Trade Up Calculator for Smarter Home Decisions
The Trade Up Calculator helps you run quick numbers for net proceeds, cash needed at closing, and monthly payments before you trade up. Your inputs stay in your browser for privacy, and the Trade Up Calculator keeps each step simple and consistent.
Each card below highlights how the Trade Up Calculator supports faster, clearer decisions when moving to a more expensive home.
Clear Net Proceeds
The Trade Up Calculator subtracts selling costs and mortgage payoff to estimate cash from your current home.
Cash to Close
Quickly see total cash needed after down payment and estimated buyer closing costs on the new home with the Trade Up Calculator.
Monthly Payment Snapshot
Estimate principal and interest plus optional taxes and insurance to compare monthly budgets using the Trade Up Calculator.
How the Trade Up Calculator Works
Follow three quick steps to get a complete snapshot of sale proceeds, cash to close, and monthly payments.
Enter Sale Numbers
Add your current value, mortgage balance, and typical selling costs to estimate net proceeds from the sale in the Trade Up Calculator.
Set Purchase Details
Provide the new home price, closing cost percentage, and whether to apply sale proceeds for down payment so the Trade Up Calculator can model cash to close.
Review Payments
Choose a rate and term to preview principal & interest and compare with your current monthly payment inside the Trade Up Calculator.
Trade Up Calculator
The Trade Up Calculator estimates net proceeds from your current home, cash needed to close on the next one, and the new monthly payment. The Trade Up Calculator keeps the math simple and private.
Sale & Purchase Details
Trade Up Summary
Enter values to see your trade-up summary
Cost Breakdown at a Glance
Trading up involves three cash buckets: down payment, closing costs, and prepaids. Here are typical line items to expect on each side of the transaction, and how the Trade Up Calculator keeps these categories clear.
Seller Side
- Agent commissions, transfer taxes, and recording
- Escrow/attorney fees and title charges (seller portion)
- Loan payoff, possible prepayment penalties, and prorations
- HOA docs or resale certificates where applicable
- Staging, cleaning, and minor repairs
Buyer Side
- Lender origination/underwriting, appraisal, and credit report
- Title search and title insurance, escrow/attorney
- Recording, transfer taxes, and survey if needed
- Inspections (general, pest, sewer, radon) and reinspection
- Points, prepaid interest, initial tax and insurance escrows
Ways to Reduce Cash to Close
A few smart moves can soften the cash impact without derailing your plans. Confirm eligibility and limits with your lender and agent, and rerun the Trade Up Calculator as you negotiate.
- Negotiate seller credits to cover allowable closing costs and prepaids
- Exchange lender credits for a slightly higher rate; compare breakeven
- Time the closing near month-end to reduce prepaid interest
- Shop homeowners insurance and title services for competitive quotes
- Use gift funds where program guidelines allow (proper documentation required)
- Consider a temporary buydown to ease the first years of payments
- Evaluate HELOC or bridge financing to access equity strategically
Affordability Checklist
Use this quick list to pressure-test your budget before making an offer on your next home. Revisit the Trade Up Calculator after each change to keep the math grounded in your plan.
- Confirm comfort with the total monthly payment (PITI + HOA if any)
- Set aside a move fund for packing, storage, and utility deposits
- Keep a 3–6 month emergency reserve after closing if possible
- Account for commute, childcare, and maintenance changes in the new location
- Stress-test the payment against potential rate or tax adjustments
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid these surprises so your trade-up stays smooth and predictable, and double-check numbers with the Trade Up Calculator.
- Underestimating buyer closing costs or forgetting prepaids
- Ignoring PMI or HOA dues when evaluating monthly affordability
- Assuming timelines will align perfectly without backup housing plans
- Skipping inspection follow-ups that could change cash needs
- Letting rate locks expire before the transaction is ready
Trade Up Calculator FAQs
What does this trade up calculator include?
The Trade Up Calculator estimates net sale proceeds, down payment, buyer closing costs, new loan amount, and a simplified monthly payment with optional taxes and insurance. Use the Trade Up Calculator to quickly check cash to close and payment changes before speaking to professionals.
How accurate are the percentages?
Selling and closing percentages vary by market. Many users start with 6–7% for selling costs and 2–4% for buyer closing costs, then adjust after receiving title and lender fee sheets. Your numbers may differ based on local transfer taxes and lender pricing.
Does it replace lender quotes?
No. The Trade Up Calculator is educational and provides fast estimates. Always confirm numbers with a qualified real estate and lending professional. Official loan estimates will detail lender fees, rate locks, mortgage insurance, and prepaids.
Are property taxes, insurance, and HOA dues included?
You can enter a monthly estimate for property taxes and homeowners insurance in the Trade Up Calculator. HOA dues are not modeled in the payment field—add them to your monthly budget separately for a complete picture.
What if my down payment is below 20%?
Down payments below 20% may trigger private mortgage insurance (PMI) in many markets. PMI increases the monthly cost and can be temporary. The Trade Up Calculator does not model PMI directly—ask your lender to quote rate, PMI premium, and cancellation rules.
How do “prepaids” differ from “closing costs”?
Closing costs are transactional fees (title, escrow, underwriting, appraisal, recording). Prepaids fund future bills like daily interest, initial property tax and insurance escrows. Both affect cash to close and are separate from down payment. The Trade Up Calculator keeps them in separate fields conceptually so planning stays clear.
Can seller or lender credits reduce my cash to close?
Yes. Seller concessions and lender credits can offset eligible closing costs and prepaids, but typically cannot cover down payment. Credits depend on loan program limits and contract negotiations—ask your agent and lender for caps and best practices, then reflect them in the Trade Up Calculator to preview impact.
What about moving costs and repairs?
The Trade Up Calculator focuses on mortgage math. Plan for movers, storage, utility deposits, repairs, staging, and cleaning. Many households budget several thousand dollars for move-related expenses depending on distance and home condition.
Do I owe capital gains tax when I sell?
Tax rules vary. In the U.S., many homeowners qualify for a primary residence exclusion (up to $250,000 for single filers, $500,000 for married filing jointly) if they meet ownership and occupancy tests. Always consult a tax professional for your specific case, then mirror the outcome in the Trade Up Calculator when planning cash to close.
Should I buy before I sell or sell before I buy?
Buying first avoids temporary housing but may require higher reserves or bridge financing. Selling first simplifies cash flow but may add storage or short-term rental costs. Discuss contingencies, rent-backs, and timing strategies with your agent, then map timing options in the Trade Up Calculator to test scenarios.
Can I use a HELOC or bridge loan for the down payment?
Some buyers use a HELOC secured by the current home or a short-term bridge loan to access equity before closing on the sale. These options add interest costs and underwriting checks—compare with simply using sale proceeds after closing and reflect the cash sequence in the Trade Up Calculator.
How can I keep my payment manageable?
Lower the rate with points, reduce the loan amount with a larger down payment, choose a longer term, or shop lenders. Paying off other debts and improving your credit score may also qualify you for better pricing. Update the Trade Up Calculator after each change to confirm the new monthly outcome.
Revisit the Trade Up Calculator Anytime
Bookmark this trade up calculator and rerun numbers after market changes, rate updates, or new budget goals.