Mortgage Calculators & Guides for Home Buying & Refinancing
Free tools and guides to estimate payments, check affordability, and plan your best mortgage.
Mortgage & Home Loan Calculators
Calculate payments, affordability, and compare financing options with our mortgage tools.
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Calculate monthly principal and interest payments based on loan amount, interest rate, and term length.
Home Affordability Calculator
Determine how much house you can afford based on your income, debts, and down payment.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the total costs of renting versus buying to make the best housing decision.
Quick Payment Estimate
Get a rough estimate of your monthly mortgage payment
How Our Mortgage Calculators Work
Enter Your Information
Input your loan amount, interest rate, and term to get started.
Get Instant Results
See your monthly payment and total interest costs immediately.
Compare Options
Adjust parameters to find the best loan terms for your situation.
Make Informed Decisions
Use the results to negotiate with lenders and plan your budget.
Smart Mortgage Shopping Tips
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score and report for errors
- Save for down payment and closing costs
- Get pre-approved to know your budget
- Research different loan programs (FHA, VA, USDA)
When Comparing Lenders
- Compare APR, not just interest rates
- Consider total cost over the loan term
- Factor in closing costs and fees
- Read reviews and check lender reputation
Home Mortgage Guides & Articles
Learn how to calculate your home-buying budget using the 28/36 rule, DTI, down payment, and more. Includes examples and calculators.
Compare the costs, pros, and cons of renting vs buying a home in 2026. Get expert analysis, market trends, and calculators to help you decide.Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mortgage calculator?
A mortgage calculator is a financial tool that helps you estimate your monthly loan payments based on the home price, down payment, interest rate, and loan term. It uses standard amortization formulas to provide accurate payment estimates.
How does the home affordability calculator work?
The home affordability calculator considers your gross monthly income, existing monthly debts, down payment amount, and estimated mortgage terms to determine a safe home price range based on debt-to-income ratios.
What credit score do I need for a mortgage?
Most conventional loans require a minimum credit score of 620, while FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment, or 500 with 10% down. Higher scores typically qualify for better interest rates.
How much should I put down on a house?
While 20% down avoids PMI, many programs allow lower down payments: FHA (3.5%), VA (0% for qualified veterans), USDA (0% for rural areas), and conventional loans (as low as 3% for qualified borrowers).
What's the difference between APR and interest rate?
The interest rate is the annual cost of borrowing money, while APR (Annual Percentage Rate) includes the interest rate plus additional fees and costs like origination fees, discount points, and mortgage insurance, giving you the true cost of the loan.
Can these calculators help with refinancing?
Yes, our calculators can estimate new loan terms, monthly savings, and break-even points when considering a refinance of your current mortgage. This helps you determine if refinancing makes financial sense.
Do the results include taxes and insurance?
Our basic calculators focus on principal and interest payments. For your total monthly housing costs (PITI), you'll need to add property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees separately.
Should I pay points to lower my rate?
Paying discount points makes sense if you plan to stay in the home long enough to recoup the upfront cost through lower monthly payments. Generally, each point costs 1% of the loan amount and reduces the rate by about 0.25%.
Are these mortgage tools accurate?
Our calculators use industry-standard formulas to provide reliable estimates based on the information you provide. However, actual rates, terms, and costs may vary by lender. Always confirm calculations with your mortgage professional.
What's better: 15-year or 30-year mortgage?
15-year mortgages have higher monthly payments but significantly lower total interest costs and faster equity building. 30-year loans offer lower monthly payments and more cash flow flexibility but cost more over time. Choose based on your budget and financial goals.
Related Financial Calculators
Complete your home buying analysis with these additional financial tools:
About Our Home Mortgage Calculators
Our comprehensive suite of home mortgage calculators empowers you to make informed real estate decisions with confidence. Whether you're a first-time home buyer navigating the complex world of mortgages or an experienced homeowner considering refinancing options, our tools provide accurate, instant calculations based on current market conditions and industry-standard formulas.
The mortgage payment calculator helps you understand the relationship between loan amount, interest rate, and term length, showing how small changes can significantly impact your monthly budget. Our home affordability calculator goes beyond simple income ratios, considering your complete financial picture including existing debts, down payment, and local property tax rates to determine a realistic price range.
For those weighing their housing options, the rent vs buy calculator provides a comprehensive cost analysis that factors in opportunity costs, tax benefits, maintenance expenses, and potential home appreciation. This analysis helps you understand the true financial impact of homeownership versus renting in your specific market.
All calculations are performed using the same amortization formulas that lenders use, ensuring accuracy and reliability. While these tools provide excellent estimates for planning purposes, we always recommend consulting with qualified mortgage professionals to discuss your specific situation and confirm final loan terms.
2025 Mortgage Market Overview
Current Rate Environment
As of 2025, mortgage rates remain elevated compared to the historic lows of 2020-2021. This environment makes it even more important to shop around and understand how different rates affect your monthly payment and total loan cost.
- • Use our calculator to compare different rate scenarios
- • Consider points if you plan to stay long-term
- • Factor in ARM vs fixed-rate options
Home Affordability Trends
Rising home prices and higher interest rates have reduced affordability in many markets. Our affordability calculator helps you understand realistic price ranges and identify areas where you might adjust your approach.
- • Consider different down payment scenarios
- • Explore various loan programs (FHA, VA, USDA)
- • Factor in total monthly housing costs
Ready to Calculate Your Mortgage?
Get started with our free mortgage calculators and take the first step toward homeownership or refinancing.