Extra principal payments strategies

The process varies by lender. Typically, you can do this through your online mortgage account portal, by phone, or by mailing a check. It is critical to include clear written instructions (e.g., “Apply to principal reduction only”) and to verify the payment was applied correctly on your next statement.

The amount you save depends on your loan amount, interest rate, and the size and frequency of your extra payments. For example, on a 30-year, $300,000 loan at 4% interest, an extra $100 per month could save you over $27,000 in interest and allow you to pay off the loan nearly 5 years early.

They save you money by reducing the principal balance of your loan faster. Since interest is calculated on the outstanding principal, a lower principal means you pay less interest over the life of the loan, allowing you to build equity and potentially pay off your mortgage years earlier.

You will need to repay the missed amounts. You and your servicer will agree on a repayment plan before the forbearance ends. Common options include a repayment plan (adding a portion of the missed payments to your regular bills for a set time), a lump-sum payment (paying the full amount at once, which is less common), or a loan modification (permanently changing the loan terms, such as extending the loan term).