What is piti in mortgage?

Introduction

Piti, in the context of mortgages, refers to an acronym that stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. It represents the components of a mortgage payment that go beyond just the principal and interest. Understanding what piti entails is crucial for borrowers to accurately budget for their mortgage payments and avoid any surprises. In this article, we will delve deeper into each component of piti and explore its significance in the mortgage process.

Principal

Principal: The principal is the initial amount of money borrowed from the lender to purchase a property. It does not include any interest or fees. As the borrower makes monthly mortgage payments, a portion of the payment goes towards reducing the principal balance over time. The principal amount is a crucial factor in determining the overall cost of the mortgage and the equity the borrower builds in the property.

Interest

Interest: Interest is the cost of borrowing money from the lender. It is calculated as a percentage of the outstanding principal balance and is typically expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR). The interest rate can vary depending on various factors such as the borrower’s creditworthiness, market conditions, and the type of mortgage. The interest portion of the piti payment is an essential component as it determines the overall cost of the loan over its term.

Taxes

Taxes: Property taxes are levied by local governments based on the assessed value of the property. These taxes fund various public services such as schools, infrastructure, and emergency services. The tax amount is determined by multiplying the assessed value of the property by the local tax rate. Lenders often require borrowers to set up an escrow account to collect a portion of the annual property taxes with each mortgage payment. This ensures that the taxes are paid on time and protects the lender’s interest in the property.

Insurance

Insurance: Mortgage insurance and homeowner’s insurance are the two types of insurance commonly included in the piti payment.

– Mortgage Insurance: Mortgage insurance is typically required for borrowers who make a down payment of less than 20% of the property’s purchase price. It protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. The cost of mortgage insurance is added to the monthly piti payment until the borrower reaches a certain level of equity in the property.

– Homeowner’s Insurance: Homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for potential damages to the property caused by perils such as fire, theft, or natural disasters. Lenders require borrowers to maintain homeowner’s insurance throughout the term of the mortgage to protect their investment in the property. The cost of homeowner’s insurance is also included in the piti payment.

Conclusion

Understanding piti is essential for borrowers to accurately budget for their mortgage payments. By breaking down the components of Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance, borrowers can have a clear understanding of the various expenses associated with their mortgage. It allows them to plan their finances effectively and avoid any surprises.

References

– Investopedia: www.investopedia.com
– The Balance: www.thebalance.com
– Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: www.consumerfinance.gov