate depends on the city and any special assessments on the parcel.

Twenty percent down lets you avoid private mortgage insurance, but plenty of buyers put down less. Conventional loans go as low as 3 to 5 percent down, and jumbo loans, common at Calabasas price points, usually want 10 to 20 percent. The right answer depends on your cash position and the monthly payment you are comfortable with.

A jumbo loan is a mortgage above the conforming limit set for the county each year. Many homes in Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Malibu sell above that limit, so jumbo financing is common here. Jumbo loans have their own rate pricing and usually stricter reserve and documentation requirements.

Yes. In this market, listing agents expect a pre-approval letter with any offer, and sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously. It also tells you your real budget before you fall for a house. We can connect you with lenders when you are ready.