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Try 180 months for 15-year compare · taxes/insurance not included
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Any term: full mortgage calculator. Vehicles: car loan.
P&I only—no taxes, insurance, or PMI. Home · Personal loan
A 30-year fixed-rate loan spreads repayment over 360 months, so your monthly payment is lower than a 15-year loan for the same amount and rate. That can make homeownership affordable when a 15-year payment would strain your budget.
The trade-off: you pay significantly more total interest over the life of the loan. On a $300,000 loan at 6.5%, a 30-year term might cost over $380,000 in interest; a 15-year term at the same rate might cost around $170,000. Use the calculator above, then change the term to 180 months to compare.
A 30-year loan suits borrowers who want the lowest possible payment, plan to stay in the home long-term, or expect to invest the difference. A 15-year loan suits those who can afford higher payments and want to pay off the mortgage sooner with less interest.
Some borrowers choose 30 years and make extra principal payments when they can—effectively shortening the loan without committing to a higher minimum. There is no prepayment penalty on most conventional mortgages, but confirm with your lender.
We display principal and interest only. Your real housing payment often includes property tax, homeowners insurance, and sometimes mortgage insurance (PMI) if you put less than 20% down. Those are not included here.