Understanding Your Mortgage
Last updated: March 26, 2026
What is a Mortgage?
A mortgage is a loan used to purchase or maintain a home, land, or other types of real estate. The borrower agrees to pay the lender over time, typically in a series of regular payments that are divided into principal and interest. The property then serves as collateral to secure the loan.
The Formula
The formula for calculating a fixed-rate mortgage payment is:
Where:
- M = Monthly payment
- P = Principal loan amount
- r = Monthly interest rate
- n = Number of months