Whatโs included in this payment?
This is the principal & interest (P&I) portion โ the core loan repayment. Your full monthly housing cost also includes property tax, homeowners insurance, PMI (if your down payment is under 20%) and any HOA dues, which the lender collects in escrow.
15-year vs 30-year
A 15-year loan has a higher monthly payment but far less total interest and a lower rate. A 30-year loan keeps payments low and frees cash flow, at the cost of much more interest over time.