Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
One of the critical steps involved in looking for a home is the process of negotiating for a mortgage. Many people dread this process because they find out exactly how much money they are going to have to pay each month. At the same time, this is also an opportunity for people to negotiate for more favorable terms. Think about options such as waiving origination fees, reducing points, and asking for a lower interest rate. In the end, most are locked into a mortgage that will last from 15 to 30 years. As the months start to roll by, losing a large chunk of that paycheck will start to get old. Fortunately, there are ways to pay off a mortgage more quickly.
The first option is to pay more than the minimum loan payment each month (or increase the frequency of the payments). Increasing the amount of each payment will ensure that extra dollars are being applied directly to the principal. This will reduce the amount of interest paid over the life of the loan, therefore, allowing for a quicker pay off.
Another option to consider is to refinance the loan with a different lender with more favorable terms. This could all you to secure a pay off date that isn't so far into the future. This is a great idea if interest rates have dropped since the mortgage was first installed. Refinancing at a lower interest rate can help you pay off your mortgage faster but it will likely impact your monthly payments.
Finally, here is a creative approach that may work for you especially if you collect a paycheck every two weeks. Split your monthly mortgage payment in half. Send payment for that amount to your loan provider every two weeks. This approach allows you to submit one extra monthly mortgage payment each year. This added payment goes directly toward the principal and can cut years off of the life of your loan. Check with your lender they may have options like this that you can enroll in right from origination.
Kim Clark started her real estate career in 1999 and shortly thereafter obtained her Broker’s license in 2002. After working for larger, corporate offices, she realized that her business and clients needed a more personalized and flexible firm. She founded Bayside Realty Consultants in 2007 offering a space of unity, collaboration and encouragement for agents and their clients. Kim specializes in the unique Cape Cod market comprised of primary, vacation and investment properties.
She says "It is great to be a part of helping make a homeowner's dreams come true". Clients and their individual needs can make things very exciting! Kimberly's enthusiasm is contagious and it has been a real asset in her successful career. She says, "Never quit. Just do what you like and the rest just falls into place." She is certified in several real estate designations including GRI, CBR, CRS, e-Certified, and a certified trainer.
