We are going to start off small with an easy calculation. Don't worry. You will do fine.
Write three words down in a column on your work sheet, just like this:
LOAN : RATE : TERM :
The higher the interest rate, the higher your monthly payments will be. Generally speaking, though, the longer the repayment term, the lower your mortgage payments.
Let�s say that you expect to get a standard 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. So, write "30" behind the word TERM on your worksheet.
For our Example we�re going to assume that the interest rate is 8%. So, write 8% on your worksheet behind the word RATE.
To find the current interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, look in the real estate section of your local newspaper or call a mortgage lender.
Since you're already interested in becoming a homeowner, you've probably been gazing wistfully at the real estate ads in newspapers or visited a couple of open houses. You have an approximate idea of selling prices of homes in your area. We'll use $90,000 as the selling price for the Example.
To establish the total amount of your loan, first figure what amount is 10% of the selling price you've just selected. We'll consider that the amount you'll make as a down payment. In our case, the down payment amount would be $9,000 which means that the rounded-off total loan amount will be $80,000. Write that number on your worksheet behind the word LOAN.
So, in our example, our total loan amount is $80,000, which we'll borrow over 30 years, at a fixed rate of 8% per year.
Now multiply 80,000 by 8%. You get 6400, which will be a total annual interest amount. Divide that by 12 months and your monthly payment is just $533.
NOTE: When you look this up on a standard mortgage chart you'll find that the total principal and 8% interest payment will be $587. These are solid ballpark numbers you can use reliably to estimate monthly housing payments.
To figure out how much your loan will really cost you, use our calculator which determines how much house you can really afford. In the box asking for your APR, substitute the interest rate if an APR is not available. This will give you a good idea how much your loan will really cost you in the long run.
You should also look into our rent vs. buy calculator and learn how you can save a fortune in interest costs if you pre-pay your mortgage by making small extra monthly payments.
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