FAQ
General
What does incomp stand for?
On trading floors, ‘in comp’ means a price request is in competition. It also represents ‘intelligent comparison,’ helping buyers and refinancers see the full cost of homeownership.
What is incomp's mortgage calculator, and how is it different from online lenders and other tools?
We are an all-in-one homeownership calculator that goes beyond just the mortgage. We factor in insurance, taxes, maintenance, repairs, closing costs, inflation, climate risks, and financial buffers—so you see the real cost of homeownership, not just a monthly payment.
Most tools ignore major expenses—we don’t. Our goal is to help homeowners plan ahead, not get caught off guard.
What about AI?
Omg, AI. Much cool. Wow. Yes… we use it where it actually makes sense. If financial models improve accuracy, we build those too. But we’re not here to slap ‘AI’ on everything just to impress you—because you care about cold, hard facts for the biggest purchase of your life. We get it.
How accurate are incomp’s estimates?
We use real data and smart modeling to provide realistic cost estimates. While no model is perfect, ours is more accurate than tools that ignore maintenance, rising insurance, and tax changes. Plus, you can adjust inputs to match your situation.
Can I follow you on LinkedIn?
Literally NO… why would you want to do that… We're on Threads and Insta. We don't know how to use Tik Tok. If you find our stuff useful, forward it to friends and fam. “Those who can, do; those who want others to know they can, post on LinkedIn.”
Home buying & budgeting
How does Incomp help me budget for a home?
Lenders tell you the max you qualify for—but that doesn’t mean it’s a smart choice. Incomp works the other way around, using recommended metrics to estimate a comfortable budget based on real homeownership costs, not just loan approval.
Why should I look at total homeownership costs instead of just my mortgage payment?
Because your mortgage is only part of the cost. Property taxes rise, insurance goes up, and homes need repairs—like a $10,000 roof replacement you didn’t plan for. Budgeting for all costs upfront helps you avoid financial stress.
What costs does Incomp include that other calculators don’t?
Most calculators only show your loan payment, ignoring long-term costs. A $500,000 home with a $2,500/month mortgage today could cost $4,000+/month in a few years due to rising taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Incomp estimates these real-world increases upfront so you’re not blindsided.
Can Incomp help me decide if I should rent or buy?
Soon! We’re building a simple rent vs. buy tool that focuses on what actually matters without the unnecessary complexity of other tools.
Does Incomp account for rising insurance and property tax costs?
Yes! Unlike most tools that assume costs stay the same, we estimate how taxes and insurance may rise over time. While no model is perfect, our approach helps you plan ahead for increasing costs.
How does incomp estimate maintenance and repair costs?
Homes need upkeep—from small repairs to big-ticket items. Incomp factors in home size, age, climate, and more to build a realistic monthly reserve, so you’re financially prepared when a new roof or major repair comes up.
Risk & long-term planning
Why does incomp warn me about older homes?
Older homes often come with hidden costs—aging roofs, outdated wiring, or major repairs. The older the home, the more important a thorough inspection becomes. In some cases, a specialist review (foundation, roof, etc.) can help avoid costly surprises.
Can incomp tell me if a home is a good investment?
We don’t predict home values or provide financial advice, but we break down total costs, tax benefits, and long-term affordability so you can make an informed decision. A good investment isn’t just about appreciation—it’s about making sure the numbers work for you.
For estimates that include home price appreciation, we adjust historical data for climate-related costs. Our warnings don’t label a home as a bad investment—they highlight risks based on age, location, insurance trends, and other factors.
Can I select a variable/floating rate mortgage structure?
No. We are focused on transparent estimates for better budgeting. Variable rates introduce mortgage cost uncertainty in the future that could put affordability and planning at risk.
Features & customization
Can I customize the costs Incomp uses?
Yes! Our estimates are adjustable.
Can I save my calculations?
We are driven to enhance privacy, security, market transparency, and a frictionless experience. For that reason, we try to store as little of your information as possible. You can share, email, or download a PDF of your results (coming soon). For security, sessions reset automatically, so if you need to check again, just paste the listing back at incomp.app! For privacy reasons, we don’t link financial data to your name or contact info. If you return, you’ll need to re-enter details for a stronger analysis.
Does Incomp integrate with real estate listings?
Yes, we pull in all available listing data and fill in missing details with best-effort estimates. You can edit fields to ensure accuracy. If you’re a listing company or real-estate agent interested in integrating incomp, reach out!
Privacy & data
Does Incomp sell my data?
No. We don’t sell or share your personal data—period. We also won’t flood your inbox, but we may reach out in the future about new products, including our mortgage comparison platform.
Do I need to create an account to use Incomp?
Nope! Incomp works instantly—just paste a listing link and get a full cost breakdown. No sign-up, no login.
Other
Is Incomp a mortgage lender?
There are over 10,000 residential home lenders in the US. We don't think the market needs another one.
So no, we’re not a lender—we’re a financial tool that helps you understand the full cost of homeownership. Unlike listing sites that keep you browsing or lenders that push max loan sizes, we focus on affordability, upfront costs, and monthly expenses so you can make smarter decisions. And we are building a platform to put all of those lenders in competition for your loan.
Can Incomp help me find a mortgage?
Soon! Our mortgage comparison platform will let you see real competitive rates—without spam or sales calls. We put lenders in direct competition so you get the best deal. Stay tuned!
How does Incomp calculate tax deductibility?
We estimate potential mortgage interest and property tax deductions beyond the standard deduction. Tax benefits depend on income, loan size, and itemization, so always check with a tax professional for exact savings.