Mortgage Payment Calculator
Total Monthly Payment
Understanding Your Mortgage Calculation
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. This Mortgage Payment Calculator helps you estimate your monthly payments by breaking down the core components: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance (often referred to as PITI).
1. Principal and Interest
The core of your mortgage payment consists of principal and interest. The principal is the money you borrowed to buy the house, while the interest is the fee charged by the lender for that privilege. In the early years of a standard amortization schedule, a larger portion of your payment goes toward interest. Over time, as the principal balance decreases, more of your payment goes toward paying off the loan itself.
2. The Impact of Interest Rates
Even a small difference in interest rates can have a massive impact on your monthly payment and the total cost of the loan over 30 years. For example, on a $300,000 loan, the difference between a 6% and a 7% interest rate can amount to hundreds of dollars per month and tens of thousands over the life of the loan. Use the calculator above to see how different rates affect your budget.
3. Taxes, Insurance, and HOA
Your mortgage payment often includes more than just the loan repayment. Lenders typically require an escrow account to pay for:
- Property Taxes: Based on the assessed value of your home and local tax rates.
- Homeowners Insurance: Protects your property against damage and liability.
- HOA Fees: If you buy a condo or a home in a planned community, you may owe monthly Homeowners Association dues, which are usually paid separately but affect your total monthly affordability.
4. Choosing the Right Loan Term
The most common loan term is 30 years, which offers lower monthly payments but results in higher total interest paid. A 15-year term will have significantly higher monthly payments but saves you a substantial amount in interest and helps you build equity much faster. Adjust the "Loan Term" in the calculator to compare these scenarios.