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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1121 E Jahns Drive
Casa Grande, AZ 85122
$549,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,942
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6736963
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Completely updated home with a built in pool and spa and 3 car garage! This spacious home has all new flooring, fresh paint and updated kitchen. Vaulted ceilings for a nice open feel. The kitchen features granite counters, gas stove and a beautiful tile backsplash. Gas fireplace. Both front and back yard are tastefully landscaped with mature plants and turf grass for easy maintenance. Cool off in the beautiful pebble tec pool with water features and a built in spa.
25226 N 131st Drive
Peoria, AZ 85383
$549,000
3
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,254
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6738818
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to The Views at Rancho Cabrillo! This is a new build home by Scott Communities. This one is the 4412 plan with 3 bedrooms plus den and 2.5 bathrooms. Includes gourmet kitchen featuring double ovens, microwave drawer, and gas cooktop. Beautiful white shaker cabinets and white quartz countertops. Great room layout with an eat-in kitchen. Large covered patio. Come out and see this home and beautiful north Peoria community!
2533 E Vista Bonita Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85024
$549,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,460
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6752128
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Great Family home in perfect central location with ease of access to the whole valley. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is well cared for and has very nice upgrades done to the kitchen and bathrooms. Home has an RO water system, water softener, industrial shelving in garage and custom automated window coverings. Vaulted ceilings create a spacious environment for your living room and master bedroom. Beautiful flooring throughout with tile and new wood floors. New AC in 2017. New floors in 2021. Natural grass backyard with paver walkways and mature trees creates a nice relaxing area to enjoy. 3 miles to Desert Ridge Marketplace. 2 miles to Costco. Come take a look at this gem before it is gone!
1904 S Dexter --
Mesa, AZ 85209
$549,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,233
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6752553
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
NEW ROOF SEPT 2024! Amazing floor plan with great flow, 3 huge bedrooms plus over-sized den can easily convert and 2 full baths. Immense primary suite and all secondary bedrooms and den are much larger than the norm. No carpet in the home. Washer/Dryer &Refrigerator convey. Storage galore, neutral interior walls, and large lot with producing Citrus trees. Access to the Community Pool and Tennis Courts is exclusive to Sierra Ranch II residents. Home has been lightly updated and is priced to reflect. New Exterior Paint 2021, Patio Resealed 2021, Carrier R410a Refrigerant HVAC regularly maintained, Newer Water Heater and Soft Water System. Well Maintained Home in a highly desirable community with easy access to the 202 and US 60. Great schools and plenty of shopping just around the corner.
11165 E Segura Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85212
$549,000
5
Beds
3
Baths
2,566
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6753677
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Beautiful 2 story home in the desirable community of Bella Via in Mesa with 2566 Square Feet of living space. Huge backyard to entertain family and friends. Stylish granite counter tops in kitchen with massive pantry, tile flooring, new paint in the interior of the home and new carpet upstairs in all the rooms. This amazing floor plan features 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. Located in Southeast Mesa Tech Corridor with major growth development. Community has multiple parks and nearby amphitheater! Close to shopping, restaurants and freeways.
2517 E Highland Street
Mesa, AZ 85213
$549,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,872
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6756519
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
No HOA Neighborhood. Convenient Mesa Location. This home has been Updated/Upgraded. New ROOF. POOL! New Carpet in the bedrooms. Home Features 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms & a Den! Kitchen and bathrooms have been updated. Main Bath has a door leading out to the backyard. The large Eat In Kitchen has Granite Counter Tops and plenty of cabinets. Family Room right off the kitchen which leads out to the covered patio and POOL. Formal Living room. Separate Laundry Room. Backyard has an RV gate and pad to park toys. Two car garage. Seller is offering $5000 in concessions. Walking Distance to schools. Close to the 202, 60 and 101. Close to Sky Harbor, ASU, Golf, Hiking, Tempe Marketplace, Mesa Riverview, dining, shopping, Cubs spring training. Must See Today.
2171 S Portland Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85295
$549,000
5
Beds
2
Baths
2,146
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6761929
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Discover your dream home with the ideal combination of space, convenience, and community! This stunning single-story gem, perfectly situated on a corner lot, offers both privacy and prime location. With quick highway access, your daily commute or weekend adventures are a breeze. You'll love being just steps away from a beautiful park and the refreshing community pool—ideal for family gatherings or a peaceful escape. Featuring 5 generously sized bedrooms, there's room for everyone to spread out and enjoy. Plus, the roof is less than a year old, providing long-term peace of mind. Located in a highly desirable neighborhood, this home has everything you're looking for. Make it yours today! 🏡✨
334 W Aspen Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85233
$549,000
3
Beds
3
Baths
2,817
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6762031
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Embrace the full experience of the Southwest with this gorgeous custom home in Gilbert. Located on a convenient cul-de-sac, it is within walking distance of the trendy downtown Gilbert area. You'll love being in this non-HOA neighborhood. The Spanish Mediterranean style begins in the front yard with the adobe half walls, and the curved tile path leads to the charming blue door. The foyer is flooded with natural light from the skylight above, and the first view is out the tall glass windows to the pool beyond. Colorful Saltillo and blue tiles are throughout the entire home, with the exception of two carpeted bedrooms. Vaulted ceilings, tall windows and arches add loads of character to this house. A window seat is in the Great Room, and is flanked by built in lighted
2440 E Fairmount Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85016
$549,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
2,054
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6768328
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
Welcome to this unique home with tons of charm and character in the highly desirable area of Earl Heights. This urban oasis provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy lush vegetation, Koi Pond, custom rockwork and NO HOA. The large 450 sq. ft. studio space can be utilized for a workshop, office or easily converted into an income-generating guest house. Inside awaits an open concept kitchen, living and dining area. The original cement floor adds interest. The kitchen contains modern amenities that will make cooking and entertaining a joy. The large primary bedroom and en suite include a separate large, jetted tub, shower and large walk-in closet. French doors lead out to the serene backyard. Darling screened in front patio adds additional living space to the home. There is plenty of parking and storage. Come and view this gem of a property. It will not last long.
2791 S Sailors Way
Gilbert, AZ 85295
$549,000
4
Beds
2.5
Baths
2,314
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6762368
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
This gorgeous upgraded home has 4bd, 2.5bath's and offers an amazing split floorplan with the master suite, guest bath, laundry, living and dinning rooms on the lower level. Upstairs is 3 bedrooms and 1 bath plus large loft/game room area. The renovations include upgraded bathrooms, kitchen, ceramic plank tile floor, carpet, fixtures throughout, window coverings, sunscreens, interior / exterior paint, garage storage, epoxy flooring, AC units and whole house water filtration system. The backyard has an extended paver deck leading to a firepit and grass area. The home is in a great location no neighbors on 3 sides, next to a green belt and close to the community center with park, playground, tennis/pickleball and basketball courts . Close to San Tan village for dinning and entertainment. The sellers are related to the listing agent.
20238 N Canyon Whisper Drive
Surprise, AZ 85387
$549,000
3
Beds
2
Baths
1,950
SqFt
Status
Active Under Contract
MLS #
6777755
Property Type
Single Family Residence
Price Type
--
If you want peace and quiet this is the home for you! Desired and Top Selling Borgata Model with NO neighbors in Front or Back! Sunny breakfast bay nook overlooks park like setting across the street adding to the overall appeal of this home. Large attractive front courtyard. 1950 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, split plan. Great room style home! EXTENDED garage! Large kitchen, maple cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless appliances, skylight, bay window, pantry. Owner's Suite has bay window. Large bath wt dual sinks, walk in closet. Laundry rm with cabinets. W/D Included. Enjoy gorgeous sunsets on the extended private patio with cozy fireplace, pergola, built in grill. Media wall in great room, shutters on most windows, built ins at guest, coach lights, ceiling fans, 2x6 construction. Raised Panel Doors, Security Door, Coated Front Sidewalk, Courtyard, Extended Patio and Garage. Homes like this Seldom Come Available! COME JOIN THE FUN AT SUN CITY GRAND, AMERICA'S PREMIER ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY. FOUR GOLF COURSES, 22 PICKLEBALL COURTS, 11 TENNIS COURTS, TWO FITNESS CAMPUSES, BOCCE, LAWN BOWLING.
7710 E Gainey Ranch Road Unit 202
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
$549,000
2
Beds
2
Baths
785
SqFt
Status
Active
MLS #
6706024
Property Type
Apartment
Price Type
--
the Perfect ''Lock & Leave'' or Primary Home for EASY LIVING. Nestled within the Heart of Scottsdale, in the Desirable Guard-Gated Community of Gainey Ranch. Tastefully Renovated Top to Bottom to include Two Full Bathrooms, Beautiful Carrara Marble throughout, Brand New Paint, Flooring, Lighting & Fans, Custom Roman Shades, Soft Water, Rev Osmosis, Refrigerator, Water Heater, Garage w/ Epoxy Floor & Extra Storage. Primary Bdr includes Custom Closets, Washer/Dryer, Full Bath & 2nd Private Patio. Enjoy State-of-the Art Gym & Workout Center, Olympic-Sized Pool, Tennis/Pickle Ball, Walking Paths, Restaurants, Shops. Dues cover water/sewer/trash /pest cable/internet & more plus full use of this fabulous Community Center to enjoy events, wine tastings, & Resort Style Living. A MUST SEE! The Clubhouse offers Many Events & Wine Tastings, making for Resort-Style Living at its Finest. Minutes to everything you need, Major Freeways & Sky Harbor International Airport.