Mortgage calculator
Calculate your true monthly mortgage cost—including taxes, insurance and HOA fees.
Common loan types
Conventional Loans are the go-to mortgage for most homebuyers, with down payments ranging from 3% to 20%. Following established guidelines, these loans offer competitive rates for those with solid credit.
FHA Loans help make homeownership possible for first-time buyers and those rebuilding credit. With just 3.5% down and more flexible credit requirements, they open doors that might otherwise stay closed.
VA Loans serve those who've served us—veterans, active military and their families. Zero down payment, no mortgage insurance and some of the best rates available make this an extremely valuable benefit of military service. If you qualify, this loan type delivers serious financial advantages.
Jumbo Loans handle home purchases above conventional loan limits. They ask more of you—larger down payments, excellent credit, substantial cash reserves—but they're your ticket to homes in pricier markets. Yes, rates might run slightly higher than conventional loans, but when you need financing beyond standard limits, jumbo loans get the job done.
Things to consider before taking on a mortgage
Your Total Monthly Payment goes beyond just principal and interest. Factor in property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees if applicable, and maintenance costs. A good rule of thumb? Your total housing payment shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, though this varies based on your other financial commitments.
Emergency Funds Matter even more when you own a home. Before taking on a mortgage, make sure you've got 3-6 months of expenses saved—including your new housing payment. When the water heater fails or the roof needs work, you'll be grateful for that cushion.
Interest Rate vs. APR can be confusing, but here's what matters: the interest rate is what you pay on the loan itself, while APR includes the rate plus fees and other costs. Comparing APRs gives you the true cost of different loan offers, helping you spot the best deal.
Your Credit Score Really Matters—even small improvements make a big difference. Bumping your score from 720 to 740 could save you thousands over your loan. If you can wait a few months and work on improving your credit first, it's usually worth it.
Fixed or Adjustable Rate? Fixed rates stay the same forever, so you always know what you'll pay. Adjustable rates start lower but can go up later. While everyone's financial situation is unique to them, most pick fixed if they want predictable payments and plan to stay in the home long-term. Others choose adjustable if they'll likely move or refinance and want those early savings.
Get Pre-approved, Not Pre-qualified to show sellers that you're serious. Pre-qualification is just an estimate based on what you tell the lender while pre-approval means they've actually checked your finances and identified you as a ready buyer. In a competitive market, sellers often won't even look at offers without pre-approval.
Disclaimer
Datalign Advisory calculators offer estimates based on your inputs and generally accepted financial principles. Results are for illustrative purposes only and may differ from actual outcomes. These tools are intended for educational use and are not a substitute for professional financial advice.
Get more than estimates — talk to an advisor about your goals.
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