Mortgage Payment Calculator
Estimated Monthly Payment
(Principal, Interest, Taxes & Insurance)
Principal & Interest
$0.00
Property Tax
$0.00
Home Insurance
$0.00
Total Loan Amount: $0.00
Total Interest Paid Over Life of Loan: $0.00
Understanding Your Mortgage Payment
Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people make in their lifetime. Using a comprehensive Mortgage Payment Calculator is essential to ensure that your dream home fits within your budget. This tool breaks down your monthly obligations, going beyond just the loan repayment to include critical factors like property taxes and homeowners insurance.
How is Your Monthly Mortgage Calculated?
A standard mortgage payment is typically composed of four main parts, often referred to as PITI:
- Principal: The portion of your payment that goes toward reducing the outstanding balance of your loan.
- Interest: The fee charged by the lender for borrowing the money. In the early years of a mortgage, a larger percentage of your payment goes toward interest.
- Taxes: Property taxes assessed by your local government, typically collected by your lender in an escrow account and paid annually.
- Insurance: Homeowners insurance protects your property against damage. Like taxes, this is often divided into monthly installments and held in escrow.
The Impact of Interest Rates and Loan Terms
Even a small difference in your interest rate can significantly affect your monthly payment and the total cost of the loan. For example, on a $300,000 loan, a 1% increase in interest rate can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly payment and tens of thousands in total interest paid over 30 years.
Additionally, choosing a 15-year term versus a 30-year term will increase your monthly payment but drastically reduce the total interest you pay. Use the calculator above to compare different scenarios and find the loan structure that best suits your financial goals.
Budgeting for Homeownership
Financial experts generally recommend that your total monthly housing costs (PITI) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Furthermore, your total debt-to-income ratio (including car loans, student debt, and credit cards) should ideally remain below 36%. By inputting accurate estimates for taxes and insurance, this calculator provides a realistic view of your future financial commitment.