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A Home Improvement Loan Calculator - How to Use and Understand It
Wed 09 Jan 2008 - 13:38
A Home Improvement Loan Calculator - How to Use and Understand It
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bill_McCowen]Bill McCowen
When we set out to begin a major home improvement project, the first things we should be thinking about are our total cost and final budget. However, even with a budget, we can overshoot our material expenses or underestimate our costs, leaving us without backup funds to complete the project.
That's where loans come in. Loans are a great and often low-interest way to finance major home improvement projects. However, as easy as it is to walk into a local loan office or apply for a loan online, you need to make sure you understand all the costs involved with your home improvement loan.
One tool that helps figure out the exact expenses involved with a loan is a loan calculator. Essentially, a loan calculator works by taking the amount you want to borrow for your project, the number of months you expect it will take you to pay it back and a general estimate of your interest rate. With that information, the loan calculator provides in return a fairly accurate estimate of your monthly loan payments.
Of course, loans can sometimes be a little more complicated than that, so keep reading to learn about the different variables that will help you understand how a loan calculator works.
1. Periodic Payment Figure
The periodic payment amount is the figure that you will need to pay every "pay period." A standard pay period is usually one month. The amount of these payments is based on the number of payments you're making or the length of your loan, along with the total principal amount and the interest.
2. Periodic Interest
The periodic interest rate, once settled on by your loan officer, is the amount of interest, or percentage of the total loan, that will be charged every payment or interest period. Remember to shop around for the best interest rate.
3. Total Payments
This is the total number of payments that you will be required to make over the duration of the loan. For example, a 3 year or 36-month term loan will likely require you to make 36 payments. Usually, the sooner you pay back your loan, the better. Of course, a shorter loan period means higher payments. Before making this decision, evaluate your monthly income and general household budget to make sure you're choosing a payment plan that you can afford.
These are just the basics of home improvement loans and the three factors you'll encounter when using a loan calculator. Before deciding on and signing a loan agreement, always make sure you understand the terms and all associated fees and costs.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_McCowen http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Home-Improvement-Loan-Calculator---How-to-Use-and-Understand-It&id=918282
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