What’s the Fastest Way to Pay Off a Mortgage in Santa Rosa?

By Shawn Hermosillo

Shawn Hermosillo, founder of Hermosillo Real Estate Group (HRE), is a Sonoma County native with deep roots in the community and a passion for real estate.

Does it feel like you’ll be making mortgage payments forever? Watching that balance barely drop can be frustrating, especially when you’re working hard to build equity and gain financial freedom.

The good news is, you don’t need a huge raise or a complicated financial plan to get ahead. With a few smart adjustments, you can shorten your loan term, save thousands in interest, and pay off your Santa Rosa home years earlier than expected.

Here are four practical strategies that will cut years off your loan:

1. Make one extra payment each year. One of the simplest ways to trim years off your mortgage is to make an extra payment each year. You don’t have to do it all at once, though. You may divide your monthly payment by 12 and add that small portion to each month’s payment.

Over time, this equals one full extra payment every year. This simple step could shave four to five years off a 30-year loan, saving you thousands in interest without straining your budget.

2. Switch to biweekly payments. Instead of paying your mortgage once a month, consider splitting your payment in half and paying every two weeks. Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you’ll end up making 26 half-payments, or 13 full payments, each year.

That one extra payment goes directly toward your principal balance, helping you pay off your loan faster while keeping your budget steady. Many lenders in Santa Rosa offer biweekly payment options at no additional cost, so it’s worth asking about.

3. Use windfalls wisely. If you receive a work bonus, tax refund, or other unexpected income, consider putting part of it toward your mortgage. When you apply extra funds directly to your principal rather than just prepaying future interest, you reduce your balance faster and cut down the total interest you’ll pay over time. Even one or two of these “bonus” payments per year can make a noticeable difference.

4. Refinance to a shorter term, if need be. In some cases, refinancing can be a smart move, especially if current interest rates and your financial situation make a shorter-term loan more affordable. Moving from a 30-year to a 15- or 20-year mortgage can save you tens of thousands in interest and help you build equity much faster. Just make sure to review closing costs and rate changes carefully before making the switch.

Your path to financial freedom. Paying off your mortgage faster doesn’t have to mean stretching your finances thin. With a few intentional changes, you can build equity more quickly and move closer to owning your home outright.

If you’d like to explore the best approach for your situation or want help running the numbers, I’m here to help. Call or text me at (707) 280-5040 or email shawn@hermosillogroup.com to start planning your path to a debt-free home in Santa Rosa.