Free Harris County, TX Mortgage Loan Calculator
Harris County, TX Mortgage Calculator
By SoFi Editors | Updated October 28, 2025
When you’re considering purchasing a home in Harris County, understanding your potential mortgage payments is a big first step. A Harris County mortgage calculator can provide clarity on what your monthly expenses might look like and assist you in making informed decisions about your down payment, loan term, and more. This article will guide you through using a mortgage calculator and help you get the most out of this tool.
Key Points
• Using a mortgage calculator involves inputting your estimated purchase price, down payment, interest rate, loan term, and property tax rate.
• A loan term is typically 10 to 30 years and helps govern overall costs.
• First-time homebuyer programs can help buyers afford a down payment, closing costs, or both.
• A mortgage calculator can help you determine what home price, down payment, and interest rate you can afford.
• There are ways to lower your monthly mortgage costs even after you make your home purchase.
Harris County Mortgage Calculator
Calculator Definitions
• Home price: The home price is the purchase price that you have agreed upon with the home seller. This is a key figure when it comes to determining your home loan amount.
• Down payment: The down payment is the amount you pay upfront. Buyers typically put down between 3% and 20%. A down payment calculator can show you how much you would need to put down to reach 20%, which would likely eliminate the need to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
• Loan term: The loan term is the length of time you have to repay the loan. Common terms are 15 and 30 years. A shorter term can reduce total interest paid but increases monthly payments. A longer term offers lower monthly payments but results in more interest overall.
• Interest rate: The interest rate is the cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the total loan amount. Interest rates vary based on factors such as your credit score and the type of mortgage loan you choose.
• Annual property tax: The property tax in the municipality where a home is located plays a role in determining your total monthly housing payment.
• Monthly payment: The monthly payment represents what you would pay toward the loan’s principal and interest each month, plus a sum that goes toward your property tax. This calculator does not include home insurance, private mortgage insurance, or homeowners association (HOA) fees.
• Total interest paid: The total interest paid represents the amount of interest you will pay over the life of your home loan. A larger down payment, lower interest rate, or shorter loan term can reduce this amount.
• Total loan cost: The total loan cost represents the entire amount you will pay for the loan, including both the principal borrowed and the accumulated interest.
How to Use the Harris County Mortgage Calculator
Step 1: Enter Your Home Price
Type the home price, which is the agreed-upon purchase price with the home seller.
Step 2: Select a Down Payment Amount
Choose the percent of the home price you will pay upfront. A larger down payment can reduce monthly payments and total interest paid.
Step 3: Choose a Loan Term
Select the length of time you would like to repay the mortgage, anywhere from 10 to 30 years. A longer term means lower monthly payments but more interest over time.
Step 4: Enter an Interest Rate
Input your estimated interest rate to the second or third decimal point. A lower rate reduces monthly payments and total interest paid.
Step 5: Add Your Annual Property Tax Rate
Enter the home’s property tax rate. The average effective property tax rate for Harris County is 1.77%.
Benefits of Using a Mortgage Payment Calculator
A Harris County mortgage calculator helps you estimate how much house you can afford by calculating monthly payments based on loan amount, interest rate, and repayment term. Use this tool to compare costs, like how the interest rate affects your monthly payments. Check out different loan terms to see their impact on expenses and total interest.
A mortgage calculator is particularly helpful if you’re a first-time homebuyer, as it allows you to play with different scenarios (raising and lowering the down payment amount, for example).
Deciding How Much House You Can Afford in Harris County
When you’re buying your first home, it’s good to research average home prices in the area you’re eyeing. In Harris County, the median home sale price in late 2025 was $315,000 — much more affordable than the national median of around $439,000, according to Redfin.
Lenders suggest housing costs shouldn’t exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. You’d need to earn an annual income of about $72,400 to afford the monthly payment on a $315,000 home, which comes to about $1,691. That payment amount assumes a 20% down payment ($63,000), an interest rate of 7.00% on a 30-year mortgage, and a property tax rate of 1.77%.
Lenders also recommend total debt payments stay under 36% of gross monthly income; other debts shouldn’t exceed $483 monthly in this case. If you want to factor in other debts, such as a car loan or student loan for example, you can use a home affordability calculator.
A more reliable method to help you determine affordability is to go through the mortgage preapproval process with a lender, where you provide detailed financial information. The lender will let you know whether you qualify for a loan and, if so, in what amount and under what terms.
Current mortgage rates by state.
Compare current home interest rates by state and find a mortgage rate that suits your financial goals.
Select a state to view current rates:
Components of a Mortgage Payment
A mortgage payment mainly covers the principal (borrowed amount) and interest (borrowing cost). Your monthly payment might also include property tax, which is based on your home’s assessed value. If your down payment is less than 20%, you may be required to purchase PMI. Other potential costs that are often rolled into the payment are homeowners association (HOA) fees and homeowners insurance.
Homebuyers who are considering purchasing with the help of a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan will have an upfront and ongoing mortgage insurance premium to pay. These loans are still very affordable and are popular with first-time buyers. If you are considering an FHA loan, use an FHA mortgage calculator.
Similarly, if you are purchasing with a loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, you’ll want a VA mortgage calculator.
Finally, if you are purchasing a pricey property, consider something called a jumbo loan. This type of loan is designed for when your loan amount is over the conforming loan limit set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). For 2026, the FHFA conforming loan limit for a single-unit property in Harris County is $832,750.
Recommended: Average Monthly Expenses for One Person
Cost of Living in Harris County
Harris County is relatively affordable compared to the national average, according to its cost of living. This metric gives you a sense of how far your dollar goes in terms of necessities like housing, utilities, groceries, health care, and transportation.
Harris County, home to Houston, has a cost of living score of 96.9, according to BestPlaces.net, — 3.1% lower than the U.S. average (100.0), and 2.9% lower than the average for Texas. Harris County is a little more affordable than Dallas County (100.2), home to Dallas, and much more economical than Travis County (129.1), home to Austin.
If you have your sights set on purchasing a home in Texas, Abilene, Amarillo, and Odessa are all considered best affordable places in the U.S.
For more help factoring in income, debts, and local property costs, try a home affordability calculator.
Recommended: The Cost of Living in the U.S.
Run the numbers on your home loan.
-
Mortgage calculator
Punch in your home loan amount and a new interest rate, and we’ll estimate your payoff date.
-
Down payment calculator
Enter a few details about your home loan and we’ll provide your monthly mortgage payment.
-
Home affordability calculator
Provide us with a few details and see how much you can afford to spend on a home purchase.
Using the free calculators is for informational purposes only, does not constitute an offer to receive a loan, and will not solicit a loan offer. Any payments shown depend on the accuracy of the information provided.
Tips for Reducing Your Mortgage Payment
As you explore your monthly bills, you may wonder how you can reduce your mortgage payment. Here are some ways borrowers can lower their payments:
• Make additional payments toward the principal to decrease both the term of your loan and the total interest paid over its lifetime.
• Once you’ve built 20% equity in your home, request that your lender cancel PMI payments to save on unnecessary costs.
• If you think your property taxes are too high, the Harris Central Appraisal District can inform you about the appeals process.
• See if your insurer offers a discount for bundling policies. Sometimes if you purchase more than one policy with them — both a homeowners and auto policy, for instance — they may offer a discount.
• If mortgage rates have dropped since you made your purchase, consider a mortgage refinance.
Harris County First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs
If you’re considering buying your first home in Harris County, there are down payment assistance programs available to help you cover the initial costs associated with purchasing property. Anyone who hasn’t owned a primary residence in the past three years is considered a first-time homebuyer.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation offer first-time homebuyers financial aid for the down payment, closing costs, or both. You can also try the nonprofit Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation to see if you’re eligible for its first-time homebuyer programs.
Recommended: Do You Qualify as a First-Time Homebuyer?
The Takeaway
Using a Harris County mortgage calculator is a valuable step in the home-buying process. It helps you estimate monthly payments, understand the impact of different down payment amounts, and compare various loan terms and interest rates. This tool can help provide a clearer picture of your financial obligations and lead you to making informed decisions about your home loan, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer.
Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.
FAQ
How can I get a lower mortgage interest rate?
For the lowest mortgage interest rate, work to cultivate a strong credit score (aim for 700 or more). Go through the online prequalification process with multiple lenders to see how low a rate you might be able to obtain. A higher down payment may help, too, if you can afford to make one. If you already own a home, you can explore a mortgage refinance and compare the costs of your old loan versus a new one (plus closing costs) at a new, lower rate.
How much is the payment on a $300,000 mortgage with a 30-year term?
The cost of a $300,000 mortgage with a 30-year term will depend on your interest rate and a down payment. For instance, at an interest rate of 6.00%, and a down payment of 20% ($60,000), your monthly payment would be $1,439. This estimate includes principal and interest but not property taxes, insurance, or other fees.
Should I choose a 30-year or 15-year mortgage term?
A 30-year mortgage offers lower monthly payments, but you will pay more interest over time. A 15-year mortgage has higher monthly payments but saves on interest. Consider your financial goals and budget, and choose the shortest term that you feel you can comfortably afford.
How much should I put down on a mortgage?
You should put as much money as you comfortably can toward a down payment on a home, while ensuring that you aren’t stretching your finances too much. A first-time homebuyer can sometimes put down as little as 3%, and repeat buyers may be able to contribute just 5%. If you put down less than 20%, you will likely have to add private mortgage insurance payments to your monthly bill.
SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
*SoFi requires Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conforming home loans with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio greater than 80%. As little as 3% down payments are for qualifying first-time homebuyers only. 5% minimum applies to other borrowers. Other loan types may require different fees or insurance (e.g., VA funding fee, FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums, etc.). Loan requirements may vary depending on your down payment amount, and minimum down payment varies by loan type.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
¹FHA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by FHA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. FHA loans require an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP), which may be financed or paid at closing, in addition to monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP). Maximum loan amounts vary by county. The minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5% for those who qualify financially for a primary purchase. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
†Veterans, Service members, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are subject to unique terms and conditions established by VA and SoFi. Ask your SoFi loan officer for details about eligibility, documentation, and other requirements. VA loans typically require a one-time funding fee except as may be exempted by VA guidelines. The fee may be financed or paid at closing. The amount of the fee depends on the type of loan, the total amount of the loan, and, depending on loan type, prior use of VA eligibility and down payment amount. The VA funding fee is typically non-refundable. SoFi is not affiliated with any government agency.
Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.
Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
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What is a SoFi Crypto Account?
A SoFi Crypto Account enables you to use the Digital Asset Services, which include purchasing, selling, and holding Supported Digital Assets offered by SoFi Bank.
Opening a SoFi Crypto account is quick and easy. There are no fees to open a SoFi Crypto Account and there are no monthly maintenance fees. All we need are a few pieces of information such as name, home address, and Social Security number. In some cases, we may need additional documentation like a copy of your driver’s license, and/or a current photo ID to verify your identity.
Your SoFi Crypto Account is not a deposit account or a bank account. Cryptocurrency and other digital assets are not deposits, not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), or Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), not bank-guaranteed, and may lose value.
To start trading, you must fund your account by transferring cash from a Connected SoFi Account (SoFi Checking and Savings). We then convert this cash into a stablecoin (such as USDC) to execute the trade.
Please be aware that stablecoins are not issued or guaranteed by SoFi Bank or the FDIC and may lose value. Due to this structure, funding and withdrawals are restricted to your Connected SoFi Account.
You need a SoFi Connected Account to unlock the full SoFi Crypto experience. Your Connected Account acts as your primary funding source to enable trading on the SoFi Crypto platform.
Transfers made from your SoFi Bank Checking and Savings Account are available instantly to begin trading!
With SoFi Crypto, you can trade 24/7, 365. There are no market hours for the crypto market.
Trading crypto with SoFi is straightforward. We charge a flat 1% fee on all buy and sell transactions. You may notice the price you receive includes a “spread.” This is simply the difference between the live market rate and the rate at which your order is executed. This spread protects you by locking in your price at the moment you order, ensuring valid transaction settlement.
Crypto transfer times from external wallets vary by cryptocurrency. Many are near-instant, while others may take a few hours. Factors that can impact this: the specific blockchain network utilized, network congestion, transaction fees, and more.
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Breaking Barriers: New SoFi Data Reveals the Truth About Today’s Female Entrepreneurs
A new SoFi survey reveals groundbreaking news that turns many assumptions about female entrepreneurs on their heads. Women business owners are no longer content to just “stay in their lane.” Instead, they are branching out into fields previously dominated by men, such as construction, transportation and warehouse, and tech/software and AI, according to our research.
In the Summer 2025 SoFi survey of over 1,000 women business owners across the U.S., the majority of respondents reported that they had no financial help or support network when they launched their businesses. Instead, they used their own savings to get their venture off the ground and relied on their experience and know-how.
And forget investors — many female founders are getting the job done with their own money, hard work, ingenuity, and determination.
Key Points
• 68% funded their businesses with their own personal savings. Only 18% had a business or Small Business Administration (SBA) loan; just 3% had venture capital.
• 62% of women business owners taught themselves how to manage their business finances; 42% are very confident in their financial management skills.
• 44% say their industry’s gender makeup has motivated them to prove themselves and stand out.
• 63% of respondents say personal fulfillment comes from flexibility and control, with 42% say satisfaction derives from expanding client bases and 36% from revenue growth.
Why Business Growth Equals Personal Growth
There are over 14 million female-owned businesses in the U.S., and they generate $3.3 trillion of revenue.
Most women business owners say they are very confident in their financial management skills — and those abilities are clearly paying off. However, they do worry about the broader financial situation in the U.S. The majority of SoFi survey respondents cite “current economic uncertainty” as the biggest challenge they face right now in terms of managing their business finances.
The bottom line is that despite the unpredictability of today’s economy, women have discovered that owning a business can be deeply rewarding—and that there can be unexpected opportunities in fields that may have once seemed off-limits. In fact, 30% say that entering a new industry has been the biggest professional reward they’ve gained.
Source: Based on a SoFi survey conducted on June 12-18 of 1,000 women business owners in the U.S. ages 18 and up.
Percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number, and some questions allowed for multiple answers, so some data may not add up to 100%.
Bridging the Gender Gap
As noted above, women are discovering opportunities in business spaces that were once men-only. Sixteen percent of SoFi respondents say their business is in an industry that’s male dominated, and 39% percent report that the industry they’re in is evenly divided between men and women. By comparison 38% say they’re in an industry that’s female dominated, and 7% don’t know the make-up of their industry.
For many women entrepreneurs, venturing into new territory has had a positive effect:
• 44% say the gender makeup of their industry has motivated them to prove themselves and stand out.
• 29% report that it allows them to distinguish themselves from the competition.
• 20% say they’ve been able to build stronger networks because of it.
• 26% of respondents say gender hasn’t had any impact at all.
Easier Than Expected
While breaking into a male-dominated field might sound intimidating, it was actually fairly simple, SoFi’s survey found: 61% of women business owners say it was not at all difficult — or just slightly difficult — to enter their industry.

• Not at all difficult: 37%
• Slightly difficult: 24%
• Moderately difficult: 28%
• Very difficult: 8%
• Extremely difficult: 3%
The Challenges Women Entrepreneurs Faced When Entering Their Industry
The main obstacles women business owners face had less to do with discrimination and more about building a support system, according to SoFi’s survey. Networking and finding a mentor were top challenges for 68% of respondents. Surprisingly, this was more than twice as challenging as securing funding.

• Difficulty building a network: 40%
• Lack of access to funding: 29%
• Limited mentorship or guidance: 28%
• Lack of industry knowledge or experience: 25%
• Gender bias or discrimination: 18%
How Women Overcame the Biggest Challenges to Launching Their Business
A few roadblocks didn’t slow down these female entrepreneurs, however. In fact, many women business owners found the hurdles motivating.

• I worked harder to prove myself: 51%
• I built my own network or support community: 39%
• I adapted my business model to overcome obstacles: 29%
• I pursued additional training or education: 27%
• I sought advice or mentorship from other women entrepreneurs: 22%
• I haven’t overcome them yet: 10%
Where the Money Comes From
Most women business owners in the SoFi survey dug into their own savings to launch. Only 18% secured a business loan or Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. Perhaps it’s a good thing then that many of them required less than $10,000 to set up shop.
How Women Funded the Launch of Their Business

• Personal savings: 68%
• Friends or family: 25%
• Credit cards: 24%
• Business loan (bank or private): 13%
• SBA loan or assistance: 5%
• Government grants: 4%
• Venture capital or angel investors: 3%
• Crowdfunding platforms: 3%
• Other: 7%
The Initial Funding Their Business Required

• Less than $10,000: 44%
• $10,000–$24,999: 12%
• $25,000–$49,999: 9%
• $50,000–$99,999: 9%
• $100,000 or more: 6%
• My business didn’t require any initial funding: 19%
Even though they primarily had to use their own savings or credit cards to launch, 47% of women business owners say they haven’t had any funding obstacles.
Recommended: Small Business Grants: Where to Find Funding
Financially Fluent
The overwhelming majority of women business owners report that they have good money management skills — and they’re proud to use them. Only 3% outsource this task to a professional.

When asked how confident they are in managing business finances, respondents answered:
• Very confident: 42%
• Somewhat confident: 49%
• Not very confident: 7%
• Not confident at all: 2%
Most women business owners learned financial management skills on their own: 62% say they are self-taught through experience. Others had a little help, including 15% who learned from an advisor or mentor, and 12% who took classes or workshops. Eight percent of women entrepreneurs say they are still learning.
What Keeps Them Up At Night
Just like any business owner, female founders have concerns about specific financial issues. A substantial number of them are worried about the state of the U.S. economy.
Here’s what they said when asked: What are the biggest challenges related to managing your business finances?
• Current economic uncertainty: 38%
• Setting prices or fees: 32%
• Understanding taxes or compliance: 27%
• Budgeting and expense tracking: 21%
• Forecasting revenue: 20%
• Managing cash flow: 20%
• I haven’t had major financial challenges: 19%
• Access to capital or credit: 15%
Recommended: Mompreneurs: Generational Wealth and Real-Time Struggles
Reaping the Rewards
In the SoFi survey, women business owners revealed that money was less of a motivation to start their company than personal fulfillment. Thirty percent say they were inspired by the desire for flexibility and autonomy, and 27% launched to pursue a strong vision or passion. Just 23% say they started a business to generate income after a job loss or life change.
But for most respondents, the rewards have been well worth it.
Greatest Personal Rewards of Owning a Business

• Flexibility and control over my time: 63%
• Personal growth or self-confidence: 48%
• Doing meaningful or impactful work: 38%
• Financial independence or growth: 36%
• Being able to provide for my family: 34%
• Gaining respect or recognition: 28%
• Growing savings for my family: 27%
• Creating opportunities for others: 21%
Greatest Professional Rewards of Owning a Business

• Expanding my client base or market: 42%
• Achieving revenue growth: 36%
• Successfully entering a new industry: 30%
• Launching new services or products: 21%
• Hiring a strong team: 18%
• Receiving industry recognition or awards: 16%
Best Advice for Other Aspiring Women Business Owners
When asked what they would tell other women who are starting a business, the female entrepreneurs SoFi surveyed had a lot to say. Here are some of their best tips and words of wisdom:
“Try going out on a limb to achieve your dreams. You never know what you are capable of.”
“Don’t treat your business like a hobby. Keep trying and put all your efforts into it.”
“Be strong, classy, and in control. There’s nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it.”
“Find support from other women.”
“Know the field well. I had twenty years of experience before I started my own business.”
“Learn as much as you can from someone who is in the same field or a similar one. Shadow them if you can.”
“It’s not always a direct path. Be open to changes.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
“Save up your own money, start small and grow, and don’t give up if you have a good concept.”
“Do your homework, make sure you have good business and financial skills, evaluate risk, and don’t depend on one major customer.”
“Be tenacious, do your research, and have a two-year plan, a five-year plan, and a 10-year plan.”
“Keep learning and asking questions as you go.”
“Do your research, stay the course, and make connections everywhere you go. You never know where you will find an opportunity.”
The Takeaway
Women business owners are entering traditionally male-dominated industries in growing numbers. On the whole, they are finding the challenge motivating, according to SoFi’s 2025 survey of female entrepreneurs. Female founders have learned how to stand out from the competition, built stronger networks, and pivoted to adapt their business model to better compete.
These women business owners are confident in their financial management skills, the survey found. That may be because they’ve been doing it since the start — for many of them, funding their business was a DIY operation. They mainly relied on personal savings and credit cards to get the money they needed to launch.
Funding methods other aspiring women business owners may want to pursue include grants and loans. It can be helpful to explore all financial options when putting a business plan into action. If you’re seeking financing for your business, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your business in minutes.
If you’re seeking financing for your business, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your business in minutes.
Large or small, grow your business with financing that’s a fit for you. Search business financing quotes today.
SoFi's marketplace is owned and operated by SoFi Lending Corp.
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This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
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