As homeowners, many of us are convinced that securing a low fixed-rate mortgage is the optimal path to financial freedom. And it’s easy to understand why: the predictability and security of a low fixed-rate mortgage make it an attractive option. However, if you’re open to exploring innovative financial strategies that could potentially expedite your journey towards owning your home outright, it might be time to consider paying off your mortgage with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), also known as the Accelerated Banking strategy.
Sure, at first glance, utilizing a HELOC to pay off your mortgage, particularly if you have a low fixed-rate one, might seem counterintuitive. After all, the interest rates on HELOCs can sometimes be higher. But let’s delve a bit deeper and reveal why this approach could be beneficial.
HELOCs work differently compared to traditional mortgages. They are revolving lines of credit, much like a credit card, with your home equity serving as collateral. The crucial advantage of a HELOC lies in its flexibility. Unlike a traditional mortgage, where the loan amount is disbursed in a lump sum at the beginning and then paid down over time, a HELOC allows homeowners to borrow and repay as needed over the draw period.
Now, how does this translate into potentially paying off your mortgage faster, even with a higher interest rate?
The secret lies in the power of reducing the average daily balance on the HELOC. Unlike traditional mortgages that calculate interest monthly, HELOCs calculate interest daily. This means that any reduction in your balance, even temporarily, results in less interest accrued.
Imagine depositing your entire paycheck into your HELOC each month, reducing the balance and, by extension, the interest charged. You then only withdraw what’s necessary to cover your expenses. This tactic keeps your loan balance consistently lower, decreasing the overall interest charged, and allowing more of your money to go towards the principal.
The Accelerated Banking strategy takes advantage of this structure. By efficiently using a HELOC, homeowners can pay down their mortgage balance much quicker than with a conventional mortgage. Yes, even those homeowners enjoying low fixed-rate mortgages.
In conclusion, while a low fixed-rate mortgage might seem like the gold standard in home financing, considering alternatives like a HELOC could open up new possibilities. A HELOC, when used strategically, offers an enticing path towards faster mortgage repayment and ultimately, financial freedom. Explore your options, do your research, and you might find that a low fixed-rate mortgage, while comfortable, isn’t always the most advantageous choice.
If you’d like to learn more about this concept and the strategy, be sure to attend our FREE training webinar here: https://acceleratedbanking.com/free-virtual-class?sl=blog
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Every financial situation is unique. Please consult with a financial professional before implementing any strategy.