Go Long? Choosing Your Loan Term

Everyone’s been talking about the "Golden" 50-Year Mortgage… but maybe a shorter term is actually the smarter move for you? Here's important info to help you decide.

Every time the market shifts, a new headline pops up promising to “reinvent” the mortgage world. Lately, it’s been buzz about 40- and even 50-year mortgages. They make catchy news, but the truth is simple: most homeowners still choose the classic, time-tested terms — 15, 20, or 30 years.

And honestly, that’s where the smart decisions really happen.

The 30-year is the familiar standard. It keeps payments comfortable, makes qualifying easier, and gives you room to breathe if life throws surprises. But if you’re financially strong and thinking about your long-term wealth, it’s natural to pause and ask:

Should I actually go shorter?

Not because the market is loud… but because a shorter term might be the choice that moves you closer to your goals.

The 15-Year: The Fastest Path Forward

A 15-year mortgage is for someone ready to move with intention. It accelerates your equity, shortens your timeline, and cuts your total interest dramatically.

It also comes with a higher monthly payment — one you need to feel confident handling during every season of life, not just the easy ones.

The 20-Year: The Often Overlooked Sweet Spot

The 20-year loan doesn’t get as much attention, but it deserves it.

It gives you:

• A payment that’s gentler than the 15

• A payoff that’s much faster than the 30

• A meaningful reduction in long-term interest

For many homeowners, this is the “balanced” term that feels both smart and sustainable.

How Do You Choose the Right Term?

This decision isn’t about headlines, hype, or what your neighbor did. It’s about your life — your comfort, your cash flow, your future.

And the truth is:
You shouldn’t try to figure this out alone.

As your lender I will ask, and we will discuss:

• Can this payment fit even in slower or stressful months?

• Am I prioritizing cash flow, or speed?

• What else am I saving and planning for — retirement, college, a second property, financial freedom?

• Will this term support my life… or tighten it?

When you and I go through your income, habits, savings goals, lifestyle, and long-term vision, the right choice becomes obvious. I don’t give generic advice — I walk you through how each option affects your real life, and what supports your future, not just your monthly payment.

This is a decision that should feel personal, confident, and aligned with where you’re heading — not necessarily where the market is trying to push you.

Yvonne Trode
Senior Loan Officer | Connecticut | NMLS CT 2131594
315-800-3202