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Mortgage Calculators - Loan Comparison Calculator

Loan Comparison Calculator

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Determining which loan will provide you with the best overall value involves more than simply comparing monthly payments. Use this calculator to sort through the monthly payments, fees and other costs associated with getting a new loan. By comparing these important variables side-by-side, this calculator can help you pick the loan that best meets your individual needs. Click on the "View Report" button to see the results in detail.

This Financial Calculator requires SUN's Java™ Plug-in. If you see this message you will need to download SUN's Java™ Plug-in. This can be done automatically by clicking the yellow bar at the top of your browser and choosing "Install ActiveX Control".

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For more information about this Plug-in please visit: SUN's Java™ Plug-in

Definitions

Loan amount
The total dollar amount for this loan.

Interest rate
The interest rate on this loan.

Loan term
The number of years over which you will repay this loan. The most common terms are 15 years and 30 years. If this loan has a "balloon" payment, the loan term will be shorter than the number of years to amortize the loan. For example, a loan with a 5-year term amortized over 30 years will have the same monthly payment as a 30-year loan with the same interest rate. The difference is the 30-year loan will have equal payments for 30 years. The 5-year loan will have equal payments for 5 years and then a very large, or balloon, payment for the remaining balance.

Amortization
The number of years used in calculating the monthly payment. Loans that are amortized over a longer period than their loan term have a balloon payment. See "Loan term" for more information.

Origination fee
The dollar amount charged as a loan origination fee, which is included in the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) calculation. For many loans a 1% origination fee is common. For example: a 1% fee on a $120,000 loan would cost $1,200.

Commitment fee
An upfront fee included in the APR calculation.

Other fees
Fees included in the APR calculation. These fees can vary by lender but, at a minimum, usually includes prepaid interest.

Other costs
Any other costs that should be included in the APR calculation.

Monthly loan payment
Monthly principal and interest payment (PI).

Annual percentage rate (APR)
A standard calculation used by lenders. It is designed to help borrowers compare different loan options. For example: a loan with a lower stated interest rate may be a bad value if its fees are too high. Likewise, a loan with a higher stated rate and very low fees could be an exceptional value. APR calculations incorporate these fees into a single rate. You can then compare loans with different fees, rates or different terms.

Balloon payment
This is the total final payment for all loans that are amortized over a period of time longer than the loan term. The balloon payment is total interest and principal balance due at the end of the loan term. (If the loan term is the same as the amortization, this amount is always zero.)

Latest Home Loans Articles

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This question requests universal answers that simply don't exist. The "best" time to refinance may be very different for you than the "best" time for your next door neighbor. Here are some factors you should know to make the right decision about refinancing your home mortgage. Read more

Banking changes to expect in the remainder of 2009
The global recession has severely affected the banking industry. Expect to see some significant changes in the remainder of 2009 and beyond. Here are some major changes to expect with savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit and tips on how to handle the changes. Read more

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A look at the Recovery and Reinvestment Act
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Mini-guide to home loan modification
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Home Loans FAQs

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Note: This information is for general use only. Use this information as part of a full research process. General financial advice does not always apply directly to individual financial matters. Please consult a financial expert with specific and complex questions about your individual situation.

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