Real Estate with Robbie - Robbie English, Broker

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Interest Rates Likely to Stay Low Longer

The Federal Reserve once again decided not to raise the federal funds rate this month, saying the economy is still falling short of benchmarks. That likely means home buyers will be able to take advantage of lower mortgage rates for awhile longer too.

Federal Open Markets Committee members released a statement Wednesday that said in an effort to “support continued progress toward maximum employment and price stability, the Committee today reaffirmed its view that the current zero to one-quarter percentage target rate for the federal funds rate remains appropriate.”

The FOMC will not decide on a rate hike again until its next meeting in December. At that time, the FOMC says it will assess progress with labor conditions as well as inflation pressures and expectations in deciding whether to raise rates at that time.

“The Fed sent its clearest signal yet that, pending decent data, it has the December meeting in its sights for the first rate hike,” Michael Feroli, an economist at JPMorgan Chase and a former Fed staffer, told the Associated Press.

FOMC said economic indicators fell short of target levels and that’s why it decided not to raise the funds rate yet.

The Fed has not raised interest rates since June 2006. Analysts largely predicted the Fed was going to raise rates in September, which did not happen.

Jonathan Smoke, realtor.com®’s chief economist, predicted earlier this week that a rate hike was not likely.

“The new home sales report covering September shows a rate well below the consensus estimate and indicates that real issues emerged late this summer in the new homes market, questioning the supposedly strong growth signals that were previously interpreted by many,” Smoke said. “Last year we picked up momentum in the late summer and fall. This year seems to be the opposite—we are losing momentum.”

What’s more, pending and existing-home sales also posted declines in August, which Smoke says also has an impact on the Fed’s decision.

“That decline was likely a result of the stock market declines in August and September,” he said. “If builders are not focusing on first-time buyers, they are focusing on the segments most likely to be disrupted by declines in stock portfolios and retirement plans.”

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Woo-hooo! Another wonderful family pen’d a contract today to build a beautiful home. Love being part of the process. Thanks to Olga and Crown Lending for making everything a breeze. It was brilliant to watch my client stay true to their convictions and not choose to change to the builder’s lender after much applied pressure. Love what I do! Happy Halloween everyone and choose treats over tricks!


Woo-hooo! Another wonderful family pen’d a contract today to build a beautiful home. Love being part of the process. Thanks to Olga and Crown Lending for making everything a breeze. It was brilliant to watch my client stay true to their convictions and not choose to change to the builder’s lender after much applied pressure. Love what I do! Happy Halloween everyone and choose treats over tricks!

Woo-hooo! Another wonderful family pen’d a contract today...



Woo-hooo! Another wonderful family pen’d a contract today to build a beautiful home. Love being part of the process. Thanks to Olga and Crown Lending for making everything a breeze. It was brilliant to watch my client stay true to their convictions and not choose to change to the builder’s lender after much applied pressure. Love what I do! Happy Halloween everyone and choose treats over tricks!

Happy Halloween!


Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!



Happy Halloween!

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Sweet dreams

Long day. Exciting things going on & great clients. Never too busy for you or your referrals tho. 888-460-8765 ext 102 coverage in Austin, New Braunfels & Dallas

Busy day. Toto we’re not in Kansas anymore. Happy Thursday!


Busy day. Toto we’re not in Kansas anymore. Happy Thursday!

Busy day. Toto we’re not in Kansas anymore. Happy...



Busy day. Toto we’re not in Kansas anymore. Happy Thursday!

Robbie Pinned to RAISING the VALUE home improvements on Pinterest

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Just Pinned to RAISING the VALUE home improvements: Take a look at these showers, you might just find the one that you are looking for! http://ift.tt/1P75h2K

Robbie Pinned to RAISING the VALUE home improvements on Pinterest

http://ift.tt/1P75h2G
Just Pinned to RAISING the VALUE home improvements: Easily update your boring built-in bathtub with airstone. | 36 Genius Ways To Hide The Eyesores In Your Home http://ift.tt/1P75h2G

Robbie Pinned to RAISING the VALUE home improvements on Pinterest

Robbie Pinned to RAISING the VALUE home improvements on Pinterest:

Just Pinned to RAISING the VALUE home improvements: Take a look at these showers, you might just find the one that you are looking for! http://ift.tt/1P75h2K

Robbie Pinned to RAISING the VALUE home improvements on Pinterest

Robbie Pinned to RAISING the VALUE home improvements on Pinterest:

Just Pinned to RAISING the VALUE home improvements: Easily update your boring built-in bathtub with airstone. | 36 Genius Ways To Hide The Eyesores In Your Home http://ift.tt/1P75h2G

Friday, October 23, 2015

Uber launches helicopter service in Austin

http://ift.tt/1OWNWcy
Those heading to the Formula 1 race on Sunday can avoid Austin traffic and take a helicopter from UberChopper for $400 per person. Starting Friday at 11 a.m., customers can use the Uber app to request a chopper instead of just a car like every other day in the capital. The requester will then wait for a call from Uber so they can reserve and schedule a chopper ride for Sunday to the auto race at the Circuit of Americas. UberChopper rides will be subject to availability.

Uber launches helicopter service in Austin

Do You Really Think Your Landlord Pays for Repairs?

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Buying a Home Remains 35% Less Expensive than Renting!

Another off market listing closing!!

Woot Woot! We’re closing tomorrow on another off market pocket listing! If you are in the market to sell your home, give us a cal! We’ve got you covered in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and New Braunfels areas. 1-888-460-8765 ext 102 http://ift.tt/1fnrkDV

Appraisals worry some Mueller homeowners - Austin Monitor

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“So the value of a home that cost and was appraised at $170,000 last year might be appraised at $300,000 this year"

Appraisals worry some Mueller homeowners - Austin Monitor

Appraisals worry some Mueller homeowners - Austin Monitor:

“So the value of a home that cost and was appraised at $170,000 last year might be appraised at $300,000 this year"

Thursday, October 15, 2015

deweyblanton.com

We migrated out website to a new server last night for faster speeds and quicker response times for our clients & consumers who visit the site.  It looks as if everything is up and running yet if you experienced an issue earlier this morning it appears to have now been resolved.  If you are having any issues, please let us know!  Happy Thursday, y’all!

Monday, October 12, 2015

Loved this. This product has made and continues to make a huge difference in my life. With a back injury that cannot be surgically repaired, this product and its anti-inflammatory products has basically given me life back without the daily need for my dosage of Neurotin to make it through the day.


Loved this. This product has made and continues to make a huge difference in my life. With a back injury that cannot be surgically repaired, this product and its anti-inflammatory products has basically given me life back without the daily need for my dosage of Neurotin to make it through the day.

Loved this. This product has made and continues to make a huge...



Loved this. This product has made and continues to make a huge difference in my life. With a back injury that cannot be surgically repaired, this product and its anti-inflammatory products has basically given me life back without the daily need for my dosage of Neurotin to make it through the day.

3 Graphs That Scream List Your House Today!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Church has development plans for downtown Austin block | www.mystatesman.com

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Episcopal Church leaders are seeking a developer to partner with them on a mixed-use project on a prime downtown Austin block. By next year, church officials say, they hope to select a developer to team with on a project on the site, which has the potential for more than 600,000 square feet of development. Church officials envision a building with office, residential, and retail uses, along with a permanent home for the church’s archives.

Church has development plans for downtown Austin block | www.mystatesman.com

Church has development plans for downtown Austin block | www.mystatesman.com:

Episcopal Church leaders are seeking a developer to partner with them on a mixed-use project on a prime downtown Austin block.

By next year, church officials say, they hope to select a developer to team with on a project on the site, which has the potential for more than 600,000 square feet of development. Church officials envision a building with office, residential, and retail uses, along with a permanent home for the church’s archives.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

2 Investigators: Cyber Criminals Targeting Real Estate Transactions « CBS Chicago

2 Investigators: Cyber Criminals Targeting Real Estate Transactions « CBS Chicago:

Always double check the wiring instructions sent to you on the phone with the title company BEFORE ordering your wire.

2 Investigators: Cyber Criminals Targeting Real Estate Transactions « CBS Chicago

http://ift.tt/1UUOUpG
Always double check the wiring instructions sent to you on the phone with the title company BEFORE ordering your wire.

The Best Cities For Millennials In 2015 | Forbes

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Austin made the list at number 16!

The Best Cities For Millennials In 2015 | Forbes

The Best Cities For Millennials In 2015 | Forbes:

Austin made the list at number 16!

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Three of Austin’s neighboring cities top list of most relaxed small towns | All Ablog Austin

Three of Austin’s neighboring cities top list of most relaxed small towns | All Ablog Austin:

San Marcos, home of the lazy San Marcos river, came in at No. 10, boasting a 32.8 hour work week and a low 3.40 percent unemployment rate. Georgetown came in at No. 7, thanks to their low population density and high employment rate.

Cedar Park came closest to the top with a No. 5 ranking. The town was praised for it’s many parks (as the name would imply), large variety of yoga studios and close proximity to Austin.

Three of Austin’s neighboring cities top list of most relaxed small towns | All Ablog Austin

http://ift.tt/1QmPJH6
San Marcos, home of the lazy San Marcos river, came in at No. 10, boasting a 32.8 hour work week and a low 3.40 percent unemployment rate. Georgetown came in at No. 7, thanks to their low population density and high employment rate. Cedar Park came closest to the top with a No. 5 ranking. The town was praised for it’s many parks (as the name would imply), large variety of yoga studios and close proximity to Austin.

Apple building second-largest campus in Austin

Apple building second-largest campus in Austin:

“Austin has all the time been a voice and proponent of variety and inclusiveness”, Younger Smith stated. There is also great diversity when it comes to talent including the artistic and music community.

Apple building second-largest campus in Austin

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“Austin has all the time been a voice and proponent of variety and inclusiveness”, Younger Smith stated. There is also great diversity when it comes to talent including the artistic and music community.

Selling Your Home? Price It Right From the Start!

Monday, September 7, 2015

New 100% Reflective Signs… New 100% reflective real...



New 100% Reflective Signs…

New 100% reflective real estate signs being made. Guess you could say we’re preparing for the time change and wanting our listings easy to find.

New 100% Reflective Signs… New 100% reflective real estate signs being made. Guess you could say we’re preparing for the time change and wanting our listings easy to find.


New 100% Reflective Signs… New 100% reflective real estate signs being made. Guess you could say we’re preparing for the time change and wanting our listings easy to find.

Celebrating REALTORS this Labor Day… REALTORS work hard...



Celebrating REALTORS this Labor Day…

REALTORS work hard to make your homeownership dreams come true. Countless hours are spent behind the scenes negotiating, searching properties, studying the real estate market, perfecting negotiation skills and furthering their education. REALTORS don’t show up to work and have their employer guide their careers or issue directives for projects. They have to have the wherewithal to plan their course and see it though; all on their own dime. We do this to be the professional to provide our clients with the best advantages and mainly to see the smiles of our clients as they cross the finish line and get to hold their keys to their new home for the first time.

Now don’t get it twisted. There are advantages and disadvantages to being a professional REALTOR. It’s nothing however like you see on popular television shows; out code of ethics strictly details our actions and how we treat one another. So next time your in the market to by a piece of property, realize that although we attempt to always be available, and work hard to make your dreams come true as easily as possible, that we depend on you, your loyalty and your ability to treat us as the professionals in which we are.

Thank you for supporting my business and that of my colleagues.

Celebrating REALTORS this Labor Day… REALTORS work hard to make your homeownership dreams come true. Countless hours are spent behind the scenes negotiating, searching properties, studying the real estate market, perfecting negotiation skills and furthering their education. REALTORS don’t show up to work and have their employer guide their careers or issue directives for projects. They have to have the wherewithal to plan their course and see it though; all on their own dime. We do this to be the professional to provide our clients with the best advantages and mainly to see the smiles of our clients as they cross the finish line and get to hold their keys to their new home for the first time. Now don’t get it twisted. There are advantages and disadvantages to being a professional REALTOR. It’s nothing however like you see on popular television shows; out code of ethics strictly details our actions and how we treat one another. So next time your in the market to by a piece of property, realize that although we attempt to always be available, and work hard to make your dreams come true as easily as possible, that we depend on you, your loyalty and your ability to treat us as the professionals in which we are. Thank you for supporting my business and that of my colleagues.


Celebrating REALTORS this Labor Day… REALTORS work hard to make your homeownership dreams come true. Countless hours are spent behind the scenes negotiating, searching properties, studying the real estate market, perfecting negotiation skills and furthering their education. REALTORS don’t show up to work and have their employer guide their careers or issue directives for projects. They have to have the wherewithal to plan their course and see it though; all on their own dime. We do this to be the professional to provide our clients with the best advantages and mainly to see the smiles of our clients as they cross the finish line and get to hold their keys to their new home for the first time. Now don’t get it twisted. There are advantages and disadvantages to being a professional REALTOR. It’s nothing however like you see on popular television shows; out code of ethics strictly details our actions and how we treat one another. So next time your in the market to by a piece of property, realize that although we attempt to always be available, and work hard to make your dreams come true as easily as possible, that we depend on you, your loyalty and your ability to treat us as the professionals in which we are. Thank you for supporting my business and that of my colleagues.

Oops... 55,000 People Are Leaving Austin Every Year | KUT

Oops... 55,000 People Are Leaving Austin Every Year | KUT :

The number 110 gets thrown around a lot in the context of Austin’s fast-paced growth – that’s the estimated number of people that move to Austin on a daily

Oops... 55,000 People Are Leaving Austin Every Year | KUT

http://ift.tt/1QeA0d8
The number 110 gets thrown around a lot in the context of Austin’s fast-paced growth – that’s the estimated number of people that move to Austin on a daily

A+ Reasons to Hire A Real Estate Professional

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Do You Fit the Description of the Typical First Time Homebuyer?

Most unusual deer I’ve ever seen.


Most unusual deer I’ve ever seen.

Most unusual deer I’ve ever seen.



Most unusual deer I’ve ever seen.

5 Most Stable Housing Markets Today: Fresno, Austin, Honolulu, Salt Lake, L.A.

5 Most Stable Housing Markets Today: Fresno, Austin, Honolulu, Salt Lake, L.A.

http://ift.tt/1Iw46Cl
Austin, Texas — There is a lot of demand for homes in the Austin metro area as well, and this is boosting house values in the area. According to a recent report by the Austin Board of Realtors, there were more single-family home sales in July 2015 than ever before. Sales in the area rose 12% in July compared to a year earlier. There are plenty of good jobs to go around in Austin, thanks in part to the city’s strong tech sector. This attract new residents and fuels housing demand. Austin was recently ranked as one of the hottest real estate markets in the country by Realtor.com. Give me a call: Robbie English, Broker - Dewey Blanton Real Estate | 512-623-STAR | soldbyrobbie@gmail.com | http://ift.tt/1fnrkDV Read more: http://ift.tt/1LLT8Ar

The REAL Reasons Americans Buy a Home

Friday, August 28, 2015

More feedback. Love what I do and hopefully my clients can tell.



More feedback. Love what I do and hopefully my clients can tell.

More feedback. Love what I do and hopefully my clients can tell.


More feedback. Love what I do and hopefully my clients can tell.

I always love feedback regardless of what it says. Always allows me & my team to constantly being improving our level of service


I always love feedback regardless of what it says. Always allows me & my team to constantly being improving our level of service

I always love feedback regardless of what it says. Always allows...



I always love feedback regardless of what it says. Always allows me & my team to constantly being improving our level of service

52% Likely to Buy in the Next 5 Years!! Are You?

Austin's home market 'healthiest' in U.S., study says - Austin Business Journal

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Woot Woot!!! Austin was ranked No. 1 out of 62 U.S. cities with more than 300,000 residents, the report found. Give me a call: Robbie English, Broker - Dewey Blanton Real Estate | 512-623-STAR | soldbyrobbie@gmail.com | www.deweyblanton.com

Austin's home market 'healthiest' in U.S., study says - Austin Business Journal

Austin's home market 'healthiest' in U.S., study says - Austin Business Journal:

Woot Woot!!! Austin was ranked No. 1 out of 62 U.S. cities with more than 300,000 residents, the report found.

Give me a call:
Robbie English, Broker - Dewey Blanton Real Estate | 512-623-STAR | soldbyrobbie@gmail.com | www.deweyblanton.com

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Washing of miles and miles of home touring.


Washing of miles and miles of home touring.

Washing of miles and miles of home touring.



Washing of miles and miles of home touring.

Debunking Some Myths about Mortgage Availability

Harmful Effects from Changing the Listing Price?

Lakeline & Lakeway Property Tours.



Lakeline & Lakeway Property Tours.

Lakeline & Lakeway Property Tours.


Lakeline & Lakeway Property Tours.

Don’t Get Caught In The Renter’s Trap

5 Reasons You Should Sell Now!

Should I Wait to Put Down a Bigger Down Payment?

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Loved this…



Loved this…

Loved this…


Loved this…

I hope everyone has had a wonderful National Dog Day. Now,...



I hope everyone has had a wonderful National Dog Day. Now, carrying forward if everyone could just love as our dogs love that would be a miracle. Take care of all our 4-legged lovers.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful National Dog Day. Now, carrying forward if everyone could just love as our dogs love that would be a miracle. Take care of all our 4-legged lovers.


I hope everyone has had a wonderful National Dog Day. Now, carrying forward if everyone could just love as our dogs love that would be a miracle. Take care of all our 4-legged lovers.

Homeownership: A Key to Well-Being in Retirement

2 Common Mortgage Deal Delays

Amazon snags North Austin offices - Austin Business Journal

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Somehow in all the buzz about Internet retailer Amazon.com Inc. building a huge distribution facility in San Marcos, there was little mention of the company quietly occupying a big chunk of office space in North Austin.

Amazon snags North Austin offices - Austin Business Journal

Amazon snags North Austin offices - Austin Business Journal:

Somehow in all the buzz about Internet retailer Amazon.com Inc. building a huge distribution facility in San Marcos, there was little mention of the company quietly occupying a big chunk of office space in North Austin.

64.2% of Millennials Put Down Less than 20%

When to Sell the Temporary Rental

The Independent, Jenga-style downtown Austin tower - Austin Business Journal

The Independent, Jenga-style downtown Austin tower - Austin Business Journal:

Developers of the Independent condo tower appear to be moving ahead with development of the 58-story building.

Here’s what we now know:
• The tower will cost about $145 million to build on the former site of the Austin Energy control center at 301 West Ave. Previous reports described the proposed development as valued at $300 million. The $145 million may be construction costs only.
• Documents filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation indicate that the owner is represented by Ryan Fetgatter, the vice president of development for Aspen Heights. Rhode Partners Inc. is the architect. According to those documents, construction will begin in January 2016 and be completed in May 2018.
• City documents for the project have been filed by Melissa Hawthorne of Austin Permit Services. The fees for filing the case were close to $27,000 and billed to Austin 3rd & West Partners LP. The official application was filed August 11.

The Independent, Jenga-style downtown Austin tower - Austin Business Journal

http://ift.tt/1WRNzDH
Developers of the Independent condo tower appear to be moving ahead with development of the 58-story building. Here’s what we now know: • The tower will cost about $145 million to build on the former site of the Austin Energy control center at 301 West Ave. Previous reports described the proposed development as valued at $300 million. The $145 million may be construction costs only. • Documents filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation indicate that the owner is represented by Ryan Fetgatter, the vice president of development for Aspen Heights. Rhode Partners Inc. is the architect. According to those documents, construction will begin in January 2016 and be completed in May 2018. • City documents for the project have been filed by Melissa Hawthorne of Austin Permit Services. The fees for filing the case were close to $27,000 and billed to Austin 3rd & West Partners LP. The official application was filed August 11.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Please take our offer…

Austin Sues Texas Over "Unequal" Appraisal System | The Texas Tribune

http://ift.tt/1Khzcnh
Critics have argued that the appraisal system has become increasingly stacked against homeowners over the last 20 years by rules that make it easier for commercial and industrial property owners to win large reductions in their values via a process known as equity appeals. Those appeals have shifted the tax burden toward homeowners over time, Austin officials argue. The lawsuit suggests that requiring the disclosure of sales prices of real estate transactions would go a long way toward addressing the problem. Texas is one of a handful of states that do not require such disclosures for appraisal purposes.

Austin Sues Texas Over "Unequal" Appraisal System | The Texas Tribune

Austin Sues Texas Over "Unequal" Appraisal System | The Texas Tribune:

Critics have argued that the appraisal system has become increasingly stacked against homeowners over the last 20 years by rules that make it easier for commercial and industrial property owners to win large reductions in their values via a process known as equity appeals. Those appeals have shifted the tax burden toward homeowners over time, Austin officials argue.

The lawsuit suggests that requiring the disclosure of sales prices of real estate transactions would go a long way toward addressing the problem. Texas is one of a handful of states that do not require such disclosures for appraisal purposes.

These Photos Prove Exactly How Much Real Estate Photos Matter

These Photos Prove Exactly How Much Real Estate Photos Matter:

I always think it’s a great idea to have a hot guy dressed in a towel in your listing photos.

These Photos Prove Exactly How Much Real Estate Photos Matter

http://ift.tt/1Khglsl
I always think it’s a great idea to have a hot guy dressed in a towel in your listing photos.

Get Your Offer Accepted

Monday, August 24, 2015

The House From "Silence Of The Lambs" Is For Sale And It's Creepy As Hell

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And it can be yours for $300,000.

The House From "Silence Of The Lambs" Is For Sale And It's Creepy As Hell

The House From "Silence Of The Lambs" Is For Sale And It's Creepy As Hell:

And it can be yours for $300,000.


Breathe Easy

image

The benefits of regularly changing the heating and air-conditioning filters are obvious to homeowners; the real challenge is creating a system to make sure it gets done.

A reasonable schedule would be to replace it with a new one-inch pleated filter every 60-90 days. Households with shedding pets should consider replacing them every month. Some people change their filters every month when they pay their electric bills.  A simple system would be to set a recurring appointment on your calendar like Outlook or Google.

Filters trap dust, mold and bacteria which can directly affect the air quality and play havoc with your allergies. When a filter is dirty, it prevents proper airflow and allows dust, dirt and allergens to blow through your home. Changing your filter regularly helps to avoid maintenance, improves equipment life and produces increased energy savings.

When shopping for filters, it’s understandable to look for the best bargain but the cheapest price may not be the best choice. When purchasing, recognize that HEPA-rated and HEPA-type filters are not the same thing. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. A HEPA filter meets or exceeds standards for efficiency set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Most HVAC contractors recommend HEPA filters.

Some filters need to be changed monthly and other types have manufacturer recommendations of every three months. An alternative to disposable filters are the permanent, washable types. These will cost more initially but because you can clean them and re-use them, eventually, you’ll recapture the cost and realize savings.

Today is the first day of school for most around the state. Here...



Today is the first day of school for most around the state. Here is a great reminder about school busses for this afternoon. Watch out for those kiddos as well.

Retirement Without a Mortgage

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Planning for retirement is obviously important and many times, an activity plagued by procrastination. Some people plan to have their home paid for by that magical date so they won’t have payments after they retire. It makes sense to eliminate a large recurring expense before they quit working.

One strategy would be to be make regular principal contributions in addition to the payments so that it will eliminate the debt by the target retirement date.

Let’s say that a homeowner refinanced their $200,000 mortgage at 4% last year with the first payment due on May 1, 2012. Under normal amortization, the home would be paid for at the end of the term; 30 years in this example.

By making additional principal contributions with each payment, it would accelerate the payoff on the home. An extra $250.00 a month would pay off the mortgage in 20 years. $524.55 extra with each payment would pay off the loan in 15 years; and $796.23 would pay off the loan in 12 years.

Having a home paid for at retirement has the obvious benefit of no house payment. It is also a substantial asset that could be borrowed against or sold if unanticipated events should occur.

Another strategy might involve purchasing a smaller home now to use as a rental that you intend to live in when you retire; see Retirement Home Now.

To make some projections to pay off your own mortgage, use this Equity Accelerator.