How to Achieve the Dream of Living Mortgage-Free

Owning a home is a dream for many people, but the thought of having a mortgage that lasts for decades can be daunting. The good news is that it is possible to achieve the dream of living mortgage-free with careful planning, budgeting, and discipline. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and strategies that can help you live mortgage-free. Remember living mortgage free is not because you are…cheap or doesn’t have bigger dream in life. it’s simply a choice, an option that one can choose to take..and have fun with it!

Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

One of the simplest ways to live mortgage-free is to pay off your mortgage early. By making extra payments, increasing your regular payment amount, or reducing the term of your loan, you can save thousands of dollars in interest payments and pay off your mortgage faster. One effective way to make extra payments is to split your monthly mortgage payment into two bi-weekly payments. This will add up to one extra mortgage payment per year, reducing the overall term of your mortgage.

You will be surprise that by just adding $100 or $50 extra into your principle every month, you will see how fast you can shrink your mortgage down by a couple of years.

Downsize

Consider downsizing your home or moving to a more affordable area. This will reduce your mortgage payments or eliminate the need for a mortgage altogether. You can sell your current home and use the proceeds to buy a smaller home or move to a more affordable location. This will not only reduce your housing expenses, but it will also provide you with more financial freedom to pursue other goals and interests. A smaller home can also be more energy-efficient, which will reduce your utility bills and help you save money in the long run

Save Aggressively

Save aggressively and invest wisely. The more money you save, the less you will need to borrow to buy a home. Investing your savings can also help grow your wealth and provide a source of income. One effective way to save money is to set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account. This will help you save money without even thinking about it.

Saving used to be the foundation of American business. Today, too many business owner rely on credit as a mean to expand. But nothing is wrong with saving up so that you can invest. I recall buying my first investment hom entirely with my saving from college. While most college student party their life away. i go to the extreme of saving by living at home, copying borrowing the book at the library. Just really really conscious about my bank account. Most student graduated by debt, I was able to graduated with modest amount in the bank enough for the down payment of a home.

There is good debt and bad debt. But there is nothing bad with the good old school way of just save it up and pay off your mortgage. YOU CAN DO IT!

Rent Out a Portion of Your Home

Renting out a portion of your home can help offset your mortgage payments or eliminate the need for a mortgage altogether. This can be done through short-term rentals such as Airbnb or by renting out a room on a longer-term basis. Before you decide to rent out a portion of your home, make sure you understand the legal and financial implications.

I remember my very first guest with Airbnb was an older lady entering my house from my garage. I didn’t even know how to host her properly. She paid $30 to live in one of the extra room in my house while i am still living in the home. That $30 paid for my internet bill that month! Then $30 turn into 100, then 300, then $600. All the sudden the income from that unused room is paid 80% of my mortgage for that month.

Build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Consider building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your property. ADUs, also known as “granny flats” or “in-law units,” are small self-contained units that can be built on your property. They are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide additional housing for family members or to generate rental income. An ADU can be used as a source of rental income, allowing you to offset your mortgage payments or eliminate the need for a mortgage altogether.

In addition to providing rental income, an ADU can also increase the value of your property. It can be used as a guest house, a home office, or a space for aging parents or adult children. ADUs can be built in a variety of styles and sizes, and they can be customized to fit your needs and budget.

Before building an ADU, make sure you check your local zoning laws and building codes to ensure that it is legal and meets all the requirements. You may need to obtain permits and approvals from your local government before building an ADU.

In conclusion, building an ADU can be a great way to live mortgage-free. It can provide rental income, increase the value of your property, and offer a variety of uses. However, it’s important to do your research and make sure that building an ADU is legal and feasible in your area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living mortgage-free requires careful planning, budgeting, and discipline. It may take time and effort to achieve, but it can provide greater financial freedom and peace of mind in the long run. By paying off your mortgage early, downsizing, buying a smaller home, saving aggressively, considering alternative housing options, and renting out a portion of your home, building an ADU on your back yard. you can achieve the dream of living mortgage-free.