Lump-Sum Mortgage Payments

As a homeowner, paying off your mortgage as quickly as possible might be one of your top priorities, and for a good reason. There are many benefits to paying off your mortgage faster. One way people achieve this is through lump-sum payments. However, there are a few things to think about before making a lump-sum mortgage payment.

What is it? Is it right for me? The following will provide a few factors to consider on whether it’s right for you.

WHAT DOES LUMP-SUM MEAN?

As the word suggests, a lump-sum means a large amount of money. You pay this money in a single payment rather than in instalments. A lump-sum payment is often paid more than once. This means you could pay it once or twice a year. Everyone’s financial needs and situations are different. Thus, speaking to a mortgage broker will help you create a personal plan.

HOW TO PAY IN A LUMP-SUM

We understand that life is full of unexpected moments. This may include cash flow from an inheritance, selling property, or a salary increase. With this new money, you may want to consider putting it towards your mortgage in a lump-sum. Doing so will help you pay off your mortgage faster and reduce the total amount of interest.

ADVANTAGES

Next, we will highlight some advantages to paying off your mortgage sooner with a lump-sum. If you’re not sure where to start, ask yourself some questions. Start by asking:

• Why Am I Interested In A Lump-sum Payment?
• What Are My Priorities?
• How Much Can I Afford?
• How Much Can I Put Towards A Lump-sum?
• Where Will This Money Come From?

FINANCIAL FREEDOM

This one is a prime concern for many. Paying off your mortgage sooner provides greater financial freedom. Once you pay off your mortgage, you can use that money towards other things. Financial independence also allows you to prioritize your money in new ways. Think retirement or other investments. If financial freedom is your main priority, then a lump-sum mortgage payment will help you get there sooner.

PAY LESS IN INTEREST

As mentioned above, lump-sum payments mean paying less interest. Unlike regular payments, where you pay the interest, this is one way to save big over time. Online mortgage calculators can help give you an idea of how much you can save in the long term based on lump-sums.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Putting all your eggs in a basket can be risky. Make sure you aren’t dipping into other forms of savings. Even if you make a lump-sum payment, ensure you still have emergency funds. If you don’t have a clear idea of how much to pay, take time to first think about it. Each year will also look different, so don’t sweat it. You may have extra means to put towards a lump-sum some years, while others you might not. Remember that you can only put a limited amount of money toward your mortgage. You can find this total in your contract.

TIMING

Make sure you know when you can make lump-sum payments. Usually, they will be on certain dates during the term, and either before or at the end of your term. Unlike your current monthly or biweekly payments, lump-sum payments aren’t obligatory. Check your contract to see specific dates.

Lump-sum payments will look different depending on how far along you are. In other words, the amount may vary depending on how long you’ve had your mortgage. Some years you may want to put more money towards your payments, while other years it could be less.

SELF-EMPLOYED

Are you self-employed or run a home business? If that’s the case, you might want to consider otherwise. When you are self-employed, a part of your mortgage interest may become tax-deductible. To put it another way, you may be able to subtract part of your mortgage interest to help reduce your taxable income.

MORTGAGE BROKERS ARE HERE FOR YOU

While nobody can predict the future, talking to a mortgage broker will help you navigate what to do. Paying in a lump-sum has many benefits and works for many. However, it might not be right for everyone. Everyone has a unique financial situation. If a lump-sum doesn’t sound right to you, but you still want to pay off your mortgage faster, they can provide options. Increasing monthly payments, for example, could be one place to start. If you are currently making monthly mortgage payments, switching to biweekly could also be an option. A personalized plan is a great way to see it all on paper. Instead of imagining it, having it in front of you will give you the confidence to navigate your mortgage.

Ready to take charge of your financial future? Our team at the Mortgage Group Calgary will help with all your housing and mortgage needs. Our brokers are experts in their field and are here to help you get on track. Contact us today for a consultation.