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Mortgage Knowledgemedium23% of exam

A borrower wants to know their exact principal balance after making payment #84 on a 30-year mortgage. Which method would provide the most accurate calculation?

Correct Answer

B) Use the amortization formula with the remaining payment count

The most accurate method is using the present value formula (amortization formula) with the number of remaining payments. This accounts for the compound nature of mortgage interest and the varying principal portions of each payment. Simply multiplying by percentages or subtracting average principal amounts doesn't account for the changing principal/interest allocation over time.

Answer Options
A
Multiply the original loan amount by the remaining term percentage
B
Use the amortization formula with the remaining payment count
C
Subtract 84 payments worth of principal from the original balance
D
Calculate using simple interest on the declining balance

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The most accurate method is using the present value formula (amortization formula) with the number of remaining payments. This accounts for the compound nature of mortgage interest and the varying principal portions of each payment. Simply multiplying by percentages or subtracting average principal amounts doesn't account for the changing principal/interest allocation over time.

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