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Your Answer To Mortgage Debts

2010 October 23
by Kevin Buckley

Because many people can’t pay $200,000 for a dream house at the suburbs, it’s quite likely that they choose to enroll in a mortgage plan. Although it may seem like a good idea, without enough planning, a mortgage may prove disastrous on your financial situation in the long run.

If you love to count in your spare time, you may find that most mortgages actually cost you twice than the actual house value, due to the interest and fees. For example, if you were to purchase a $300,000 home with a $240,000 mortgage (eighty percent), and you are subjected to an interest rate of 9% for thirty years, you may need to pay more than $450,000 just in interest plus the $240,000 principal. That’s more than twice the cost of your home! Though the monthly payment may seem somewhat manageable for you, you should consider how many years are required to pay off the mortgage and you will find that your house is a little too expensive for your taste. Of course, you may consider it worthwhile, if you need 30 years to pay off your house, but it won’t hurt to try to take some active steps in making your position better.

One common advice to quickly pay off the mortgage is by over-paying the monthly payments; the extra payment will go toward the principal and will accelerate your progress. If you can consistently, pay higher than the required amount, it is quite possible to cut the term in half or more depending on your situation and with the above example, you may save $225,000! However, the basic strategy is always the same, prioritize your basic needs and debt payments over inessential expenses; so before taking a mortgage, simulate it in your budget whether it is manageable enough.

Some families may desire a second house in a better location where they can stay during a vacation. However, getting a second mortgage is often a poor decision and you should put a serious thought when planning it. In most cases, it would be better to allocate your extra money on paying the principal of the first mortgage instead of getting a new one. The prospect of foreclosure is something that many people are dealing with today. If you’re concerned about your current mortgage situation, constantly try to eliminate it from your life

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