All Calculators Explained
Every tool — what it does, what it doesn't do, and when to reach for it.
Core Calculators
5 toolsMortgage Calculator
The full monthly payment picture
Computes principal + interest for any home price, rate, and term. Adds property taxes, homeowner's insurance, HOA, and PMI so you see the real all-in monthly cost. Includes full amortization and a rate comparison table.
Best when: You've found a home and want to know what you'll actually pay each month.
Affordability Calculator
Your budget ceiling, from your income
Uses the lender 28/36 DTI rule to estimate the maximum home price you qualify for. Enter gross income and existing debts to get a realistic ceiling before your search begins.
Best when: You're starting your search and need to set a realistic price range.
Refinance Calculator
Is a refi actually worth it?
Compare your current mortgage to a potential new one. See monthly savings, the break-even point on closing costs, and total lifetime interest change. Accounts for closing costs so you don't overestimate savings.
Best when: Rates have dropped or your credit has improved since you bought.
Rent vs. Buy Calculator
True cost over 5 and 10 years
Factors in rent increases, home appreciation, mortgage interest, maintenance, and opportunity cost on the down payment. Shows which option builds more wealth over your time horizon.
Best when: You're deciding whether to buy now or keep renting.
Loan Calculator
Any loan, not just mortgages
General-purpose calculator for personal, auto, and student loans. Shows monthly payment, total interest, and an amortization schedule. Not tied to the homebuying journey.
Best when: You need to model a non-mortgage loan or compare different loan terms.
Payment Tools
3 toolsExtra Payment Calculator
How much does paying extra really save?
Model additional monthly, annual, or one-time payments applied to principal. Shows the new payoff date, months saved, and total interest reduction side-by-side with your original schedule.
Best when: You have spare cash and want to see the impact of accelerating payoff.
Biweekly Mortgage Calculator
One extra payment a year, effortlessly
Paying half your mortgage every two weeks = 26 half-payments = 13 full payments per year instead of 12. Shows years saved and total interest reduction with zero budget increase.
Best when: You're paid biweekly and want an effortless way to accelerate payoff.
Loan Payoff Calculator
Set a payoff date, get the required payment
Works backwards — enter a target payoff date and it tells you exactly what monthly payment is required. Great for planning around retirement or a specific financial goal.
Best when: You have a deadline — 'paid off before I retire in 2035.'
Buying Tools
3 toolsDown Payment Calculator
Find the right down payment amount
Compare 3%, 5%, 10%, and 20% down scenarios side-by-side. Shows how each affects your monthly payment, PMI cost, and total interest — plus the time to save at different monthly savings rates.
Best when: You're deciding how much to put down and whether to wait to hit 20%.
Closing Costs Calculator
No surprises at the closing table
Estimates lender fees, title and escrow, prepaid taxes and insurance, and government recording fees. Shows the full cash needed at closing — separate from your down payment.
Best when: You need to know your total upfront cash requirement before closing.
Property Tax Calculator
Annual and monthly tax bill
Converts assessed value and local tax rate into annual and monthly property tax figures. Useful when comparing homes in different counties or states where rates vary significantly.
Best when: Comparing homes across areas with very different tax rates.
Budget Tools
3 toolsInterest Rate Impact Calculator
What does 0.5% really cost you?
Enter a loan amount and compare monthly payment and total interest across a spread of rates. Visualizes how even small rate differences compound over 30 years — essential when shopping lenders.
Best when: Getting quotes from multiple lenders and need to quantify the real difference.
Home Budget Calculator
Stay within the 28/36 rule
Models total housing spending (mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA, maintenance) as a share of income. Applies both the conservative 28% rule and FHA's 31% guideline.
Best when: Planning your complete monthly budget before committing to a purchase.
Debt Payoff Calculator
Clear debt to improve your DTI
Plans your path to paying off credit cards, student loans, and other debts. Supports avalanche (highest-rate first) and snowball (smallest-balance first) strategies side-by-side.
Best when: You want to reduce your debt-to-income ratio before applying for a mortgage.
Rate & Equity Tools
3 toolsARM vs. Fixed Calculator
Which rate structure wins for you?
Compares a fixed-rate mortgage against an adjustable-rate mortgage over your expected ownership period. Shows the exact crossover point where an ARM starts costing more.
Best when: Your lender is offering an ARM at a notably lower initial rate.
Mortgage Points Calculator
Is buying down your rate worth it?
Calculates the break-even and lifetime savings from paying discount points at closing. 1 point = 1% of loan, typically reduces rate by 0.25%. Shows whether you'll stay long enough to recoup the cost.
Best when: Your lender offers a rate buydown and you want to know if it pays off.
HELOC Calculator
Access your home equity on demand
Models a Home Equity Line of Credit's draw period (interest-only payments) and repayment period. Shows how draw amounts and rates affect your total cost vs. a cash-out refinance.
Best when: You have home equity and need cash for renovations or large expenses.