Mortgage Calculator
Use our free mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payment and see how much home you can afford.
Calculate Your Payment
How to Use This Mortgage Calculator
Our mortgage calculator helps you estimate monthly payments before you start house hunting. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, understanding your potential payment helps you shop within your budget and avoid financial stress.
Mortgage Calculator Inputs Explained
To get accurate estimates, enter these values:
- Home Price: The total purchase price of the property you're considering
- Down Payment: Your upfront cash investment, typically ranging from 3% to 20% of the home price
- Interest Rate: The annual rate charged on the loan, which varies based on market conditions and your credit profile
- Loan Term: The repayment period, usually 15 or 30 years for most conventional mortgages
What's Not Included in This Estimate
This tool shows principal and interest only. Your actual payment will also include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and possibly PMI or HOA fees. According to Freddie Mac, taxes and insurance can add $200 to $600 or more to monthly payments depending on location.
Mortgage Calculator: Understanding Your Results
The results display several important figures to help you plan:
- Monthly Payment: Principal and interest paid each month toward your loan
- Loan Amount: The home price minus your down payment
- Total Interest: All interest paid over the life of the loan
- Total Cost: Principal plus all interest payments combined
Tips for Using the Mortgage Calculator
Use this tool to compare different scenarios and find the right fit for your budget:
- Try different down payment amounts to see how they affect your monthly payment
- Compare 15-year versus 30-year terms to understand interest savings
- Test various interest rates to prepare for market fluctuations
- Find your comfortable payment range before starting your home search
According to Fannie Mae, most lenders recommend keeping your housing payment under 28% of gross monthly income. Use our tool to find homes within this guideline and set yourself up for long-term financial success.
Mortgage Calculator FAQs
This tool provides estimates based on principal and interest calculations. Actual payments vary based on property taxes, insurance, PMI, and lender fees. Use these figures as a starting point for your home buying budget.
A full mortgage payment typically includes PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. This tool shows principal and interest only. Add approximately 20-30% for taxes and insurance estimates.
Most lenders recommend total housing costs under 28% of gross income. Try different home prices in the calculator until the payment fits comfortably within your monthly budget.
A 30-year term has lower monthly payments but more total interest paid. A 15-year term saves significant interest but has higher monthly payments. Compare both options to see what works for your situation.
Larger down payments reduce your loan amount and monthly payment. Putting 20% down also eliminates private mortgage insurance (PMI). Try different down payment amounts to see the impact on your budget.
Ready for Accurate Numbers?
The mortgage calculator provides estimates. Get a personalized pre-approval with exact payment amounts based on your unique financial situation.