Mortgage Comparison

Compare up to three loan scenarios side by side

How Mortgage Comparison Works

Each panel calculates your total monthly cost: principal and interest (P&I), property tax, homeowner's insurance, and PMI if your down payment is below 20%. The comparison table shows which loan has the lowest monthly payment and which costs the least over its full term. PMI is automatically included when applicable and drops off when your balance reaches 80% of the purchase price.

Tips & Insights

  • A 15-year mortgage typically carries a 0.5–0.75% lower rate than a 30-year. Model both to see the exact monthly payment trade-off for your numbers.
  • Putting exactly 20% down eliminates PMI and can save $100–200/month, but compare that against keeping more cash in reserve.
  • A 0.25% rate difference on a $400,000 loan equals roughly $12,000–15,000 in total interest over 30 years. Even small rate improvements matter.
  • By law, lenders must send you a Loan Estimate within 3 business days of your application. Compare it line-by-line to this calculator and between lenders.

Common Questions

Which loan is objectively 'best'?

It depends on your goal. Lowest monthly payment → 30-year. Least total interest → 15-year. Fastest equity growth → shorter term or larger down payment.

What is PMI and when does it go away?

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) protects the lender, not you, and costs roughly 0.5–1% of the loan per year. Federal law requires lenders to automatically cancel it when your balance drops to 80% of the original purchase price.

Should I buy discount points to lower my rate?

One point costs 1% of the loan and typically buys your rate down by 0.25%. Break-even is usually 5–7 years. If you plan to stay longer, buying points saves money. If you might sell or refinance within 5 years, skip them.
Lowest payment: Loan B $2,514/mo See full results
The contract purchase price — not the assessed or appraised value. $400,000
Below 20% adds PMI (~$85/mo per $100k). 3.5% minimum for FHA; 0% for qualifying VA loans. 10%
Get quotes from 3+ lenders. Even 0.25% less saves $10,000+ on a $400k loan. 6.75%
More options Tax 1.1%Insurance $1,500HOA $0/mo
Annual property tax ÷ home value. Find exact rates at your county assessor's website. 1.1%
Annual homeowner's insurance premium. Shop around — rates vary significantly by insurer. $1,500
Monthly HOA or condo fee. Lenders include this in your back-end DTI calculation. $0
The contract purchase price — not the assessed or appraised value. $400,000
Below 20% adds PMI (~$85/mo per $100k). 3.5% minimum for FHA; 0% for qualifying VA loans. 20%
Get quotes from 3+ lenders. Even 0.25% less saves $10,000+ on a $400k loan. 6.5%
More options Tax 1.1%Insurance $1,500HOA $0/mo
Annual property tax ÷ home value. Find exact rates at your county assessor's website. 1.1%
Annual homeowner's insurance premium. Shop around — rates vary significantly by insurer. $1,500
Monthly HOA or condo fee. Lenders include this in your back-end DTI calculation. $0

Comparison

Loan B wins: $567/mo less and $72K less interest than the next-best loan.

MetricLoan ALoan B
Down Payment$40,000$80,000
Loan Amount$360,000$320,000
PMI$255/mo—
PMI Drops Off (mo)Month 98—
Total Monthly (PITI)$3,082$2,514
→ Principal & Interest$2,335$2,023
→ Tax + Insurance$492$492
Total Interest Paid$480,583$408,142
Total Cost (all-in)$1,082,573$985,142
Loan A
$3,082/mo

+$567/mo vs. lowest

Total Interest Paid
$480,583 +$72K
Down Payment
$40,000
Loan Amount
$360,000
PMI
$255/mo
Total Cost (all-in)
$1,082,573
Loan B Lowest payment
$2,514/mo
Total Interest Paid
$408,142
Down Payment
$80,000
Loan Amount
$320,000
PMI
—
Total Cost (all-in)
$985,142
Next step See the payment schedule for Loan B