Pros and Cons of Extra Mortgage Payments: Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial investments you will ever make. As such, it is important to consider all the options available when it comes to paying off your mortgage. One option that some homeowners consider is making extra mortgage payments. While this can be a great strategy for some, it may not be the right choice for everyone.

Here are the Pros and Cons of Extra Mortgage Payments

Pros: 

1) Pay off your mortgage faster

One of the biggest advantages of making extra mortgage payments is the ability to pay off your mortgage faster. By making extra payments each month, you can reduce the principal balance on your mortgage more quickly, ultimately reducing the length of time you will be paying off your mortgage.

2) Save on interest:

Making extra mortgage payments can also save you money in interest over the life of your mortgage. By reducing your principal balance, you will also reduce the amount of interest charged on your mortgage, which can add up to significant savings over time.

3) Increased equity | Extra Mortgage Payments

Paying off your mortgage faster means that you will be building equity in your home more quickly. This can be beneficial if you plan on selling your home in the future, as it will allow you to walk away with more money after the sale.

4) Peace of mind:

Knowing that you are making progress towards paying off your mortgage can provide a sense of security and peace of mind. This can be especially important if you are approaching retirement age or have other financial goals that you want to achieve.

Cons:

1) Reduced liquidity:

Giving extra payments means that you are tying up your cash in your home. This can make it more difficult to access that cash in case of an emergency or other financial need.

2) Opportunity cost:

You are also missing out on the opportunity to invest that money elsewhere. Depending on your investment strategy, this could result in missed opportunities for growth or other financial benefits.

3) Higher monthly payments:

Providing extra money will also increase your monthly mortgage payment. This can be difficult to manage if you are already struggling to make ends meet.

4) Prepayment penalties:

Some mortgages come with prepayment penalties, which can make them costly. Before making any extra payments, be sure to check with your lender to see if any penalties apply.

However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of extra mortgage payments before making any decisions. If you have other financial goals that require more liquidity or if your mortgage comes with prepayment penalties, giving  payments may not be the best choice for you. Be sure to consult with a financial advisor or mortgage specialist to determine the best strategy for your individual situation. [/ihc-hide-content]