US mortgage calculator
This US mortgage calculator computes monthly mortgage payments. The calculator also creates an amortization chart that provides a visual chart showing the amortization schedule over time and draws a pie chart to visually represent the distribution of monthly costs. The calculator further generates two amortization tables displaying the payment schedule over the mortgage term.
Additional costs (Optional)
| Key numbers | |
|---|---|
| House price | $ |
| Down payment | $ |
| Loan amount | $ |
| Total interest paid | $ |
| Total payments made | $ |
| Cost type | Monthly cost | Annual cost | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortgage payment | $ | $ | $ |
| Property taxes | $ | $ | $ |
| Home insurance | $ | $ | $ |
| Mortgage insurance | $ | $ | $ |
| Condo/HOA fee | $ | $ | $ |
| Other costs | $ | $ | $ |
| Total | $ | $ | $s |
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| Year | Starting balance | Payment amount | Principal payment | Interest payment | Remaining balance |
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| Payment number | Starting balance | Payment amount | Principal payment | Interest payment | Remaining balance |
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What is a mortgage?
A mortgage is a type of loan specifically used for purchasing real estate, where the property itself serves as collateral for the loan. The borrower, typically a homeowner, agrees to repay the borrowed amount plus interest over a set period, usually spanning several years. Mortgages come in various types, including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages, each with distinct terms and interest rates. They play a crucial role in facilitating home ownership by allowing individuals to spread the cost of buying a property over time, though they entail financial risks and obligations. Defaulting on mortgage payments can lead to foreclosure, wherein the lender seizes the property to recover the remaining debt.
Mortgage types
Mortgages are not one-size-fits-all; they come in different types to suit the diverse needs and preferences of borrowers. Two primary types of mortgages are fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), each offering distinct features:
- Fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs):
- With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate remains constant throughout the entire term of the loan.
- This means that borrowers have predictable monthly payments, making budgeting easier and providing stability, especially in times of fluctuating interest rates.
- Fixed-rate mortgages are typically available with various term lengths, such as 15, 20, or 30 years, allowing borrowers to choose the repayment period that best fits their financial goals and circumstances.
- While the initial interest rate on a fixed-rate mortgage may be slightly higher than an adjustable-rate mortgage, borrowers are protected from potential increases in interest rates in the future.
- Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs):
- With an adjustable-rate mortgage, the interest rate fluctuates periodically based on changes in an underlying financial index, such as the prime rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR).
- Typically, ARMs offer an initial fixed-rate period, during which the interest rate remains constant, followed by a period where the rate adjusts at predetermined intervals (e.g., annually or every few years).
- The initial fixed-rate period for ARMs is often lower than the prevailing rates for fixed-rate mortgages, making them initially more affordable for borrowers.
- However, after the initial period, the interest rate and monthly payments can adjust either upward or downward based on changes in the underlying index and specified caps.
- ARMs are suitable for borrowers who anticipate their financial situation changing in the future, such as relocating or expecting income increases, and are willing to accept the potential risks associated with interest rate fluctuations.
Choosing between a fixed-rate mortgage and an adjustable-rate mortgage depends on factors such as the borrower’s financial situation, risk tolerance, and future plans. It’s essential for borrowers to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of mortgage and consult with a financial advisor or mortgage professional to determine the most suitable option for their needs.
Components of a mortgage
The components of a mortgage typically include:
- Loan amount: This is the total amount of money borrowed from the lender to purchase the property.
- Down payment: The initial upfront payment made by the borrower toward the purchase price of the property. It is usually calculated as a percentage of the total purchase price and can affect the terms of the mortgage.
- Loan term: The length of time over which the loan will be repaid. Common loan terms are 15, 20, or 30 years, though other options may be available depending on the lender.
- Interest rate: The percentage of the loan amount charged by the lender as compensation for lending money. Interest rates can be fixed, meaning they remain constant throughout the loan term, or adjustable, where they may change periodically based on market conditions.
- Periodic payment: The amount paid by the borrower to the lender each period (usually a month), typically including principal and interest, and may also include property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and mortgage insurance if applicable.
- Amortization schedule: A table detailing the breakdown of each mortgage payment, showing how much goes toward principal and interest over the life of the loan.
- Closing costs: Fees associated with finalizing the mortgage loan, which can include appraisal fees, title insurance, attorney fees, and loan origination fees.
These components collectively determine the terms and affordability of the mortgage for the borrower.
How is the monthly payment calculated?
Now, let’s figure out how to find your monthly payments.
Step 1 (Finding the monthly rate): To figure out your monthly payments, we need to know what the interest rate is for each month. Here’s how:
Let’s say the bank told you the rate is 5%.
r_m=\frac{r_{e}}{12}Using our example, the monthly rate comes out to be roughly 0.41667%.
Step 2 (Finding the monthly payment): We then use another formula to find out how much you’ll pay each month:
p_m=\frac{r_m \times A}{1−\left(1+r_m\right)^{-m}}In this formula:
- r_m is the monthly rate we found earlier.
- A is how much you’re borrowing.
- m is how many months you’re paying the loan over.
So if you’re borrowing $400,000 over 30 years, you would pay roughly $2,147.29 each month.
What are the costs associated with owning a house?
Home ownership and mortgages come with various costs beyond the purchase price and monthly mortgage payments. Some of the key costs associated with home ownership and mortgages include:
- Down payment: The initial payment made toward the purchase price of the property, typically ranging from 3% to 20% of the home’s value, though it can vary depending on the loan type and lender requirements.
- Closing costs: Fees paid at the closing of the real estate transaction, including appraisal fees, title insurance, attorney fees, loan origination fees, and other miscellaneous charges. Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price.
- Property taxes: Taxes assessed by local governments based on the value of the property. Property tax rates vary widely depending on location and can significantly impact the overall cost of homeownership.
- Homeowners insurance: Insurance that provides financial protection against damage to the home and its contents, as well as liability for accidents that may occur on the property. Homeowners insurance premiums vary depending on factors such as the home’s location, size, and construction type.
- Private mortgage insurance (PMI): Insurance required by lenders for borrowers who make a down payment of less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. PMI protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan and typically adds an additional cost to the monthly mortgage payment.
- Home maintenance and repairs: Ongoing expenses for maintaining the home’s condition, including repairs, renovations, landscaping, and utilities. These costs can vary widely depending on the age and condition of the property.
- Homeowners association (HOA) fees: Fees paid by homeowners in planned communities or condominiums to cover the costs of maintaining common areas and amenities. HOA fees can vary significantly depending on the community and may be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.
- Utilities: Monthly expenses for electricity, gas, water, sewer, and other essential services necessary for occupying the home.
- Home improvement costs: Expenses for upgrades, renovations, or additions to the property to improve its value or functionality over time.
Understanding and budgeting for these various costs is essential for homeowners to effectively manage their finances and ensure they can afford the ongoing expenses associated with owning a home.