Estimate fees for buying a home
Unlike simple calculators, this tool provides a complete financial picture. It doesn't just calculate principal and interest; it factors in critical costs that determine your actual monthly payment:
Use the interactive charts to visualize how your equity grows over time versus the interest paid to the bank. Perfect for comparing 15-year vs. 30-year loan terms.
First-time homebuyers estimating monthly costs
Refinancing to get a lower interest rate
Comparing 15-year vs 30-year mortgages
Commonly known as: home loan calculator, house payment calculator, mortgage payment estimator, home affordability calculator.
Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the home price. For a $400,000 home, expect $8,000-$20,000 in fees including title insurance, appraisal, attorney fees, escrow, and lender origination charges.
Buyers typically pay 2-5% of the home price in closing costs. Sellers usually pay 6-10% (mostly agent commissions). In some markets, sellers may offer to cover part of the buyer's closing costs.
A general rule is that your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income (the 28/36 rule). For example, if you earn $6,000/month, aim to keep your payment under $1,680. Our calculator helps you test different scenarios.
Your monthly payment typically includes PITI: Principal (loan balance), Interest (cost of borrowing), Taxes (property taxes), and Insurance (homeowners). Some payments also include HOA fees and PMI if your down payment is under 20%.
A larger down payment reduces your loan amount, which lowers your monthly payment and total interest cost. Put down 20% to avoid PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance), which typically costs 0.5-1% of your loan annually.
Conventional loans typically require 620+, FHA loans accept 580+ (or 500 with 10% down), VA loans have no minimum but lenders prefer 620+. A score of 740+ gets you the best interest rates, potentially saving tens of thousands over the loan term.
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