1. What is a Home Equity Loan?

A home equity loan allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their home. It provides a lump sum payment with a fixed interest rate and regular monthly payments over a set term.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard loan payment formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Loan principal amount (USD)
• \( r \) — Monthly interest rate (decimal)
• \( n \) — Loan term in months

Explanation: This formula calculates the fixed monthly payment required to fully repay the loan over its term, including both principal and interest.

3. Importance of Payment Calculation

Details: Accurate payment calculation helps borrowers understand their financial commitment and compare different loan options before borrowing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the loan amount in USD, monthly interest rate as a decimal (e.g., 0.005 for 0.5%), and loan term in months. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert APR to monthly rate?
A: Divide the annual percentage rate (APR) by 12 (months) and convert from percentage to decimal (e.g., 6% APR = 0.06/12 = 0.005 monthly rate).

Q2: What's the difference between home equity loan and HELOC?
A: A home equity loan provides a lump sum with fixed payments, while a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) works like a credit card with variable rates.

Q3: Are there fees not included in this calculation?
A: Yes, this doesn't account for origination fees, closing costs, or potential prepayment penalties.

Q4: How does loan term affect payments?
A: Longer terms reduce monthly payments but increase total interest paid over the life of the loan.

Q5: Is this calculator accurate for all loans?
A: This works for standard fixed-rate loans. Adjustable-rate loans or loans with balloon payments require different calculations.