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When shopping for a mortgage, most people ask about the interest rates on a 15 year or a 30 year mortgage. That's because most published material focuses on these 2 options. That's too bad. One of our most popular loans is the 20 year amortized mortgage, especially when refinancing an existing loan. (We also offer 25 year loans).

Reducing your interest rate results in a lower amount of interest paid, but far greater savings result from reducing the term of your mortgage than just lowering the rate.

To refinance from a 30 year loan to a 15 year loan could produce "payment shock" for the borrower. Even though you want to lower the term and pay the house of faster, the payment on the 15 year loan is a strain on the budget. Consider the 20 year loan instead.

For example, if you have a $150,000 mortgage at 8.5% amortized for 30 years the monthly payment for principal and interest is $1,153.37. After 3 years, your mortgage balance is $146,288 approximately, assuming no prepayments and no missed payments. If you refinanced $150,000 at 6.875% for 20 years the principal and interest payment would be $1,151.72. Only a few dollars different than the current payment.

Now look at the following chart comparing principal balances on these loans. Beginning balance on the 30 year loan is $146,288 because 3 years have already been paid. Beginning balance on the 20 year loan is $150,000.

30 Year

20 Year

*Balance after 5 more years:

$137,567

$129,137

*Balance after 7 more years:

$132,903

$118,573

*Balance after 10 more years:

$124,246

$ 99,746

*Balance after 15 more years:

$103,902

$ 58,337

*Balance after 20 more years:

$ 72,829

0

By reducing the rate and term, thousands of interest dollars are saved and at the same time, equity is created more rapidly with almost the same principal and interest payment because more of the payment is applied to principal on the 20 year loan.

Let us analyze your mortgage circumstances. This may be a great alternative for you. Let's look at the numbers and find out.

*DISCLAIMER: The calculations performed on this page are mathematical estimates.
There is NO WARRANTY, expressed or implied, for the accuracy of this information or
it's applicability to your financial situation.  Please consult your own financial advisor
before making any financial decisions.

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