[wahern]

>> Also, “don’t worry, just look at the monthly payment” is something that should only ever be said by a car salesman.

> On a 30 year fixed mortgage what else matters?

I think the general criticism regarding monthly payments is more targeted at products like interest-only mortgages, which were hot in the early oughts. Those aren't as common these days. Maybe some people have 10/1 ARMs and similar in mind, but that's a stretch. (Anyhow, today the spreads between ARMs and 30-year are ridiculously small.)