When considering a mortgage, what does "PITI" stand for?

PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance, which are the four components of a standard mortgage payment. Understanding each element is crucial for borrowers when considering the total cost of homeownership.

The principal is the amount of money borrowed to purchase the home, while interest is the cost of borrowing that money, typically expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. Taxes refer to property taxes, which are often included in monthly mortgage payments and are collected to fund local government services, schools, and infrastructure. Insurance typically refers to homeowner's insurance, which protects the property from various risks, and sometimes it can also include mortgage insurance for loans that have a lower down payment.

Knowing PITI helps borrowers budget effectively for their monthly mortgage payments and understand the total financial commitment involved in homeownership. This understanding is key to assessing how much house one can afford and ensuring all related costs are factored into their financial planning.