Mortgage Monthly Payment Calculator
Estimate your monthly home loan payments including principal and interest.
Estimated Monthly Payment
Total Principal: $0.00
How to Use the Mortgage Payment Calculator
Calculating your potential mortgage payment is the first step toward homeownership. This tool helps you understand the financial commitment of a home loan by breaking down the costs based on the purchase price, your down payment, current interest rates, and the length of the loan.
The Mortgage Formula Explained
Our calculator uses the standard fixed-rate mortgage formula to determine your monthly obligation. The formula is: M = P [ i(1 + i)^n ] / [ (1 + i)^n – 1 ].
- M: Total monthly payment.
- P: Principal loan amount (Home price minus down payment).
- i: Monthly interest rate (Annual rate divided by 12).
- n: Number of months in the loan term (Years multiplied by 12).
Factors That Influence Your Monthly Payment
While this calculator provides a robust estimate for principal and interest, remember that a "Full PITI" (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance) payment often includes other costs:
- Property Taxes: Usually assessed annually by your local government and divided into 12 monthly payments.
- Homeowners Insurance: Required by lenders to protect the asset against damage.
- Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): If your down payment is less than 20%, you may be required to pay PMI.
- HOA Fees: Homeowners Association dues if you are buying a condo or a home in a planned community.
If you buy a home for $500,000 with a 20% down payment ($100,000) at a 7% interest rate for 30 years, your principal and interest payment would be approximately $2,661.21 per month. Over the life of the loan, you would pay a total of $958,035 including interest.
Strategies to Lower Your Mortgage Payment
If the calculated result is higher than your budget allows, consider these options:
- Increase Down Payment: Lowering the starting principal reduces the base on which interest is calculated.
- Improve Your Credit Score: Lenders offer the best interest rates to borrowers with scores above 740.
- Extend the Loan Term: Moving from a 15-year to a 30-year loan reduces the monthly payment, though you will pay more in total interest.
- Buy Down the Rate: Paying "points" at closing can permanently lower your interest rate.