The Real Monthly Payment

The mortgage payment you see on ads is often just principal and interest. This PITI calculator adds the escrow components — property tax and homeowners insurance — plus HOA dues, producing the number that actually leaves your bank account every month.

What Escrow Buys You

Rolling taxes and insurance into the monthly payment spreads two big annual bills across twelve smaller ones, and protects the lender's collateral: a property can be seized for unpaid taxes and loses value uninsured. The escrow balance is your money, held in trust.

Budget With the Total

Lenders cap the full PITI around 28% of gross income and total debts at 36%. Check the total here against your own budget before you shop — the difference between P&I-only and full PITI is exactly where affordability surprises hide.