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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6713 W Valley View Drive
Laveen, AZ 85339
$569,900
4
Beds
3
Baths
2,048
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6670796
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Highly desired Jubilee floorplan on the LARGEST LOT w/resort style backyard can now be yours! Built in 2022, this gorgeous single story offers 4 bedrooms, teen/bonus room, 3 bathrooms, spacious open floorplan, ceramic wood plank flooring, Chef's kitchen w/granite countertops, apron sink, huge island, 5 burner gas stove, W/I pantry, fan/blinds throughout, designer light fixtures & window treatments, oversized bedrooms, & epoxy flooring in garage. Then step outside to the serene mountain views & your resort style backyard featuring extended covered patio w/pavers, travertine tiling around the gorgeous pebbletec pool w/Baja shelf, water feature, & lights. You will also enjoy the mutliple paved areas for seating, turf & grassy areas, and the luscious grapefruit, lemon, lime, & orange trees. Owners have put in well over $130K in upgrades after the home was built. You cannot get a new build with this large of a lot & mountain views, completed backyard w/pool, AND all the high-end interior finishings for under $600K. This is a once in a lifetime deal, hurry before it's gone!
3422 E Powell Way
Gilbert, AZ 85298
$569,900
5
Beds
4
Baths
2,528
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6743650
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
5 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a loft*2 bedrooms are split downstairs, 1 with an attached bath*Upstairs bedrooms with Jack & Jill bath, Tech center hallway*Oversized master bedroom w/separate garden tub & shower, dual sinks, & walk in closet*Upgraded kitchen with white cabinets, Quartz countertops, pantry, & island open to the family room w/surround sound*Freshly painted interior w/neutral color*Recessed lighting, new carpet & new luxury vinyl t/o*Covered back patio, grass and mature landscaping*Excelling A+ rated schools Casteel Junior High & Casteel High School*Seville Golf & Country Club features pools, water-slides, private restaurant, tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, a state of the art gym, child care & more for a separate monthly payment*Close to fine dining, high end shopping... & easy access to 60 & 202 FWYS*
17334 E San Marcus Drive
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
$569,900
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,354
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6769056
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
WOW! Don't miss out on this gorgeous, remodeled 3 bed 2 bath home steps away from Four Peaks Park in Fountain Hills. Walking in, you will be greeted by a fully renovated kitchen & a beautiful open floor plan. Enjoy all new flooring throughout the entire home that creates a perfect flow. Additional updates include; NEW AC, NEW water softener, NEW RO water system, NEW exterior and interior paint, raised ceilings and so much more! In addition to all the interior updates, you will love spending time outside on this oversized private lot that backs to a wash giving added privacy. This backyard has new artificial turf & pavers that allow for a year-round beautiful look, that is conveniently low maintenance. Another amazing feature of the backyard is the RV gate and RV parking with NO HOA
1698 N San Gabriel Avenue
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
$569,900
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,079
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6748521
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This is it! HUGE PRICE IMPROVEMENT! NICELY REMODELED HOME WITH A POOL AND SPA and HEATED AND COOLED 1300 SQ FT WORKHOP in desirable Ranchos Carmela. This split floorplan home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bath, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, Formal Dining Room, Breakfast Nook, NEW HVAC and a beautifully updated kitchen. Featuring NEW Stainless Steel kitchen appliances, elegant Quartz countertops and Kitchen Island. Spacious outdoor entertainment area includes a solar heated pool and spa, complete with an automated pool cover and new water filter. This home also features a 10x16 storage shed, an access to a half bath from the pool and a 36x36 workshop, insulated from top to bottom and heated and cooled! Formal dining room can be easily converted into a 4th BR. FEATURES LIST ON PHOTOS
16013 W Alameda Road
Surprise, AZ 85387
$569,850
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,159
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6742996
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Owned Solar !!! Enjoy the savings with Solar Panels. Welcome to this charming home in Escalante! This Fulton floorplan has 3 spacious bedrooms, a study, 3 bathrooms, and a 3-car tandem garage! Gourmet kitchen with stunning cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless-steel built-in appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a kitchen island with a breakfast bar and beautiful pendant lights. There is a gas stub in kitchen for easy conversion to a gas cook top. The great room has surround sound and a center-open extended-length sliding glass door. The primary suite is spotless with a lavish ensuite bathroom featuring an oversized tiled shower, a dual sink vanity, and a walk-in closet. Bedrooms 2 and 3 are move-in ready with ceiling fans and blinds! The backyard is pristine with easy care landscape and a covered patio. Do not miss out on this spotless home! Escalante is a vibrant home community offering an array of top-tier amenities designed for active and leisurely lifestyles. Enjoy a massive resort-style pool with shaded areas to keep you cool, multiple lighted sport courts for evening games, and a challenging disc golf course. Enjoy the expansive playground, while residents can also indulge in table tennis, bocce ball, and a dedicated volleyball court for endless entertainment and relaxation.
4380 W Ruby Drive
Eloy, AZ 85131
$569,500
2
Beds
2
Baths
2,198
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6779440
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Highly upgraded PAVONA w/Flex Room built in 2022. SOLAR is PAID & will save you $. Gorgeous 2 bedroom, 2 bath, Den + 2.5 car garage. Kitchen features 41'' cabinets, Granite counters, Gas range, Pot filler, Butlers pantry, farm sink, Spacious walk-in pantry, Subway backsplash, under cabinet lights, the microwave that broils & air frys. Master has 2ft ext., walk-in curbless shower & granite vanities. Upgrades include Shutters, 8 foot doors throughout, Luxury flooring, whole house water system, laundry cabinets, surround sound, Advanced tech, rain gutters, wet bar in the Great room & Flex room. Step out back to the extended covered patio w/fans & can lights. The fully fenced & professionally landscaped back yard has a raised garden & gas stub. This home has over $175K in upgrades!
20442 E Rosa Road
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$569,500
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,959
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6754354
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
A definition gem on a spacious corner lot, perfectly nestled quite-nearly in the very center of the Queen Creek Marketplace itself! It's a deceptive-charmer that just keeps giving more and more as you tour it. Four bedrooms within a functional layout including a flex-space ideal for a home office, second living space/game room- or even could easily serve as a fifth/guest bedroom if ever desired! The finishes are totally up to 2024 standards with a modern-boho feel throughout stemming from the wood-look tile flooring to the generous and gorgeous kitchen. Best surprise might just be the backyard, it astounds in use of space- and all this is positioned ever-so-cosily next to a pathway to the shopping and dining just steps away! Don't miss this one.
36600 N Cave Creek Road
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
$569,500
2
Beds
2
Baths
1,558
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6765704
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Cave Creek! This beautifully designed residential condo features 2 spacious primary bedrooms, each with en-suite bath. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an open-concept living space that flows from the kitchen to the living room, perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family. Large sliding doors out to the balcony offer breathtaking views of the iconic Saguaro, allowing you to immerse yourself in the stunning desert landscape. The kitchen comes equipped with stainless steel appliances, ample cabinetry, and an inviting breakfast bar. Enjoy your meals with a view on your private patio, where you can soak in the tranquility of your surroundings. Residents of this community can take advantage of the fantastic amenities, including a sparkling, heated community pool available year round; with hiking trails literally right outside your door! Whether you are relaxing by the water or exploring the nearby hiking trails and local shops, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the serene desert lifestyle. This condo offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and location. Dont miss your chance to own a piece of paradise in Cave Creek!
1318 W Via Del Palo --
San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
$569,098
2
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,024
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6787433
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
MLS#6787433 April Completion! Located in the Ovation at Meridian community, the Powell floor plan is a beautifully designed single-story home from the Inspiration Series, offering 2,024 sq. ft. of living space with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The foyer welcomes you with a flex room on one side and a second suite with its own private bathroom on the other, conveniently positioned near a half bath. The open-concept gathering room and kitchen create a seamless flow, leading to the owner's suite tucked away in the corner for privacy. The spacious covered outdoor living area is perfect for creating your own backyard oasis. Structural options include: extended covered patio, 12ft sliding glass door, garage service door, whole house quartz, utility sink at laundry room.
2130 E Voltaire Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85022
$569,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,751
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772433
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
The Agave - A rare combination of Space, Style, Quality, and Value where Design Matters. Be inspired by the warm tones and natural textures of the desert where the Sagebrush and Adobe interior color schemes boldly echo the beauty of The Agave. Modern, Flat-Panel Kitchen Cabinetry in Matte color-ways, Solid-surface, Spa-Inspired Flat-Panel vanity cabinets in natural-wood tone finishes in Bathrooms. Standard LVT flooring installed in the entire home, Quartz Countertops and Tile shower surrounds. Standard Accent painted interior doors and jambs for a bold, effortless design touch. Ceiling fans included as well as EV prewire. The Wren showcases a generous backyard and second floor deck to bring the outside in.
2117 E Voltaire Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85032
$569,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
1,590
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6772466
Property Type
Townhouse
Price Type
--
The Agave - A rare combination of Space, Style, Quality, and Value where Design Matters. Be inspired by the warm tones and natural textures of the desert where the Sagebrush and Adobe interior color schemes boldly echo the beauty of The Agave. Modern, Flat-Panel Kitchen Cabinetry in Matte color-ways, Solid-surface, Spa-Inspired Flat-Panel vanity cabinets in natural-wood tone finishes in Bathrooms. Standard LVT flooring installed in the entire home, Quartz Countertops, and Tile shower surrounds. Standard Accent painted interior doors and jambs for a bold, effortless design touch. Ceiling fans included as well as EV prewire. This premium end location Quail Plan showcases an enclosed front patio, oversized 2 car garage, bonus loft space and second floor deck.
22807 E Stacey Road
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
$569,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,956
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6758518
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This open concept layout offers 3 bedrooms, private study, 2 baths, ample storage with a spacious utility room and two car garage. Enjoy sought after selections hand-picked by our expert designers; 12-foot slider leading you to the extended covered patio, signature ''super shower'' with upgraded tile to the ceiling in owners retreat, gourmet kitchen, stainless steel appliances with built in gas range, two tone shaker cabinets complimented by quartz countertops, and stunning kitchen backsplash. This beautiful home is situated on a desirable South Back home site. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; NEW HOME WARRANTY.