How to Use This Mortgage Calculator
Enter your home price, down payment, interest rate, and loan term. Add your estimated property tax rate and annual insurance to get the true all-in monthly cost. Use the Accelerator to see how extra payments change your payoff timeline.
What Is PMI?
PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required by most lenders when your down payment is less than 20% of the home value. It protects the lender — not you — and typically costs 0.5% to 1.5% of the loan amount per year. This calculator automatically adds it when your down payment is below 20% and stops it once you've built 20% equity.
15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage
A 15-year mortgage has a higher monthly payment but dramatically less total interest paid. A 30-year mortgage gives you a lower required payment but costs far more over the life of the loan. Use the loan term selector to compare both side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much house can I afford?
A common rule is that your total housing payment (PITI — principal, interest, taxes, insurance) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. On a $6,000/month gross income, that's $1,680/month. Use this calculator to find the home price that hits that target at current rates.
How much does a 1% rate difference actually matter?
On a $400,000 30-year mortgage, a 1% rate difference changes your monthly payment by roughly $220/month — and your total interest by about $80,000 over the life of the loan. Even a 0.5% improvement is worth shopping for. Always check rates at multiple lenders before committing.
When does PMI go away?
PMI is automatically removed once you reach 20% equity (your loan balance drops to 80% of the original purchase price). You can also request early removal if your home has appreciated and you have an appraisal proving 20% equity. Some lenders require a written request — it won't always happen automatically.