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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15963 W Montana De Oro Drive
Surprise, AZ 85387
$582,436
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,229
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6721719
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
New home ready for immediate occupancy! This single level 2229 SF single level 3 BR, plus den 3. BA home is located on a north south facing home site. Surrounded by single level homes, no 2 stories. Exciting included features include upgraded cabinets, upgraded Quartz tops, tile Kitchen backsplash, plank tile on the floors, 10' ceilings, 8' interior doors, 3 car garage, gourmet kitchen, garage service door, tank less water heater, landscape credit, and so much more. Neighborhood also includes, tree lined streets, Certified Energy Star and Indoor Air Plus for more energy savings.
4198 N Spyglass Drive
Florence, AZ 85132
$582,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,989
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6701840
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Come and see this beautifully upgraded home with Stunning views on the 1st fairway of the Poston Butte Golf course in Sun City Anthem. This home has SOLAR for low energy bills Enjoy two large bedrooms, two baths and a large den complete with French doors. Hunter Douglas window treatments and ceiling fans in all rooms. Enjoy a gorgeous chefs kitchen with gas range, upgraded cabinets and granite countertops. The master bath has an oversized walk-in shower with stunning custom tile, beautiful tile flooring in all main living spaces with upgraded carpet in bedrooms. A gorgeous outdoor travertine patio gives you a spectacular golf course view, complete with lovely desert inspired landscaping, garden lighting and motorized sunshades! Enjoy the beautiful view and AZ weather all year round. There is a Golf Cart garage, complete with storage area, shelving and wall slat hanging storage system with upgraded additional LED lighting. There is also a whole house RO system and water softener, and tankless gas hot water heater. This home has a freshly painted exterior as well! Located in a wonderful community with numerous amenities, there will never be a lack of activities to participate in! Golf, Pickle Ball, tennis, biking, fitness center, pools and spas, bocce ball, clubhouse and restaurant are all just steps away! Come for a visit and stay for a lifetime! See you soon!
6073 W Caribe Lane
Glendale, AZ 85306
$582,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,996
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6713341
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Gorgeous family home with 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, no HOA, pool, and an RV gate. Currently used a short term rental and can be purchased fully furnished. Home has open layout and was completely remodeled in 2022.. Great location in Glendale family neighborhood.
12015 W Parkway Lane
Avondale, AZ 85323
$581,995
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,480
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6742829
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover this ranch-style Townsend home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered front porch; a relaxing great room with center-meet patio doors; a gourmet kitchen boasting 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a generous center island and a walk-in pantry; a charming nook; a luxurious primary suite showcasing additional windows, a spacious walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; three secondary bedrooms, including on with an attached bath; a shared hall bath; a beautiful study; a central laundry and an inviting covered patio. This home also offers dramatic 10' ceilings, wood laminate and 9 x 35 stone tile flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the driveway and walkway. Tour today!
1275 W Via Del Palo --
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
$581,566
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,149
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6785722
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MLS#6785722 April 2025 Completion! Welcome to the Sunrise in Ovation at Meridian! As you step into the foyer, you'll find a flexible space and a full bathroom to the left, and a secondary bedroom with its own full bathroom to the right. Continue into the casual dining area, which flows seamlessly into the gathering room and kitchen, all with views of the outdoor patio. At the back of the home, the spacious primary suite offers a private retreat, complete with an en-suite bathroom and a large walk-in closet. Structural options added include; 8' interior doors, 12' sliding glass door, soft water loop, and garage service door.
15680 W Mercer Lane
Surprise, AZ 85379
$581,027
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,492
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760233
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Brand new home completed this November! This home is a wonderful 3-bedroom with a Den or Flex Room. The amazing kitchen / great room is open and has an oversized island. This beautiful home is under construction & backs to an open space with no direct back neighbors. There is wood plank tile throughout except for the bedrooms. Gourmet kitchen with designer hood, gas cooktop, built in oven / Microwave. & upgraded Painted Linen Cabinets, honed granite countertops, and a custom backsplash. Owner's suite has a tiled shower & Honed Granite counters & undermount sinks. Don't miss the unbelievable owner's closet. The flex room is built in so that it could easily be used as a den / playroom or home office. HOME WILL BE COMPLETE IN November. SELLER IS OFFERING RATE BUYDOWNS!
4230 W Palace Station Road
New River, AZ 85087
$581,000
4
Beds
2
Baths
1,799
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6747349
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Don't miss this one! Stunning single story Barbaro model home on a premium corner lot in sought after Circle Mountain Ranch! 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and just under 1800 SF. Split floor plan with a bright and open concept main living space. The kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, gas range and opens to the spacious great room with tile flooring, ceiling fan, recessed lighting, multiple windows and neutral tones. Primary retreat with double door entry, ceiling fan, carpet, walk in closet, en suite bath w/ dual sinks. Low maintenance landscape, block wall, extended paver patio & cover and turf! Additionally, this home is equipped with smart home technology. Enjoy all of the wonderful amenities Anthem has to offer - walking/hiking paths, parks, shopping, dining, golf & more all with EZ freeway access.
17580 W Running Deer Trail
Surprise, AZ 85387
$580,995
4
Beds
3.5
Baths
2,840
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6699992
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Explore this impressive Darius home, ready for an August move-in. Included features: an inviting covered entry; a spacious great room; a quiet study; an open dining area; a gourmet kitchen offering a double oven, quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a center island and a pantry; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks and cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a large living room; a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also offers additional windows, ceiling fan prewiring and stone tile flooring in select rooms as well as airy 10' ceilings throughout.
16408 W Creedance Boulevard
Surprise, AZ 85387
$580,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,500
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6647548
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This gorgeous ranch-style Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room, a breakfast nook and a large kitchen with multi-slide doors for fabulous natural light. Home includes a Master bedroom with generous closet, Deluxe bath with shower and tub. 2 more bedrooms, and a spacious den complete this home. Boasting Quartz kitchen countertops, 42'' cabinets and 6x35 Tile throughout, carpet only in bedrooms. A MUST SEE!
12012 W Parkway Lane
Avondale, AZ 85323
$580,995
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,480
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6741797
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Explore this must-see Alden home, ready for quick move-in! Included features: a covered entry; a gourmet kitchen showcasing 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a center island and a roomy walk-in pantry; an open dining nook with center-meet patio doors; an inviting great room; a thoughtfully designed primary suite offering an oversized walk-in closet and a private bath with double sinks; three secondary bedrooms; two additional baths; a convenient laundry and a tranquil covered patio. This home also boasts impressive 10' ceilings, 9'' x 35'' stone tile flooring, cultured marble bath countertops, extra windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms, front yard landscaping and concrete pavers at the walkway and driveway.
9911 S Caballo Drive
Apache Junction, AZ 85120
$580,990
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,444
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6782867
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This expansive 2,444 square-foot single-level home offers the perfect combination of space and comfort. With 5 bedrooms/3 full bathrooms, this residence is ideal for large gatherings for those who love to entertain. The home's open-concept design creates a seamless flow between the main living areas. The kitchen is a highlight, featuring modern appliances with a gas stove, ample cabinetry, a large center island, and a breakfast bar. Adjacent to the kitchen is a spacious dining area that comfortably accommodates family meals and gatherings. The living room is designed for relaxation and socializing, with plenty of natural light streaming through large windows. 3 car garage & HUGE yard! tankless water heater!
13138 N 173rd Lane
Surprise, AZ 85388
$580,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,745
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6760540
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This home combines modern luxury with everyday convenience, making it the perfect place to make your own. Located in a newly developed and highly sought-after neighborhood, this brand-new construction (2023) boasts both luxury and convenience. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bonus flex spaces, great room, chef's kitchen, and a large interior courtyard, this home offers the perfect blend of style and functionality for today's modern lifestyle. Chef's Kitchen: The heart of the home, featuring gourmet appliance package including double wall oven, gas cooktop, and drawer microwave, chic white cabinets with 42'' uppers, decorative tile backsplash, and an expansive island - ideal for culinary enthusiasts or entertaining. Large Great Room: Open and airy with plenty of natural light, perfect for family gatherings or relaxing after a long day. The 12' center-slide glass door provides direct access to the patio. Eat-In Kitchen: Spacious for hosting dinner parties, holiday feasts and gathering for family meals. Owner's Ensuite: Nestled at the back of the house and split from the other 3 bedrooms, your private retreat with a spa-like bathroom, oversized walk-in shower, double vanities, and a generous walk-in closet. 3 Additional Bedrooms: Spacious and thoughtfully designed with ample closet space. 2 Bonus Flex Spaces: Versatile areas that can be used as home offices, playrooms, or workout spaces. Large Interior Courtyard: A serene outdoor space for al fresco dining, lounging, or gardening. Across the Street from a Beautiful Park: Enjoy walking, playing, or relaxing in the lush greenery right outside your door. Minutes from Costco and Other Shopping and Dining: Convenience at your fingertips with easy access to a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Don't miss your chance to own this gem in one of the most desirable new neighborhoods!