Here are four questions that can help you make a more informed decision when comparing a 30-year fixed rate mortgage vs. a 15-year fixed rate mortgage.
1 – What will I do with the difference in cash flow?
There are two main benefits that a 15-year mortgage has vs. a 30-year mortgage:
- 1 – Fifteen year mortgages often carry lower interest rates vs. thirty year mortgages. This could save you some money over time. (See Figure 1 that illustrates what would happen if the interest rate on a 15-year mortgage was 0.5% less than the interest rate on a 30-year mortgage.)
- 2 – Fifteen year mortgages are paid off in half the time of thirty year mortgages. This results in less interest over time and no monthly payments after 15 years. (See Figure 1.)
Even so, you could accomplish similar results by investing the extra cash flow experienced from the lower payments on a 30-year mortgage. (See Figure 2.) Therefore, the main issue here is: what will you do with the difference in cash flow if you choose a 30-year mortgage? Here are three options:
- Option 1: Invest the extra cash flow. This could be worth consideration if you’re looking to build your retirement account or a child’s college fund.
- Option 2: Spend the extra cash flow. This could be worth consideration if you’re looking to enhance your lifestyle or create more life experiences.
- Option 3: Use the extra cash flow to bid higher or buy a more expensive house. This could be worth consideration if you’re facing tough competition from other buyers in your market and if home values are likely to increase.
2 – What’s the outcome in 15 years?
As you can see from Figure 2, you’ll probably come out ahead going the 30-year mortgage route if you invest the extra cash flow. Further, you’ll have access to the funds after 15-years as they’d likely be in a liquid investment account vs. being trapped in your home equity. The bottom line is that you are in more control of your cash flow with a 30-year vs. a 15-year mortgage.
3 – What’s the outcome in 30 years?
See Figure 3 for an illustration showing a comparison over a 30 year timeframe. With the 15-year option, we are showing what would happen if, in years 16-30, you invest the entire monthly payment that you no longer have with the 15-year option. With the 30-year option, we are showing what would happen if you simply invest the extra cash flow each month for 30-years. As you can see from Figure 3, you’ll probably come out ahead going the 30-year mortgage route if you invest the extra cash flow.
4 – What’s the risk with either option?
The main risk with a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is that you may not be disciplined enough to use the extra cash flow in a productive way that improves your life. As with any other choice in life, it’s up to you to stay the course.
The main risk with a 15-year fixed rate mortgage is that you may find it difficult to make the higher monthly payment if you run into financial challenges down the road. So it really boils down to this: would you rather obligate yourself to a higher monthly payment with the 15-year option, or would you rather bet on yourself that you’ll make smart choices with the extra cash flow you experience with the 30-year option?
In either case, this is probably one of the most important financial transactions of your life. My commitment is to communicate and strategize with you every step of the way. Contact me for more info and I’ll be happy to run the numbers for your specific situation!
*PLEASE NOTE: This article is provided for educational purposes. The examples and interest rates used in this article are for illustrative purposes only. The US government requires me to disclose that this is not a commitment to lend you money under Regulation Z, this is not an advertisement for a particular loan program or for particular interest rates, and you are not pre-approved or pre-qualified for any of the options illustrated in this article. You are welcome to complete a loan application to find out if you qualify and what loan programs you may qualify for. Also keep in mind that these illustrations don’t take into account the additional tax advantages that may be available with the 30-year option vs. the 15-year option. Finally, the scenario would be impacted by the rate of return you are able to earn on investments. We are using 6% in our example, but your actual return will vary depending on the type of investment you choose. Please see a CPA or financial advisor for more details.
Scott Shenton
NMLS Number: 1039731
Apex Home Loans
Corporate NMLS Number: 2884
sshenton@apexhomeloans.com
https://www.apexhomeloans.com/scottshenton
(240) 268-3156
3204 Tower Oaks Blvd, Suite 400,
Rockville, Maryland 20852
NMLS #2884 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org): Licensed as a Mortgage Lender and Broker by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, License #MC1278; Licensed in the District of Columbia as a Mortgage Lender and Broker by the DC DISB License # MLB2884; Licensed in Maryland as a Mortgage Lender and Broker by the DLLR, License #06-4989; Licensed in Delaware as a Mortgage Lender and Broker by the Office of the State Bank Commissioner, License # 011603.
Many people think of retirement as a time in your life where you can work if you want to, but not because you have to. In other words, how would you feel if you could work for fun and/or pursue your passions without worrying about money? This requires financial independence, or having enough money to:
Remember, the amount of money necessary for financial independence is called “Critical Capital”. There are three specific steps that I use to help you acquire enough Critical Capital for financial independence:
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