Mortgage Payment Calculator
How to Calculate Your Mortgage Payment
Understanding your monthly mortgage payment is the first step toward homeownership. This calculator breaks down the "PITI" components of your payment: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.
1. Principal and Interest (P&I)
The core of your mortgage payment consists of:
- Principal: The portion of your payment that goes toward paying down the loan balance ($…).
- Interest: The cost of borrowing money from the lender, calculated at your annual interest rate.
2. Property Taxes
Local governments collect property taxes to fund schools, roads, and public services. This calculator estimates the monthly portion of your annual tax bill. Keep in mind that property taxes can increase over time based on your home's assessed value.
3. Homeowners Insurance
Lenders require you to carry homeowners insurance to protect the asset against fire, theft, and other damages. This cost is often bundled into your monthly mortgage payment and held in an escrow account.
How Interest Rates Affect Affordability
Even a small change in interest rates can significantly impact your monthly payment. For example, on a $300,000 loan, a 1% increase in interest rate can increase your monthly payment by approximately $150 to $200. Use the calculator above to test different rate scenarios to see what fits your budget.