Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Eileen Summers, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.Phone: (703) 244-3190
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Tips for Paying Your Mortgage Off Early

by Eileen Summers 09/27/2020

Image by Nattanan Kanchanaprat from Pixabay

Owning a home can be an amazing experience. But interest from your mortgage accumulates over time, leaving you to seemingly pay an arm and a leg to finance your home. But while you may think that paying off your mortgage early is a great idea, that isn’t always the case.

You May Have Other Debt

Paying off your mortgage early can save you on interest costs, but you more than likely have other debt to deal with. If you have other debts — like car loans, student loans or credit card debt — then these should be paid off first. Try to focus on your debts with higher interest rates; these tend to be associated with credit cards. After you’ve paid those debts off, then moving on to pay off your mortgage could be a good choice.

You Don’t Want to Go Broke

Paying off your mortgage may sound great and all, but you must consider all of your expenses, including possible emergencies. Saving on interest is very tempting, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your emergency fund. You never know when something serious will happen, so do your best to set aside some cash. If you have hefty savings and all of your expenses are accounted for every month, then you can move on to paying off your mortgage early.

Consider Your Future

Many people try to pay as much as they can towards their mortgage, only to find out that they used up all of their money. While they have some big expenses and big life changes that cost money, now they have to save up in order to cover those costs. That being said, it’s best to think about your future before paying more towards your mortgage. Are you planning on having kids? Thinking of going back to school? With how frequent life changes, you never know when you could use money down the road. While it might seem like a great plan to throw money at your mortgage payment, think about your life goals and how your finances fit in that equation.

It Can Be Beneficial

Although we’ve made some points above that suggest that you shouldn’t pay off your mortgage early, it can still be very beneficial to do so. Let’s say your household is doing very well with finances and money is pouring in quickly. If your other debts and finances are taken care of, then paying off your mortgage early can help you save on interest; the larger amount you pay, the more you’ll save on interest. However, this can be a tough choice. Be sure to consider the points mentioned above before paying this loan off early.

About the Author
Author

Eileen Summers

• 23 years of highly successful Real Estate Experience in Northern Virginia • Expertise in the Northern Virginia marketplace • Excellent technology skills • Enthusiastic and Professional • Top Quality Service A 30 year resident of No. Virginia and a Graduate of the REALTORS Institute, Eileen is a Lifetime Member of the L&F Founder's Club as well as a Lifetime Member of the President's and Chairman's Club, and on the L&F Gold Team. She is an NVAR Life Top Producer and a Life member of the NVAR Multi-Million Dollar Sales Club. Her excellent knowledge of the marketplace combined with experience, enthusiasm, technical knowledge, and professionalism provide clients and customers with top quality service. E-mail or phone Eileen for more information on her listings and/or for a free computerized Market Analysis of your home (Northern Virginia area homes). • 20 Years Real Estate experience in Northern Virginia • Expertise in the Northern Virginia Marketplace • Excellent all-round Technology Skills Specialities: • New Construction • Resale Residential • Specializes in Relocations