No one likes owing money. Sure, you're thrilled to get the loan when you buy a house, but to think it will be hanging over your head for the next 20 or 30 years is a bit daunting. Splitting your house payment into two installments can help you pay off the mortgage faster.
Step 1
Find out if your bank allows biweekly mortgages. Some banks do not, but a biweekly mortgage, as the name suggests, is paid every two weeks. Paying in this manner will result in your making 13 house house payments in a year rather than 12.
Step 2
Switch your payment method from monthly to biweekly. If the bank allows for flexibility as to payment dates, schedule them to coincide with your pay dates at work. Otherwise, budget to be sure the money is in the account on the two scheduled payment dates.
Step 3
Make the payments on time. Splitting the house payment gives you one more deadline date to remember. If possible, schedule automatic debits from your bank account to guard against missed payments.
References
Tips
- According to the New York Times, another way to hasten payoff is to add the equivalent of 1/12th of your mortgage payment to your regular payment every month. Tell the bank to apply the extra payment to your loan principal. At the end of the year, you will have paid an additional month.
Warnings
- Some banks charge a fee to move a mortgage account from monthly to biweekly payment status. Additional transaction fees may also be assessed. If you cannot persuade the bank to let you schedule biweekly payments without charging a fee, run the numbers to be sure the extra fees make sense for you.
- Contact the bank and/or peruse your mortgage agreement to determine whether making that 13th yearly payment will trigger early payoff fees.
Writer Bio
D. Laverne O'Neal, an Ivy League graduate, published her first article in 1997. A former theater, dance and music critic for such publications as the "Oakland Tribune" and Gannett Newspapers, she started her Web-writing career during the dot-com heyday. O'Neal also translates and edits French and Spanish. Her strongest interests are the performing arts, design, food, health, personal finance and personal growth.