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15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage: Choosing Your Financial Path

The decision between a 15-year and a 30-year mortgage is one of the most significant financial choices a homebuyer can make, setting the trajectory fo...

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15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage: A Guide to Choosing Your Term

The choice between a 15-year and a 30-year mortgage is one of the most significant financial decisions a homebuyer or refinancer will make. This decis...

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Beyond the Mortgage: Understanding the True Cost of Homeownership

The journey to homeownership is often symbolized by the quest for the perfect mortgage rate, but the financial responsibility extends far beyond that ...

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Unlocking Homeownership: The Power of Assumable Mortgages Explained

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate financing, an often-overlooked option presents a unique opportunity for both buyers and sellers: the ass...

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The 15-year mortgage saves you a substantial amount in total interest over the life of the loan. Using the $400,000 example at 6.5%, the total interest paid on a 30-year mortgage would be approximately $510,000. For the 15-year mortgage, the total interest paid would only be about $227,000—a savings of over $283,000.

# Property Taxes and Escrow Accounts

The final walkthrough is typically conducted within the 24 hours before your closing appointment. Scheduling it as close as possible to the closing ensures that the condition of the home hasn’t changed since your last visit and that the seller has moved out.

Closing costs for a refinance typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. These fees can include:
Application and Origination Fees
Appraisal Fee
Title Search and Insurance
Attorney/Closing Fees
Discount Points (to buy down your rate)

Generally, no. Closing costs must be paid out-of-pocket at closing. However, with certain loan programs like a VA loan, you may be able to roll a “Funding Fee” into the loan balance. You can also sometimes opt for a “no-closing-cost” mortgage, which typically involves a higher interest rate.