Introduction: What is a Mortgage Loan Comparison Calculator?
A mortgage loan comparison calculator helps you evaluate two (or more) offers side-by-side. A lower rate can look attractive, but higher fees or a longer term can erase the savings. This page shows monthly payments, total interest, effective APR (including fees), and payoff time—so you can see the real, all-in cost.
The Loan Comparison Calculator Tool
Enter the loan amount, rate (APR), term, and any lender fees for each scenario. Toggle whether fees are financed into the loan, and add optional extra payments to see how payoff time and total interest change. The results update instantly with a clear side-by-side summary and charts.
- Monthly P&I and PITI (with property taxes, insurance, HOA).
- Total interest and total paid (principal + interest).
- Time to payoff with and without extra payments.
- Effective APR (IRR of cashflows) that reflects the impact of fees.
How to Use the Calculator
- Fill out Loan A and Loan B with the quoted rate, term, and fees.
- Choose whether to finance fees or pay them upfront.
- Optionally add extra payments (monthly or one-time) to test early payoff scenarios.
- Use the Common section for property taxes, insurance, and HOA to see affordability (PITI).
- Review the side-by-side results, the payoff chart, and the amortization tables.
Example: Comparing Two Loans
Suppose both loans are $400,000 for 30 years. Loan A has 6.50% APR with $3,500 in fees. Loan B has 5.99% APR with $7,000 in fees (financed). Even if Loan B's monthly P&I is lower, the higher financed fees may reduce the advantage over time. The Effective APR and total interest metrics reveal the true winner.
Key Factors to Compare Beyond Interest Rate
APR vs. Interest Rate
The interest rate drives your monthly P&I. The APR wraps in eligible lender fees to show the effective cost of borrowing. Comparing APRs is the most apples-to-apples way to evaluate offers—especially when fees differ.
Loan Term (15-year vs. 30-year)
Shorter terms have higher monthly payments but dramatically less total interest and faster equity buildup. Longer terms keep monthly costs lower but increase lifetime interest.
Closing Costs and Fees
Lender origination fees, points, and third-party charges (appraisal, title, recording) can shift the winner. Financing fees raises the balance and interest paid; paying them upfront raises cash-to-close.
Adjustable-Rate vs. Fixed-Rate
ARMs often start lower but can adjust up or down. Fixed-rate loans are stable and predictable. If you consider an ARM, compare the index, margins, caps, and your likely time in the home.
How to Get and Compare Loan Estimates
Requesting Estimates from Lenders
Ask at least three lenders for official Loan Estimates on the same day (or within a short window) so the quotes are comparable.
Understanding Your Loan Estimate
Focus on the interest rate, APR, monthly payment, and cash to close. Compare sections with lender fees and third-party costs. Use our calculator to mirror those inputs and see lifetime impacts.
Comparing the Bottom Line
Look at monthly affordability (PITI), total interest, and payoff time. If fees differ, rely on Effective APR and total cost over your likely time horizon.
Strategies for Finding the Best Mortgage
- Compare multiple lenders: Quotes vary—shopping around often saves thousands.
- Negotiate fees: Ask about origination charges and whether points are optional.
- Check service & reputation: Reviews and responsiveness matter during underwriting.
- Test extra payments: Use the calculator to see interest saved by paying a bit more each month.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a lower interest rate always better?
Not always. Higher fees or a longer term can offset a lower rate. Compare total interest, effective APR, and payoff time to see the real winner.
How does my credit score affect my rate?
Lenders price risk. Higher scores usually get lower rates and fees. If your score is near a tier boundary, small improvements can meaningfully cut costs.
What are discount points and should I pay them?
Points are upfront fees to lower the rate. They make sense if you keep the loan long enough to reach the break-even where interest saved exceeds the cost of points.
How accurate are mortgage calculators?
They’re estimates based on your inputs and standard formulas. Actual offers depend on full underwriting, property details, and market conditions.
What is an escrow account?
Many lenders collect property taxes and insurance with your payment and pay those bills on your behalf. That portion is included in PITI but is not interest.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides educational estimates and is not a commitment to lend. Rates, fees, taxes, insurance, and terms vary by lender and borrower. For advice tailored to your situation, consult qualified professionals.