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US Mortgage Calculators 2026

Every mortgage calculator you need to buy, compare, plan or refinance a home in the US. All tools use 2026 lending guidelines, average tax rates and insurance estimates.

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US Mortgage Guide for 2026

A mortgage is the largest financial commitment most Americans make. The monthly payment consists of principal + interest (P&I) plus taxes, insurance and potentially PMI — collectively known as PITI. Understanding each component helps you budget accurately and compare loan offers honestly.

Loan Types: Conventional (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conforming loans), FHA (3.5% minimum down, government-backed), VA (for veterans, no down payment required), USDA (rural properties, no down payment). Each has different rate, down-payment and insurance requirements.

The 28/36 Rule: Keep your housing expense below 28% of gross monthly income, and total debt payments below 36%. Many lenders now approve up to 43–50% back-end DTI, but staying within the traditional guidelines provides a financial safety margin.

Refinancing strategy: Even reducing your rate by 0.5% can save tens of thousands over a 30-year loan. Run our refinance calculator before every rate dip — the mathematical break-even is the key metric, not just the lower payment.

Help & FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common questions to help you use this calculator confidently.

What is the average 30-year mortgage rate in 2026?

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Average 30-year fixed mortgage rates in early 2026 are in the 6–7% range for well-qualified borrowers (750+ credit score, 20% down payment). Rates vary by lender, loan type, down payment and credit profile. Always compare at least 3 Loan Estimates from different lenders.

What is the maximum mortgage I can qualify for?

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Most conventional lenders use two DTI ratio limits: front-end ratio (housing costs ÷ gross income) of ≤28% and back-end ratio (all debt payments ÷ gross income) of ≤43%. FHA loans allow higher DTIs in some cases. Use our mortgage affordability calculator to find your personal maximum.

How much is a 20% down payment needed to avoid PMI?

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On a conventional mortgage, a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price eliminates PMI. Below 20%, PMI is typically required at 0.2–2% of the loan annually. For a $400,000 home, that's $800–$8,000/year in PMI. Our PMI calculator shows the exact cost and when it cancels automatically at 78% LTV.

When does it make sense to refinance a mortgage?

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A refinance generally makes sense when you can reduce your rate by 0.5–1%+ and plan to stay in the home past the break-even point (typically 18–36 months). Our refinance calculator computes the exact break-even for your situation. Also consider shortening to a 15-year term or tapping equity (cash-out refinance) if your goals align.

What is included in a PITI mortgage payment?

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PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance. Principal and interest are the core loan payment. Property taxes and homeowners insurance are estimated and added to the monthly payment, collected by the lender into an escrow account. If you have less than 20% down, PMI (or MIP for FHA) is also included.

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