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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest Your Money? | reAlpha Mortgage

July 30, 2025

9 minutes

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest Your Money? | reAlpha Mortgage

Let’s be real: You’ve got some extra cash, maybe from a bonus, inheritance, or just smart saving. Now you’re stuck deciding: Do I throw it at my mortgage or invest it for the future?

This decision isn’t just financial, it’s emotional. Owning your home outright feels good. But so does building long-term wealth. So, what’s the better move?

In this blog, we’ll weigh both options, clearly, practically, and without the fluff. You’ll walk away with a confident next step based on facts, not fear.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the opportunity cost of paying off a mortgage early vs. investing.
  • Learn how interest rates, tax implications, and investment returns impact your decision.
  • Get a framework to align your choice with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
  • No VA-specific content; applies to all borrowers.

Mortgage Payoff: The Security-First Move

Paying off your mortgage early is like buying freedom. There will be no more monthly payments, no more interest, and just full ownership.

Benefits:

  • Guaranteed savings: You avoid thousands in interest payments.
  • Emotional relief: Peace of mind and fewer bills.
  • No market risk: It’s a guaranteed return equal to your interest rate.

Considerations:

  • Liquidity loss: You can’t easily tap into home equity without refinancing.
  • Opportunity cost: Money in the market might grow faster.

Think of it this way: every dollar you put toward your mortgage saves you your current interest rate. If your mortgage rate is 3%, it’s like earning 3% risk-free.”

Investing: The Growth-Oriented Move

Putting extra money into investments, stocks, mutual funds, REITs, etc., offers the chance for higher returns over time.

Benefits:

  • Potential for higher gains: Historically, the S&P 500 has averaged ~7% annually after inflation.
  • Liquidity: Access your funds when needed.
  • Compounding power: Long-term gains can be exponential.

Risks:

  • Volatility: Markets fluctuate, and there are no guarantees.
  • Behavioral risk: Emotional reactions can lead to bad timing.
  • Debt remains: You’re still paying mortgage interest.

Pro Tip:vantaged accounts (like Roth IRAs or HSAs) to supercharge your investment strategy.

Hybrid Strategy: Best of Both Worlds?

Here’s a powerful idea: split your extra funds.

Example Split:

  • 50% goes toward mortgage principal
  • 50% into a diversified investment portfolio

This lets you:

  • Reduce debt faster
  • Keep some liquidity
  • Capture market upside

It’s a strategy that balances psychological peace with financial growth.

Find the Perfect Mortgage for Your Dream Home with reAlpha Mortgage.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance - all in one place.

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How to Decide: A Personal Framework

Use these criteria to guide your choice:

What’s your mortgage rate?

    • Under 4%? Investing may yield more.
    • Over 6%? Paying down may save more.

Do you have other high-interest debt?

    • Always pay that off first.

Are you maxing retirement contributions?

    • If not, prioritize that first.

Emergency fund in place?

    • At least 3–6 months of expenses before any extra moves.

Emotional tolerance for debt vs. market risk?

    • This is your gut check.

What’s the Smartest Next Step?

Buying your dream home doesn’t have to drain your savings. With reAlpha, you can get up to 75% of your buyer agent’s commission back - real cash you can use for inspections, closing costs, or your first remodel.

Here’s how it stacks up:

  • 25% rebate for using a reAlpha agent
  • 75% when you add title services too

Whether you want peace of mind with a paid-off home or prefer to grow your investment portfolio, reAlpha gives you the power to decide and save big doing it.

👉 Explore your savings with reAlpha Mortgage

FAQs

Is it financially better to pay off your mortgage or invest?

It depends on your mortgage interest rate and the potential return on your investments. Generally, if your mortgage rate is lower than expected market returns, investing may grow your wealth more over time.

Can I do both—pay off my mortgage and invest?

Absolutely. Many homebuyers using reAlpha Mortgage choose a hybrid approach—splitting extra funds between mortgage principal and investment accounts for both peace of mind and long-term gains.

What if I’m close to retirement?

If you're nearing retirement, consider your cash flow needs and emotional comfort. For many, owning their home outright through early payoff (especially with low or fixed income) feels more secure. Platforms like reAlpha Mortgage can help tailor a strategy that fits your retirement goals.

Should I refinance before paying off early?

 If your interest rate is high, refinancing first could make early payoff more efficient. Always compare total costs.

Is paying off my mortgage early tax-deductible?

Mortgage interest is tax-deductible if you itemize. But if you pay off early, that deduction disappears. Consult a tax advisor.

Important Disclosures:

  • Mortgage advice varies by individual circumstance. This blog is for informational purposes and not financial or investment advice.
  • Interest rate examples are illustrative and not guaranteed.
  • reAlpha Mortgage is a licensed mortgage lender (NMLS #1743790), offering competitive rates and buyer-friendly programs.
  • reAlpha is a homebuying platform that offers up to 75% buyer agent commission rebate when you bundle agent, mortgage, and title services.
  • All loans are subject to underwriting approval. Terms and conditions apply. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment or loan decisions.

Need help deciding your next move? Explore homeownership and investing options tailored to you at:

  • realpha Let clarity and confidence lead the way.

Find the Perfect Mortgage for Your Dream Home with reAlpha Mortgage.

Compare options, calculate payments, and get expert guidance - all in one place.

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Article by

NK
Nathan Knottingham

Proudly serving as Head of Go-to-Market Strategy at reAlpha, focusing on holistic homeownership journeys.

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