Mortgage Calculator
Calculate monthly mortgage payments, total interest, and amortization schedule for home purchases.
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Mortgage Results
Enter values above to calculate your mortgage payments
Mortgage Calculator
Calculate your monthly mortgage payments, total interest, and amortization schedule with our comprehensive mortgage calculator. Perfect for planning your home purchase and understanding the true cost of homeownership.
How to Use the Mortgage Calculator
- Enter Home Price: Input the total purchase price of the property
- Down Payment: Enter the amount you plan to pay upfront
- Interest Rate: Input the annual interest rate for your mortgage
- Loan Term: Enter the number of years for your mortgage (typically 15, 20, or 30 years)
- Advanced Options: Include property taxes, home insurance, and PMI for a complete monthly payment estimate
Key Features
- Monthly Payment Calculation: Get your exact monthly mortgage payment including principal and interest
- Total Cost Analysis: See the total amount you’ll pay over the life of the loan
- Interest Breakdown: Understand how much interest you’ll pay versus principal
- Advanced Options: Include property taxes, insurance, and PMI in your calculations
- Multiple Currencies: Works with USD, EUR, and other major currencies
- Mobile Friendly: Use on any device for quick calculations
Understanding Your Mortgage
Principal and Interest
The principal is the amount you borrow, while interest is the cost of borrowing that money. Your monthly payment includes both, with more going toward interest in the early years of your mortgage.
Down Payment Impact
A larger down payment reduces your loan amount, which means:
- Lower monthly payments
- Less total interest paid
- Better loan terms and rates
- No PMI requirement (if 20% or more)
Interest Rate Factors
Your mortgage interest rate depends on:
- Credit score and history
- Down payment amount
- Loan term length
- Market conditions
- Loan type (conventional, FHA, VA, etc.)
Mortgage Types
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
- Interest rate stays the same for the entire loan term
- Predictable monthly payments
- Best for long-term homeownership
- Higher initial rates than adjustable-rate mortgages
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
- Interest rate changes periodically
- Lower initial rates
- Monthly payments can increase or decrease
- Good for short-term ownership or when rates are expected to fall
Government-Backed Loans
- FHA Loans: Lower down payment requirements, mortgage insurance required
- VA Loans: For veterans, no down payment or PMI required
- USDA Loans: For rural areas, no down payment required
Additional Costs to Consider
Property Taxes
- Vary by location and property value
- Usually paid monthly through escrow
- Can increase over time with property value
Home Insurance
- Protects against damage and liability
- Required by most lenders
- Cost varies by location and coverage
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
- Required when down payment is less than 20%
- Protects the lender, not you
- Can be removed once you reach 20% equity
Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees
- Monthly or annual fees for community amenities
- Vary widely by community
- Not included in mortgage payment
Tips for Getting the Best Mortgage
- Improve Your Credit Score: Higher scores get better rates
- Save for a Larger Down Payment: Reduces loan amount and eliminates PMI
- Shop Around: Compare rates from multiple lenders
- Consider Loan Term: Shorter terms mean higher payments but less total interest
- Get Pre-approved: Shows sellers you’re a serious buyer
- Factor in All Costs: Don’t forget taxes, insurance, and maintenance
Common Mortgage Terms
- Amortization: The process of paying off debt over time
- Escrow: Account where property taxes and insurance are held
- Equity: The difference between home value and mortgage balance
- Refinancing: Replacing your current mortgage with a new one
- Prepayment Penalty: Fee for paying off mortgage early
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval? Pre-qualification is a preliminary estimate based on basic information, while pre-approval involves a thorough credit check and documentation review.
How much house can I afford? Generally, your total monthly housing costs shouldn’t exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and total debt payments shouldn’t exceed 36%.
Should I pay points to lower my interest rate? Points can lower your rate but increase upfront costs. Calculate the break-even point to determine if it’s worth it for your situation.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit? Yes, but you’ll likely pay higher interest rates. FHA loans are more forgiving of lower credit scores.
What happens if I miss a mortgage payment? Missing payments can damage your credit and lead to foreclosure. Contact your lender immediately if you’re having trouble making payments.
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This mortgage calculator provides estimates for educational purposes. Actual mortgage terms may vary based on your specific financial situation, credit score, and lender requirements. Always consult with a qualified mortgage professional for personalized advice.