Mortgage Calculator: Estimate Your True Housing Costs
Buying a home is the largest financial transaction most people will make in their lifetime. When browsing real estate listings, it is easy to look at the sticker price and assume you know what your monthly burden will be. However, a true mortgage payment is much more than just paying back the bank.
Our free online Mortgage Calculator goes beyond simple math. It accurately calculates your PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance) to give you a realistic, comprehensive estimate of what your actual monthly housing payment will look like before you make an offer.
What is PITI?
When lenders qualify you for a mortgage, they look at your complete housing expense, known as PITI:
- Principal: The portion of your payment that goes toward paying down the actual balance of the loan.
- Interest: The cost of borrowing the money, paid to the lender. In the early years of a mortgage, interest makes up the vast majority of your payment.
- Taxes: Local property taxes are usually divided by 12 and collected monthly in an escrow account by your lender.
- Insurance: Homeowners insurance premiums, which protect the property against damage, are also typically collected monthly via escrow.
How to Use the Mortgage Calculator
To get the most accurate estimate, gather some basic information about the home you want to buy:
- Home Price & Down Payment: Enter the total purchase price and how much cash you are putting down. The calculator will automatically subtract the down payment to find your true loan amount.
- Term & Interest Rate: Enter the loan duration (typically 15 or 30 years) and the current annual interest rate you qualify for.
- Yearly Taxes & Insurance: Check the real estate listing for the property's annual tax history, and get an insurance quote. Enter these yearly amounts, and the calculator will automatically divide them into your monthly payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Calculate Your Housing Costs
Ready to see what you can actually afford? Scroll up, input your property details, and view your complete monthly breakdown.