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How long does it take the average person to pay off their house?

The most common mortgage term in the U.S. is 30 years. A 30-year mortgage gives the borrower 30 years to pay back their loan. Most people with this type of mortgage won't keep the original loan for 30 years. In fact, the typical mortgage length, or average lifespan of a mortgage, is under 10 years.

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There are two types of mortgages: a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). When it comes to fixed-rate mortgages versus ARMs, the major difference is that a fixed-rate loan has an interest rate that stays the same throughout the life of the loan. With an ARM, the interest rate adjusts throughout the loan term. ARMs are also 30-year loans only, while fixed-rate loans have various term options for borrowers. Most fixed-rate mortgages will have a 30-year or 15-year term, though some lenders offer 20-year terms and some even allow borrowers to choose their own term. Home buyers should consider all possible home loan options before committing to a mortgage. Let’s dive deeper into these products to get a better understanding of each.

15-Year Mortgage

Some home buyers may opt for a 15-year mortgage because of one major factor: total interest paid. With a shorter mortgage term, borrowers pay off the loan quicker. That means they’ll pay less total interest because they’re paying interest for half the amount of time as a 30-year home loan. An additional benefit to paying the loan off faster is that homeowners will build equity faster and own their home free and clear much sooner. While a 15-year mortgage has its advantages, many homeowners shy away from this type of loan. While it can save borrowers a lot of money in the long run, it comes with higher monthly payments.

30-Year Mortgage

As we mentioned before, the 30-year mortgage is the most common home loan term in the U.S. With this mortgage, borrowers have 30 years to pay the loan off, and have a fixed or adjustable interest rate throughout the life of the loan. Because the payment is spread out over the most amount of time, the 30-year mortgage has the lowest monthly payment of these term length options. However, since you’ll be paying the longest amount of time, you’ll likely pay the most total interest.

20-Year Mortgage

For borrowers who don’t want a 30-year mortgage but think the monthly payment on a 15-year mortgage is a little tight, a 20-year mortgage could be a good compromise. While the standard option for a 20-year mortgage is a conventional loan, they’re also available as VA and FHA loans. With a term length between the 15-year and 30-year mortgages, you can find some middle ground. For example, 20-year mortgages do have a lower interest rate than a 30-year mortgage and will help you save on overall interest paid throughout the life of the loan. However, you won’t save as much total interest as you would with a 15-year loan. And, while 20-year mortgages have a lower monthly payment than a 15-year and, thus, offer more financial flexibility, they still have a higher monthly payment than a 30-year mortgage.

YOURgage®

Rocket Mortgage® has a loan option called YOURgage, which allows you to choose a fixed-rate term of anywhere from 8 – 29 years. This fixed-rate loan is more customized to a homeowner’s financial goals and can give them some control over their monthly payment amount.

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How much is it to turn a shed into a tiny house?

Depending on the size, materials, labor, and installation, the cost of turning your backyard shed into a tiny home may range from $1,500 to $30,000, per Budget Dumpster.

How To Turn Your Backyard Shed Into A Tiny Home

Do you dream of renovating your backyard shed into a tiny home? Or maybe you need a livable add-on to your property? There are many reasons why you might consider converting your shed into a more functional living space such as a guest house, man cave, she shed, classroom, or playhouse. In the past, small additional houses, like English follies, were often used by the wealthy as representations of ancient ruins or landmarks instead of being used for storage. Today, sheds serve a practical purpose, as they are commonly utilized to store tools, garden supplies, lawn equipment, or other domestic items that require larger accommodation. It's important to establish whether you're going to renovate your existing structure or build a new one. According to The Tiny House, purchasing a shed may be cheaper and more efficient in quality compared to purchasing a pre-built shell. Other important factors are to determine your budget and timeline. Is this a practical project or a mandatory change? Depending on the size, materials, labor, and installation, the cost of turning your backyard shed into a tiny home may range from $1,500 to $30,000, per Budget Dumpster. Whether it's a conversion or a brand-new structure, how you plan to transform your backyard shed will ultimately depend on the style and materials chosen. Read on to learn more about how to turn your backyard into a new living space!

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