Millions of homeowners across the United States rely on mortgages as a crucial financial tool to achieve their homeownership goals. However, some home loans come with costly prepayment penalties that can significantly impact borrowers if they decide to pay off the loan early. These penalties can amount to thousands of dollars if the homeowner chooses to pay off the mortgage entirely, refinance to a different loan, or sell their home before the loan term is completed.

What are prepayment penalties?

Prepayment penalties are fees charged by lenders when a borrower pays off a home loan before the agreed-upon term. These penalties are typically applied within the first few years of the loan and can vary in amount depending on the lender’s policies and the specific terms of the loan agreement. Prepayment penalties are designed to encourage borrowers to maintain their loans for a longer period, allowing the lender to collect more interest over time, which is a significant source of revenue for them.

While prepayment penalties were once more common in the mortgage industry, recent regulations have limited their use to protect consumers. Certain government-backed loan programs, such as Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans, are now prohibited from including prepayment penalties. However, some mortgage types, like jumbo loans, which are loans that exceed the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), may still come with these fees.

How to avoid those pesky fees

To avoid the financial burden of prepayment penalties, borrowers should carefully review their loan agreements and understand the specific terms and conditions that would trigger these fees. It is essential to read the fine print and ask the lender for clarification if any terms are unclear. Homeowners may also consider shopping around for lenders that do not charge prepayment penalties or negotiating the removal of these fees before closing on the loan. This proactive approach can save borrowers a significant amount of money in the long run.

Check with a mortgage specialist first

Mortgage broker Robert Egeland of Oxygen Mortgage in Boulder, Colorado, says you need to know what you are getting into.

“Paying off a mortgage early can provide significant financial benefits, such as eliminating interest costs and monthly payments, which can free up cash flow for other investments or expenses. However, it’s important to weigh the potential drawbacks, such as reduced short-term savings and liquidity. Homeowners with low-interest mortgages may find it more advantageous to invest their extra funds elsewhere, such as in retirement accounts, stocks, or other investment opportunities, rather than prioritizing early mortgage payoff,” Egeland says.

Each homeowner’s financial situation is unique, and it is crucial to consider all factors and consult with a financial advisor if necessary to make the best decision for their circumstances.

Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your lender and discuss these options. Oxygen Mortgage is available to help you navigate questions and become your go-to source. We offer advice and direct help for real estate agents, buyers and sellers. Contact us at info@oxygenmortgage.net or check us out on Facebook.