QUESTION AND ANSWER: DO YOU RECOMMEND HAVING MINIMUM OF 20% DOWN PAYMENT (AND AVOIDING PMI PAYMENTS) PRIOR TO BUYING A HOME?

Recently, a reader asked the above very good question. I am providing a brief summary response and then more details. SUMMARY RESPONSE {DETAILS BELOW} The key decision point is NOT how much you put down. The best and safest move is to put 20% or more down if you can afford the TOTAL HOMEOWNERSHIP COST, discussed in detail below. Paying 20% or more as a down payment avoids paying Private Mortgage ...

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IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO PAY YOUR MORTGAGE OFF EARLY?

If you have purchased a home, congratulations! I am confident you did your research and made a GREAT investment. Let’s discuss pros and cons of paying off that worrisome 30 YEAR mortgage early. My opinion, if you can afford to pay your mortgage off early, do it. I have paid one off early and in the process of paying two more mortgages off early. For me at least, I sleep better! Let’s ...

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