Mortgage Payment & Affordability Calculator
Estimate your monthly mortgage payments including taxes and insurance.
Loan Amount:
Principal & Interest:
Monthly Taxes:
Monthly Insurance:
Total Monthly Payment:
Understanding Your Mortgage Payment
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make. While the "Home Price" is the headline figure, your monthly budget is determined by several factors beyond just the loan repayment. This calculator helps you break down the components of a typical PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance) payment.
The Components of a Mortgage Payment
- Principal: The actual balance of the loan you are paying back.
- Interest: The cost of borrowing money from the lender, expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR).
- Property Taxes: Local government levies used to fund public services like schools and roads. These are often collected monthly by the lender in an escrow account.
- Homeowners Insurance: Protection for your home against hazards. Like taxes, lenders usually require this to be paid monthly into escrow.
Realistic Example:
If you purchase a home for $350,000 with a 20% down payment ($70,000), you are financing $280,000. At a 7% interest rate over 30 years, your monthly Principal & Interest would be approximately $1,862.84. Adding $300 for taxes and $100 for insurance brings your total monthly commitment to $2,262.84.
If you purchase a home for $350,000 with a 20% down payment ($70,000), you are financing $280,000. At a 7% interest rate over 30 years, your monthly Principal & Interest would be approximately $1,862.84. Adding $300 for taxes and $100 for insurance brings your total monthly commitment to $2,262.84.
How to Lower Your Monthly Payment
If the calculated result is higher than your budget, consider these strategies:
- Increase your Down Payment: A larger down payment reduces the principal loan amount and may eliminate the need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
- Improve your Credit Score: Borrowers with higher credit scores typically qualify for lower interest rates, which can save hundreds of dollars every month.
- Choose a Longer Term: A 30-year mortgage will have lower monthly payments than a 15-year mortgage, though you will pay more in total interest over the life of the loan.
- Shop for Insurance: Insurance rates vary by provider; getting multiple quotes can lower your monthly escrow requirement.