Mortgage Calculator & Tools
See exactly how your mortgage payments break down over time. Understand how much goes to principal vs. interest each month, and discover how extra payments can save you thousands.
Amortization is the process of paying off your mortgage over time through regular monthly payments. Each payment is split between two components: principal (the amount you borrowed) and interest (the cost of borrowing).
In the early years of your mortgage, most of your payment goes toward interest. As you pay down the principal balance, the interest portion decreases and more goes toward paying off the loan itself.
Understanding your amortisation schedule helps you:
On a $320,000 loan at 6.5%:
This is why extra payments in the early years save the most money—you're cutting out high-interest payments.
The length of your loan dramatically impacts both your monthly payment and total interest paid. Comparison: 15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage $320,000 loan at 6.5%
30-Year Mortgage:
Tri Valley Tip: Many buyers choose a 30-year mortgage for the lower payment, then make extra principal payments when possible. This gives you flexibility without the commitment of a 15-year term.
Even small extra payments can save you tens of thousands in interest and shave years off your loan.
Example: $320,000 loan at 6.5% for 30 yearsWhen you eventually refinance with us, we charge $0 lender fees—so you can refinance to a lower rate without losing money to fees, then restart your amortization journey with better terms.
