Paying off a mortgage is a significant financial milestone and a welcome relief for most people. After years of careful planning and saving, the freedom from a mortgage payment can feel like a huge burden has been removed. But since that burden has been lifted, you must decide what steps to take. After discussing the benefits of paying off a mortgage, let's go through how to reinvest in your future or reward yourself, whatever you like, to make the most of this turning point in your financial history.

5 ways to pay off your mortgage faster

Make bi-weekly payments

One option is to pay your mortgage every two weeks rather than once a month. If you do this, you can pay off your mortgage early by paying 13 payments in 12 months, saving you a ton of money on interest. Some homeowners may find this strategy simply because the change is so small in their regular expenditures. Make sure biweekly payments are acceptable with your lender or servicer before starting this payment plan (most do). If you don't want to do that, you'll have to save up on your biweekly payments and make one large monthly payment. The advantage of making an extra payment once a year remains, but you will no longer have the option of making biweekly installments.

Make extra payments

The alternative is to make larger payments toward the debt every month or one large payment toward the principal once a year. Over the course of the loan's duration, this can also save you thousands of dollars in interest payments. Let's pretend you're taking out a $250,000 mortgage at 4% interest over 30 years. You can save $4,100 in interest and years off your mortgage if you contribute $100 to your monthly principal payment. This strategy can be preferable to refinancing because it does not tie you down to a set monthly payment. No extra fees or interest will be applied if you are unable to increase your monthly mortgage payment. You should verify with your lender that the payments will be utilized to lower the principal and not the interest if you decide to go this route. You should also clarify with your lender that the additional payment is not intended to cover the next mortgage payment. 

Refinance to a shorter term

You should consider paying off your debt early if you can refinance your mortgage for a cheaper interest rate or a shorter loan term. Considering that refinancing will incur some expenses, you'll want to ensure the financial benefits justify the effort. Switching from a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage, for example, can reduce your interest rate and put you on track to pay off your debt sooner. But if you opt for a shorter loan term, you'll have to make a larger monthly payment, which could strain your finances. Bankrate provides a calculator to help you compare the total interest and monthly mortgage payments with 30-year and 15-year durations.

Make lump-sum payments toward your principal

If you ever come into a large amount of money, you may choose to put it toward your loan's principal rather than investing it. Examples of this are a work bonus, tax return, inheritance, or proceeds from the sale of items. You may need to tell some mortgage servicers explicitly that you want any extra money you provide them to go straight toward paying down your principal. You should contact your servicer if you want to know how your lump sum payment will be used.

Consider a mortgage acceleration program

You can finish paying off your mortgage sooner with the assistance of mortgage acceleration programs offered by some lenders. Extra payments made under these plans are applied directly to the principal, bringing down the loan balance and interest expense. If you're interested in this option, you should inquire with your lender about its availability, as well as any associated costs and restrictions. [su_spacer size="10"]

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Paid off mortgage - now what? (Steps explained)

Well done for finally eliminating your mortgage! Here are some suggestions for how to put your newfound financial independence to good use after paying off your debt.

  • Celebrate your accomplishment

As a significant financial milestone, having a mortgage paid off is something to be celebrated. Honor the effort, commitment, and self-control that brought this about by pausing for reflection. Relish the sensation of being debt-free by treating yourself to a meal with loved ones, whether that's a small, intimate gathering or a big party with all your pals.

  • Revisit your budget

Having paid off a recurring cost, your monthly budget may now look different. Think about where you may cut back so that you can put more toward the principal on your mortgage. Think of ways to cut back so you can buy something you want or put more money into investments.

  • Prioritize other debt

You should prioritize eliminating all other forms of debt as soon as possible, including credit card balances and auto loans. Paying off high-interest debt early can save you money over the course of the loan. You should give some thought to using the money you have left over each month to pay your obligations faster.

  • Increase savings

To make the most of your improved financial situation, you might choose to boost your contributions to your emergency and/or retirement funds. Have more confidence in the future by saving more for retirement and less stress in the present by establishing an emergency fund.

  • Evaluate your insurance coverage

Review your insurance coverage, such as home, life, and health insurance, to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your needs. Consider increasing your coverage or shopping around for better rates if necessary.

  • Consider investing

If you have extra money each month after paying off your mortgage, consider investing in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds to build wealth for the future. Work with a financial advisor to determine the best investment options for you based on your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

  • Make home improvements

Now that you have extra money each month consider making home improvements that will increase the value of your property and enhance your quality of life. This can include upgrades to appliances, fixtures or even a complete renovation. Make sure to prioritize projects that will have the most significant impact on your home's value and your enjoyment of it.

What documents do you get after paying off a mortgage?

When you pay off your mortgage, you can expect to receive the following documents:

1. Satisfaction of Mortgage/ Certificate of Satisfaction

This document is a legal certificate that verifies that you have fully paid off your mortgage loan. The lender will sign and date the document and send it to you, usually by mail. This document proves that you are no longer responsible for the mortgage debt and that the lender's claim to your property has been released.

2. Release of Lien

This document is formal notice that the lender has released the mortgage lien from your property title. It confirms that you are now the sole owner of your property and that the mortgage debt has been fully satisfied. This document is typically recorded with the local government and serves as a public record of mortgage satisfaction.

3. Reconveyance Deed

A reconveyance deed is a legal document that transfers property ownership from the lender to you. This document is used in some states and confirms that you are now the owner of the property, free and clear of any liens or encumbrances. This document is typically recorded with the local government and serves as a public record of the transfer of ownership.

4. Final Statement

Your lender will provide you with a final statement that details the exact amount you owed when you paid off your mortgage, any interest or fees that were charged, and the amount you paid to satisfy the loan entirely. This statement serves as a record of the final mortgage payment and is important for tax purposes, as mortgage interest is tax-deductible.

Where to put the funds after your mortgage is paid off?

When you no longer have a mortgage payment, you'll have freed up cash that may be used in other ways. Here are some widely-accepted choices:

Invest in retirement

Maximize your 401(k) or IRA contributions if you haven't already. These tax-advantaged accounts allow you to save for retirement while potentially lowering your taxable income and taking advantage of compound interest.

Save for emergencies

Safeguarding your financial stability by setting up an emergency fund is imperative. In case of a job loss, medical emergency, or other unforeseen financial trouble, it is recommended to have three to six months' worth of living expenses stashed away in an emergency fund. One option is to put the funds in a high-yield savings account where they will earn interest but still be quickly available in an emergency.

Invest in other assets

It's a good idea to put your spare cash into stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate if you plan to hold on to it for a while. The risk you take and the potential growth of your wealth over time can be reduced through portfolio diversification.

Pay off high-interest debt

Consider utilizing surplus funds to eliminate any high-interest debt, such as credit card bills or personal loans. This can help you improve your financial situation by lowering your interest payments, lowering your monthly costs, and extending the life of your money.

Make home improvements

Even if you have no plans to move, you can use your extra cash toward improvements to your current home that will improve life and boost its value. You might raise your home's value and curb appeal by implementing energy-efficient improvements or completing a renovation project. Keep in mind that your financial position is unique and that the optimal choice for you will vary based on your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon. If you want to make the most of the money available now that your mortgage is paid off, you might want to see a financial expert about the best course of action to take.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, completing the mortgage payoff process is a significant accomplishment in one's financial life because it results in a substantial increase in discretionary income. A concrete strategy for spending your newly acquired financial flexibility is essential. It's vital to be deliberate and strategic about spending your spare money, whether for retirement savings, an emergency fund, other investments, paying off high-interest debt, home upgrades, or any combination of these. If you give some attention to your next steps after paying off your mortgage, you might be able to increase your safety net, your wealth, and your standard of living. If you want to make sure you're making the proper selections for your financial circumstances, consulting a financial counselor is a good idea. The money should be used to make a more stable and rewarding financial future for oneself and one's family.