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Mortgage Calculator Bankrate

Mortgage Payment Formula:

\[ Payment = P \times \frac{r \times (1 + r)^n}{(1 + r)^n - 1} \]

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1. What Is A Mortgage Payment?

A mortgage payment is a periodic payment made to repay a home loan. It typically consists of principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI), though this calculator focuses on the principal and interest components.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard mortgage payment formula:

\[ Payment = P \times \frac{r \times (1 + r)^n}{(1 + r)^n - 1} \]

Where:

Explanation: This formula calculates the fixed monthly payment required to fully amortize a loan over its term, accounting for both principal and interest.

3. Importance Of Mortgage Calculation

Details: Accurate mortgage calculation helps borrowers understand their financial commitment, compare loan options, budget effectively, and make informed decisions about home affordability.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the loan amount in dollars, annual interest rate as a percentage (e.g., 4.5 for 4.5%), and loan term in years. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's included in a typical mortgage payment?
A: Besides principal and interest, mortgage payments often include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and possibly mortgage insurance (PMI).

Q2: How does interest rate affect my payment?
A: Higher interest rates significantly increase monthly payments and total loan cost. Even a 0.5% difference can amount to thousands over the loan term.

Q3: Should I choose a 15-year or 30-year mortgage?
A: 15-year mortgages have higher monthly payments but lower total interest cost. 30-year mortgages offer lower monthly payments but higher total interest.

Q4: What is amortization?
A: Amortization is the process of paying off debt through regular payments over time, where early payments primarily cover interest and later payments cover more principal.

Q5: Can I pay off my mortgage early?
A: Yes, but check for prepayment penalties. Making extra payments toward principal can significantly reduce the loan term and total interest paid.

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