eXp Realty LLC

What is a mortgage constant & how is it calculated

by Abbey Napodano 10/07/2024

What is a mortgage constant  featured image

If you intend to apply for a commercial real estate loan, a great term to know is mortgage constant. A mortgage constant is the percentage you pay annually in comparison to the total loan amount. 

How to calculate the mortgage constant?

To calculate this amount, you'd add the monthly payments for a single year and divide the remaining by the total amount of the mortgage loan. For example, you may have a $500,000 mortgage and pay $2,000 a month at a 4 percent interest rate. 

  • $2,000 x 12 = $24,000
  • Mortgage constant: 4.8 percent = ($24,000 / $500,000)

Mortgage constant versus capitalization rate

The cap rate (capitalization rate) is used to determine the ratio of the net operating income (NOI) in comparison to the original purchase price, which can demonstrate the rate of return.

If the constant rate is higher than the cap rate, this indicates there may be a negative return on investment, but if the cap rate is higher, there will be a positive return on investment. 

Benefits & risks of using the mortgage constant

The benefit of using the mortgage constant is it provides a quick way to assess the value of a property you plan to invest in and how profitable it can be. 

On the downside, using a mortgage constant only provides a fixed viewpoint of the investment without taking into consideration when interest payments are made. For this reason, it’s best to use the mortgage constant as one of many ways to examine the potential of an investment. 

If you’re interested in finding out a mortgage constant for a property, there are free tools found online which can help you make the calculations on your investment journey. 



About the Author
Author

Abbey Napodano

Hello, I'm Abbey, a lifelong resident of the growing Charlotte area! My joy stems from sharing this wonderful region with my young son and being an integral part of the community.

With a degree in Psychology from UNC Charlotte, I've seamlessly applied my academic knowledge to my fulfilling Real Estate career. My foundation in psychology has enabled me to understand the unique needs and preferences of my clients, fostering strong, lasting relationships in the process.

My journey in real estate has been shaped by unwavering integrity, diligent work ethic, and the meaningful connections I've forged with the incredible individuals who share the privilege of calling the Carolinas their home.

As a resident of Tega Cay, SC, my family and I delight in an active lifestyle, enjoying things like pickleball, yoga, lakeside adventures, and the Tega Cay outdoor concerts. Embracing the heart of this community, I am inspired to assist you in finding your dream home and loving where you live.

Let's embark on this exciting journey together, creating cherished memories and finding the perfect place you'll be thrilled to call home.