Most homeowners look at their monthly mortgage payment as their largest cost per month, and something they must do to maintain a good credit history. However, you may have heard of bi-weekly mortgage payments and their ability to lower your debt load and help you pay off your mortgage more quickly. If you’re wondering if bi-weekly payments are too good to be true, here’s some information worth consideration.
What Difference Does Bi-Weekly Make?
Making a bi-weekly mortgage payment may seem to mean that your interest will be automatically reduced, but because the lender is not necessarily receiving that payment until the end of the month, this is not necessarily the case. However, while a typical monthly payment will equate to 12 mortgage payments per year, a bi-weekly payment means 26 half payments will be made each year, which equates to 13 months of payments and an additional month. As a result, this can reduce the amount of interest paid on the principal.
Consider More On A Monthly Basis
Bi-weekly payments have the ability to shave a bit off the principal and thereby lower overall interest, but that doesn’t mean you have to switch to paying every two weeks. Instead of bi-weekly, consider dividing your monthly mortgage amount by 12 and adding that amount to your monthly payment. This will bump up your mortgage cost per month, but it will also reduce the total amount you owe. For example, if your mortgage payment is $1200 per month, divide it by 12 to get $100, and add this to your payment, bumping it up to $1300 each month.
Be Aware Of The Options That Work For You
In the event that you decide to make bi-weekly payments, be aware that there may actually be additional fees associated with this offering that will nullify your money savings. As a homeowner, it’s important to stay aware of changes on the market and new mortgage offerings that can benefit you. However, it’s also important to ensure that whatever you choose, you’re aware of the risks involved so they can make for a positive financial shift.
Making a bi-weekly payment on your mortgage may have the benefit of lowering your overall home cost, but you may be able to get this benefit from simply bumping up your monthly payment.
For more tips on reducing your mortgage debt, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.
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2863 N Boldt Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
$1,375,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,993
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6780659
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to a stunning custom home located in Linwood Heights. Situated on over an acre, this property provides both privacy and tranquility. Wake up each morning to breathtaking San Francisco Peak views from the primary suite, complete with a cozy fireplace, wet bar, and private sitting area—a true retreat within the home. The primary bath has a soaking tub and separate shower for ultimate relaxation. With an open, airy layout, and multiple deck access points, this home offers a blend of sophistication and comfort. The kitchen has granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and beautiful custom cabinetry. 3 car garage! As a Linwood Heights homeowner, you'll have exclusive access to the 180-acre Jesse Gregg Park and its amenities. Just minutes to AZ Snowbowl, and Downtown!
2796 E Valencia Street
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$1,375,000
6
Beds
4
Baths
4,774
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748047
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Remodeled BASEMENT BUNGALOW in AGRITOPIA, WITH POOL! These homes don't come along very often! Ranch single story Plan 3 with full basement. Private entry porch with side yard driveway parking. Main floor features handscaped Hickory eng. flooring leading from front living room to dining room and CUSTOM kitchen adjacent to GREAT ROOM w/ Gas Fireplace. Main floor primary bedroom with large bath and OFFICE/NURSERY hidden nicely within the suite. Split on its own hallway, 2 more large main floor bedrooms and full bath. Wood flooring leads down the stairs into a LARGE GAME ROOM/ Home Theater with kitchenette and full size fridge. 3 additional large bedrooms and 2 baths downstairs, and large storage room / gym give numerous arrangements. Outside, your comfortable entertaining oasis awaits... Large Pool with Spa, Firewall and Firepit, beneath a spacious backporch. Plenty of room opposite pool for backyard games. This home just a few blocks from the large park and dog park, and just a few steps to the Agritopia U-pick orchard and Coffee Shop / Restaurants. This is your chance to get in to the neighborhood COMING SOON - preview opportunities available before market.
3116 N 47th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85018
$1,375,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,008
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6703562
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Tucked away on one of the largest lots, 10,800 sq ft, in El Coronado Estates lies this charming quintessential 3000+ Arcadia Ranch built by modern builders and remodeled by well-known local contractor Don Matteson. The Gourmet Kitchen has a commercial grade gas stove top, luxurious custom cabinets and oversized island which opens to cozy family room & dining room designed to look like her previous Calle Del Norte house. It is Perfect for entertaining & family gatherings. There are 4 spacious beds, 3.5baths, laundry room & storage one only dreams about. Imagine having coffee or a glass of wine on one of the many patios in the enchanting lushly landscaped grounds with arbors & English gardens. Top rated Arcadia Schools. This amazing neighborhood with cul de sac lots has a community pool!
2974 E Camellia Drive
Gilbert, AZ 85296
$1,375,000
9
Beds
5.5
Baths
5,979
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6700965
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Price reduction is lower than recent appraisal - get instant equity! This one of a kind home features 7 bedrooms/5.5 baths/basement PLUS a 2 bedroom casita. Open floor plan boasts a spacious living area perfect for entertaining guests & enjoying family time. Entertain in style w multiple living areas, including a formal dining, wet bar, cozy living room w gas fireplace. Primary bath has steam shower, sep tub w jets & large w/in closet. Backyard boast synthetic grass for easy upkeep. The whole family can enjoy your private pool/spa and large covered patio. Basement has plenty of space to convert into a theatre. Agritopia is known for its tree-lined streets, community gardens, and friendly atmosphere. Residents enjoy nearby amenities such as parks, restaurants & shopping.Just off the 202 fw Welcome to this charming home in the highly sought after Agritopia! Charming community has many family oriented event happening monthly. This is a rare find with the 2 bedroom guest house. 9 bedrooms total plus an office with builtin bookshelves. Walking distance to Gilbert Christian School. Rent out the 2 bedroom casita for $1850 - $2300 a month to subsidize the mortgage payments. The casita is 860 st ft, with W/D, full kitchen and a back yard which is gated. New carpet & paint in the home and guest house. Back yard is designed for low maintenance care. Close to the Freeway for easy access to anywhere is the valley.
7740 E Rose Lane
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
$1,375,000
4
Beds
4
Baths
2,178
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6743935
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Supreme location. Custom designed home. Fully remodeled. Elegant and elevated. A very rare find and the definition of luxury. No HOA. 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths. Brand new kitchen, Delta Terra quartz countertops, high end appliances, large custom hood. Soaring high ceilings. Smooth texture walls throughout. Large master bed and bath. Double laundry with one conveniently inside the master closet. New AC. Complete, resort style front and back yard. Smooth stucco exterior. Pristine large pool with tanning ledge, Baja shelf. A resort sanctuary of outdoor living. This is one unicorn of a home. Imagine yourself here!
17775 E Veit Springs Drive
Rio Verde, AZ 85263
$1,375,000
3
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,681
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760283
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Absolutely stunning newly built SHEA HOMES property with endless on-trend features located in the 55+ gated Trilogy at Verde River community. This massive 9567 sqft golf course lot has breathtaking mountain views of Four Peaks and no rear neighbor for optimal privacy. As you approach you are greeted by a relaxing private courtyard with a charming stacked stone fireplace. The chef's kitchen has a formal eat-in area and boasts custom cabinetry, stainless appliances, granite counters, large island with breakfast bar, backsplash, wine fridge, R/O system, and a gas cooktop with hood. Relax in the spacious great room with oversized sliding doors to create the perfect indoor/outdoor space for entertaining. The luxurious master suite has a private patio slider, large walk-in closet, and a full bathroom with dual sinks and a walk-in shower with glass enclosure. Other features include Smart Home technology, gas water heater, home office den, owned water softener, laundry space with built-in desk, 3 car garage, and an underground 250 gal propane tank. Utilize the separate guest casita as the perfect spot for hosting family or friends. The resort style backyard has a sparkling heated pool and spa, wrought iron view fence, faux grass lawn, raised fire pit seating area, and a large covered patio with a custom heater, privacy screen, mounted TV, and a full BBQ kitchen area. Don't miss out on this perfect property that has everything today's market seeks!
7055 E Brilliant Sky Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
$1,375,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
1,687
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6748816
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This gorgeous Novus plan has been completely transformed by the talented crew at Scottsdale Investment Props. All new everything from the cabinets to the floors & counters this split plan great room home has high flat ceilings w/large pocket door for indoor/outdoor living AND detached casita. Located on a south facing lot backing open space & a quick walk to the club makes this an ideal location far from any busy streets. Finishes are top notch including engineered hardwood & tile floors, raised panel 42'' cabinets w/hardware, satin plumbing fixtures, quartz counters, custom gas fireplace w/large format tile surrounds, ceiling fans, LED lighting throughout, ss appliances, etc. Back yard features covered patio, fire pit, b-in bbq, & tiled decking w/low maintenance landscaping.
900 E Peach Tree Place
Chandler, AZ 85249
$1,375,000
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,754
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6725095
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Nestled in the small, exclusive gated community of Mission Estates, this exquisite home is the perfect setting for both indoor and outdoor living and entertaining. Entering thru the private courtyard into the home, you are greeted with an impressive wall to wall slider providing a view of the newly renovated backyard, exhibiting an abundance of natural lighting. The lofty 12 foot ceilings amplify the sense of space and luxury showcasing the natural wood flooring and custom designed wainscoting all adding to the feel of luxury living. The heavily upgraded chef's kitchen includes a large island, custom cutout for ample stainless steel fridge and freezer, double ovens, farmhouse sink, sizable walk in pantry and spacious butler's kitchen. The primary suite features an elegant chandelier, separate his and her closets customized by California Closets for floor-to-ceiling organization and an oversized luxe bathroom with a private expansive shower. This home has 4 bedrooms, including a built in Murphy's bed and storage in guest room and an intimate gym with newly padded flooring. Additional game room has plenty of flexibility to customize the space to suit your needs, whether it be a cozy media room, craft room, playroom for the kids or a private retreat for guests. Substantial 3 car garage encompasses additional overhead storage. The private outdoor retreat embraces an impressive backyard with a built in BBQ, fire pit, half court sports area, expansive turf play area & multiple seating spaces creating an ideal environment for both everyday living and entertaining guests. This premium north/south facing home on a large (nearly 1/3 acre) lot allows for both privacy and tranquility offering the perfect backyard brimming with family appeal and balance of location & Arizona lifestyle.
14810 E Valley Vista Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$1,375,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,742
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6783943
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New Build from the Ground Up! This single-story new build home will be starting construction in Summer 2024 and be completed for move in Fall 2025. This open floorplan showcases the protected easement behind the home with 8' windows and 12' ceilings. Amazing canyon views! Select your finishes and build your dream home now.
2190 E Nolan Place
Chandler, AZ 85249
$1,371,587
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
3,610
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6755382
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Quick Move-in Ready Home! McKinley Glenn is an intimate gated enclave of luxury single-level homes offering modern home designs by Cachet Homes. This Aspire Plan 1 is situated on a North/South lot and features 3,610 SF, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a 4-car garage, den, and an open-concept kitchen with two large islands and quartz countertops. Additional upgrades include desert front yard landscaping, Shaker Maple painted and stained cabinets, luxury vinyl plank wood look floors, and more!
20478 E Marsh Road
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$1,370,995
5
Beds
4.5
Baths
4,004
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6766178
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Spectacular open floor plan with attached casita! An oversized pantry and expansive kitchen island create an entertainer's paradise! The soaring ceilings in the kitchen and great room are open and airy, taking you right out to your generous back yard through stacking multi-slide doors! This large North-South home site is perfect to capture the coveted Arizona indoor/outdoor lifestyle!
915 W Ardmore Road Unit 11
Phoenix, AZ 85041
$1,370,000
4
Beds
4
Baths
2,870
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6783771
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
The model most aligned to the traditional farmhouse, the Joplin offers a uniquely intimate space that divides naturally into two wings. Three garage bays Formal front porch 3-5 Bedrooms Gen suite option available Master backyard available Large attic available