Achieving Financial Freedom: Refinance to a 15 year Mortgage

Loan Term Determines Interest Savings

If you've had your home for a few years, and want to refinance a 15 year fixed rate mortgage can give you peace of mind along wit significant savings. Your loan will be fully amortized, and the interest rate will not be subject to adjustment. Your principal and interest payment (P & I) will be consistent. Here's an example of how much you can save by converting from a 30 year mortgage to a 15 year mortgage.

Let's say you've got a 30 year mortgage at 6.00%. Your original mortgage amount was $300,000. You want to refinance for the original amount to pay off lingering credit card and consumer debt, and are considering a 15 year mortgage loan. Your payments on the 15 year loan will be $2531.57, a difference of $732.92. Sure, that is a much higher payment, but depending on the amount of debt you refinance, you will have some extra cash available to meet the payments. Before you decide that the payments are too high, consider that you will save approximately $209,293 in interest compared to a 30 year loan at the same rate!

Refinancing: Part of the Big Picture

Everyone has a unique financial situation, goals, and priorities. If you're considering a mortgage refinance, it's wise to consider your entire financial situation including debts, anticipated needs, savings for college and retirement, and your present and future income. Consult your financial advisor to develop a plan that meets your needs now and in the future. Refinancing to a 15 year mortgage can be part of your overall financial plan.

Source fanniemae.com

About The Author

Karen Lawson is a freelance writer with more than fifteen years of experience in mortgage banking. She holds a Master's degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno. For more about mortgage refinance visit www.loanpage.com .