Calculate mortgage payments for Conventional, FHA, VA, and Jumbo loans. Compare loan types, view equity timeline, and analyze term options.
Choosing the right mortgage type is as important as choosing the right home. Conventional, FHA, VA, and Jumbo loans each have different down payment requirements, mortgage insurance rules, and qualification criteria that significantly impact your monthly payment and total cost.
A conventional loan requires as little as 3% down with PMI, while FHA loans charge upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums that persist for the life of the loan. VA loans offer zero down payment to eligible veterans but include a funding fee. Jumbo loans cover amounts above the conforming limit ($766,950 in 2024) and typically require larger down payments and stronger credit.
This calculator compares all four loan types side by side. Enter your purchase details to see monthly PITI payments, cash needed at closing (down payment plus closing costs), an equity timeline showing how your ownership stake grows, and a term comparison from 10 to 30 years. Use the loan type reference table to understand which option fits your situation.
Different mortgage types have hidden costs — FHA's lifetime MIP, VA's funding fee, conventional PMI. This calculator surfaces the true cost of each option so you can compare apples to apples and choose the loan type that minimizes your total expense. That makes the loan-type decision much more concrete than comparing rates alone.
P&I = L × r(1+r)^n / [(1+r)^n − 1]. FHA: Upfront MIP 1.75% + Annual MIP 0.85%/12. VA: Funding fee 2.15%. Conv PMI ~0.5%/yr if LTV > 80%. PITI = P&I + Tax/12 + Insurance/12 + MI.
Result: P&I: $2,077/mo — PITI: $2,643/mo — Cash needed: $92,000 — No PMI
A $400K conventional loan with 20% down ($80K) borrows $320K at 6.75%. Monthly P&I is $2,077. Adding tax ($417/mo) and insurance ($150/mo) brings PITI to $2,643. With 20% down, no PMI applies. Closing costs at 3% add $12K, so total cash needed is $92K.
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Conventional loans require higher credit scores (620+) but allow PMI removal at 80% LTV. FHA accepts lower scores (580+) with 3.5% down, but charges upfront MIP (1.75%) plus annual MIP (0.85%) for the life of the loan on most loans. If you have good credit, conventional typically costs less long-term.
VA loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. You need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. Benefits include zero down payment, no PMI, competitive rates, and limited closing costs. The funding fee (2.15% first use) can be rolled into the loan.
A jumbo loan exceeds the conforming loan limit set by the FHFA ($766,950 in most areas for 2024). Because these loans cannot be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, they typically require higher credit scores (700+), larger down payments (10-20%), and carry slightly higher interest rates.
Yes. You can request PMI removal when your loan balance reaches 80% of the original purchase price. By law, servicers must automatically cancel PMI at 78% LTV based on the original amortization schedule. You can also get a new appraisal to show equity if home values have risen.
Plan for 2-5% of the home price. Costs include lender origination fees, appraisal, title search/insurance, attorney fees, recording fees, and prepaid taxes/insurance escrow. On a $400K home, expect $8K-$20K. Some costs are negotiable or can be covered by seller concessions.
One discount point (1% of loan amount) typically lowers your rate by 0.25%. On a $320K loan, one point costs $3,200 and saves ~$50/month. Break-even is about 5 years. Points make sense if you plan to stay 7+ years; skip them if you might move or refinance sooner.