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If the thought of getting a mortgage and being in that much debt is stopping you from buying a home, plan to pay it off. Here’s how you can do it in just five to 10 years.
- Live well below your means. If you can keep your mortgage payment to below twenty percent of your take-home pay, you’re on your way. That means that instead of buying a larger house in an upscale community, buy the nicest one you can in the neighborhood you can afford. When you do this, you’ll not only save on the payment but your energy and maintenance costs will be lower, as well.
- Take a 15-year mortgage. Instead of the typical 30-year loan, opt for the 15-year choice. Your payments will be slightly higher, but they won’t be double. Use an online mortgage calculator to see the difference in the payment. You’ll be surprised at how much more affordable cutting the loan length in half can be.
- Use an early mortgage pay-off calculator. Try plugging in different payment amounts to see how quickly you can pay it off. Adding as little as $100 extra each month can massively reduce the years to completion.
- This next idea is easy if you get paid weekly or bi-weekly. Instead of making your mortgage payment once a month, pay half of it every two weeks. Using this trick allows you to make an entire extra payment each year, cutting months and years off your mortgage. If you do it to match your bi-weekly payments, you won’t even notice the additional payment out of your household budget.
Your Agent Can Help
When you’re looking for just the right house to put your plan into action, your knowledgeable real estate agent can find you the perfect one. Let them know what you’re trying to accomplish so that they match you to the right house at the right time.
About the Author
Richard Powers
Born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, Richard has been a successful Real Estate Agent, specializing in the Greater Lynn area for 28 years. He was awarded the prestigious Centurion Award for 19 years in honor of his outstanding number of listings and sales and was the recipient of numerous Diamond Awards for exceptional sales and service.
In his spare time, Rich enjoys golfing, hiking with his dogs and practicing Karate, in which he holds a second-degree black belt. He also enjoys volunteering for various animal rescue groups with his wife of 33 years and is especially dedicated to supporting Faithful Companions, a local non-profit group that helps families in need receive life saving veterinary treatment for their cherished pets.
The next time you need an experienced Real Estate Agent, be sure to give Rich a call. His professionalism and knowledge of the Real Estate Industry are unrivaled.
