va loan calculator: estimate payments, funding fee, and affordability

A VA loan calculator helps you preview monthly principal and interest, taxes, insurance, and the VA funding fee, using today's rate and your target price or budget. It is a quick way to test scenarios before speaking with a lender or realtor, and to set expectations.

What a calculator shows

By adjusting down payment, credit score assumptions, and term length, you can compare how costs shift over time. Many tools also estimate your break-even on discount points and show total interest over the life of the loan, so you can weigh tradeoffs clearly.

• Estimated payment with taxes and insurance included
• Funding fee based on first use or subsequent use
• Impact of buying points or choosing a higher rate
• Cash to close after credits, fees, and reserves

How to use it wisely

1. Enter purchase price, estimated taxes, insurance, and HOA dues.
2. Toggle down payment from 0% to 10% and note funding fee changes and no monthly mortgage insurance.
3. Compare 15, 20, and 30 year terms and set a comfortable payment.

Results are estimates; final terms depend on eligibility and lender policies. Still, a good calculator makes planning feel clear and actionable.