George L. Duarte

Mortgage Loans Fremont California Horizon Financial Associates

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Awards
    • Privacy Policy
    • California Privacy Notice
    • Accessibility Statement
  • Reverse Mortgage Library
  • Resources
    • Real Estate Corner Radio Show
    • VA Loans
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Mortgage FAQ
    • Mortgage Glossary
    • Closing Costs
    • Loan Programs
    • Living Trusts
  • Reviews
    • Video Testimonials
    • Reviews
    • Write a Review
  • Apply Now
  • Contact

Finding Your Latte Factor: 3 Ways to Find the Money to Make Extra Mortgage Payments

August 1, 2017 by George Duarte

Finding Your Latte Factor: 3 Ways to Find the Money to Make Extra Mortgage PaymentsIt’s not uncommon for a homeowner to want to pay more than the minimum monthly mortgage payment on their home. However, just because it can seem hard to come up with the funds on a monthly basis doesn’t mean it’s not possible to find the money for extra mortgage payments each year. If you’re wondering how you can pay down your mortgage debt much sooner with extra money, here are some tricks you may want to try.

Relinquish Your Refund

Many people look forward to tax time because it’s an opportunity to spend their refund on shopping, dining or a much-needed vacation. However, using your tax refund to pay down your debt can actually be a satisfying way to put more down on your mortgage and achieve something lasting from that extra bit of cash. While you may want to set some aside for an outing or a special treat, the amount remaining on your mortgage will seriously benefit from the extra payment.

Re-Tool Your Budget

If you’ve been successful at making your mortgage payments, it’s likely that you have a working budget that you stick to each month. But like any plan, a budget can change. If you haven’t done so in a while, it’s worth sitting down to re-calculate your monthly income and expenses. There’s a good chance that some expenses exist that you can pare down or get rid of entirely. While it may not make a significant difference in one month, small amounts will add up over time.

Plan A Yard Sale

It’s easy to acquire a lot of things that you don’t necessarily use, whether it’s technology or kitchenware or home decorations. Fortunately, planning a yard sale for your infrequently used items can be a great way to come up with a small fortune to pay off your mortgage sooner. Of course, you’ll need to be ready to haggle to get the prices you’re looking for. And don’t forget to get the locals involved and make it a neighborhood event for even more selling success.

It may seem nearly impossible to come up with the money to put more down on your mortgage, but using your tax refund and re-tooling your budget can easily add up to savings that make a difference! If you’re considering buying a new home in the future, contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Homeowner Tips, Mortgage, Mortgage Payments

Forget About the Bank of Mom and Dad — Here’s How You Can Save Your Own Down Payment

July 27, 2017 by George Duarte

Forget About the Bank of Mom and Dad -- Here's How You Can Save Your Own Down PaymentAre you considering buying a home for the first time? For some, it can seem nearly impossible to come up with the funds for the down payment. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can save a little over time and not have to borrow from the “Bank of Mom and Dad”. If you’re looking to invest in a home in the short-term and are looking for solutions to save up, here are some tips on how to get to your down payment amount more quickly.

Create A Budget

Most people don’t like the idea of a budget, but few things are going to help you reach your financial goals like having one. Instead of sticking your head in the sand, add the numbers up and see approximately how much you’re spending each month. It may not seem like it, but getting a sense of what your monthly costs are can help you get a good idea of your overall financial picture and how much you really should be spending.

Get An Extra Job

Whether you want to do a freelance job on the side or get some part-time work, there are few things that are going to help you achieve your goal of home ownership like a little extra money. It may seem like a drag to go to a part-time gig from your full-time job, but it can be well worth it when you begin to see your bank account fill up. It’s just important that your part-time gig pays enough that it’s going to make up for the extra time you’ll be giving up.

Trim The Excess Costs

Now that you’ve got some extra money coming in and you’ve crafted a budget, you’re certainly on the right track. However, indulging in life’s little luxuries can eat away at your savings. While you’ll want to keep a little aside for meals out or entertainment, if you have other sizeable costs you’ll want to eliminate these in order to save for your greater goal.

It can take some time to save up for a down payment, but you may be able to avoid borrowing money if you bring in more each month and get rid of excess costs. For more information, contact your trusted mortgage professional and we’ll be happy to help.

Filed Under: Home Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Down Payments, Home Mortgage Tips, Mortgage

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Sidebar

George L. Duarte

MBA, CMC, CMHS
Call 510.377.9059
Fremont, CA

California DRE Corp Lic no. 01032295
DRE Personal Brokers Lic. No. 00943635
NMLS Corporate Lic. No. 302358
Personal Lic. No. 302219

Horizon Financial Associates LogoView Lending CertificateNAMB Member Certificate

Get a Rate Quote
Mortgage Refinance Companies
NAMB
Proud Supporter Of Our Military
CMC Logo

Stay up to date with the latest news to your inbox!

No spam ever and you can unsubscribe anytime.





Horizon Financial Associates BBB Business Review

Connect with Me

Browse Articles by Category

Mortgage Pros2019 Best of Fremont2017 Best of Fremont2016 Best of Fremont

See More Awards →

Recent Articles

  • Millennials and the Pursuit of Homeownership
  • What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 29th, 2024
  • Are You Ready for Home Ownership? Find Out by Answering These 4 Questions
  • Maximizing Your Mortgage: Unveiling Strategies for Faster Payoff and Interest Savings
Horizon Financial Associates is a BBB Accredited Mortgage Broker in Fremont, CA
Equal Housing Opp
crb logo REALTOR Logo


39488 Stevenson Pl Ste. 100
Fremont, CA 94539

Copyright © 2026 · Powered by MySMARTblog

Copyright © 2026 · Genesis Sample Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in