What does PITI stand for in real estate?

PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance, which are the four key components that make up a typical mortgage payment. When a borrower finances a home, their monthly payment often includes the principal amount that reduces the outstanding loan balance, the interest charged by the lender, property taxes that are usually collected by the lender to pay them on behalf of the borrower, and homeowner's insurance which protects the property from various risks.

Understanding PITI is essential for prospective homeowners because it provides a comprehensive view of their monthly financial obligation beyond just repaying the loan. It helps in budgeting and planning for overall affordability when purchasing a home, ensuring that all necessary costs associated with homeownership are considered.

The other options mention combinations of terms that do not fully capture the components related to mortgage payments, making them less relevant or inaccurate in the context of standard real estate practices.