🏠Mortgage Calculator

Calculate monthly mortgage payments, total interest, and see how different loan terms affect your home purchase

Loan Details

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Purchase price of the home

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Percentage of home price

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Annual interest rate

Additional Costs

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Annual property tax amount

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Annual homeowner's insurance premium

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Private Mortgage Insurance (auto-calculated if down payment < 20%)

$

Homeowner's Association fees

Extra Payments

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Additional principal payment each month

US Mortgage Calculator – FHA, VA & Conventional Loans

Calculate your monthly mortgage payment using US lending standards. This calculator supports conventional loans, FHA loans (3.5% minimum down payment), and VA loans for eligible veterans. It automatically factors in Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) when your down payment is below 20%, and includes property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and HOA fees common in American real estate transactions.

Understanding Your Mortgage

🏠 Key Components

  • Principal: The amount borrowed
  • Interest: Cost of borrowing money
  • Property Tax: Annual tax on your property
  • Insurance: Protects your home
  • PMI: Required if down payment < 20%
  • HOA: Community association fees

πŸ’‘ Smart Tips

  • β€’ Aim for 20% down to avoid PMI
  • β€’ Extra payments reduce total interest
  • β€’ Shorter terms = lower total interest
  • β€’ Shop around for best interest rates
  • β€’ Factor in closing costs (2-5%)
  • β€’ Keep monthly payment under 28% of income

Financial Guidelines & Regulations

CFPB Guidelines on Mortgage Affordability

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends that your total monthly debt paymentsβ€”including your mortgageβ€”should not exceed 43% of your gross monthly income for a Qualified Mortgage (QM). Most lenders prefer the 28/36 rule: housing costs under 28% of gross income, total debt under 36%. On a $100,000 household income, this means a maximum monthly payment of approximately $2,333.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – Qualified Mortgage Rules

Understanding PMI and How to Remove It

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required on conventional loans when you put less than 20% down. PMI typically costs 0.5%–1.5% of the loan amount annually. Under the Homeowners Protection Act, lenders must automatically cancel PMI when your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio reaches 78%, or you can request removal at 80% LTV. FHA loans have their own mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that may last the life of the loan.

HUD – Homeowners Protection Act / PMI Cancellation

Current Freddie Mac Rate Trends

Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey tracks weekly average rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages nationwide. A difference of just 0.5% on a $400,000 loan can save over $40,000 in interest over 30 years. Shopping around among at least 3–5 lenders can save you thousands, as rates and fees vary significantly between institutions.

Freddie Mac – Primary Mortgage Market Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

How much house can I afford on a $100,000 salary?

Using the 28/36 rule recommended by US lenders, a $100,000 gross income supports a maximum monthly housing payment of about $2,333. At a 7% interest rate with 20% down on a 30-year fixed mortgage, this translates to roughly a $400,000–$450,000 home, depending on property taxes, insurance costs, and HOA fees in your area.

What is the difference between FHA, VA, and conventional loans?

Conventional loans require 3–20% down and PMI if under 20%. FHA loans (backed by the Federal Housing Administration) allow as little as 3.5% down but charge mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) for the loan's life if under 10% down. VA loans (for veterans) require zero down payment and no PMI, making them the most affordable option for eligible service members.

Should I pay points to lower my mortgage rate?

Discount points (each costing 1% of the loan amount) typically reduce your rate by 0.25%. On a $400,000 loan, one point costs $4,000 and saves about $65/month. The break-even point is around 5 years. If you plan to stay in the home longer than that, buying points makes financial sense. The CFPB recommends comparing the total cost with and without points.

Financial Accuracy

Written by: LifeByNumbers Team
Last updated: January 2026

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. This is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.