MortgageCalc Guides

Plain-English guides that go with our free Mortgage Calculator.

15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage: Which One Costs Less?

A side-by-side comparison of 15-year and 30-year mortgages with real numbers, plus how to get most of the benefit of a shorter loan while keeping flexibility.

How Much Do Extra Mortgage Payments Really Save?

See how $100, $200 or $500 extra per month changes your payoff date and total interest on a typical 30-year mortgage, and when paying extra is not the best move.

Mortgage Points Explained: Are They Worth Buying?

How discount points work, how to calculate their break-even point, and when buying down your mortgage rate makes sense.

What Is PITI? The Four Parts of a Mortgage Payment

PITI stands for principal, interest, taxes and insurance. Learn what each part means, why your payment can change, and how escrow works.

What Is PMI? How Private Mortgage Insurance Works and How to Remove It

PMI explained in plain English: what it costs, when lenders require it, how to cancel it, and how it differs from FHA mortgage insurance.