U.S. homeowners are increasingly prepared to consider a 40-year mortgage in order to reduce mortgage repayments and free-up funds for essential household bills. Does the higher borrowing cost make this a viable proposition for a homeowner or would a 15-year mortgage be a better option? Advantages of the 40-Year Mortgage • Lower monthly mortgage repayments. A $300,000 40-year mortgage at 5% would result in a mortgage repayment of $1456.95 per month. A 15-year mortgage at 5% would cost $2408.55 per month. This would reduce outgoings by $951.60. • Avoid rental. Renting a house is dead money, but buying a house allows someone to potentially benefit from the development of home equity. It can prove to be a useful long term investment. • Cash windfalls. Should a homeowner receive a windfall payment as a result of inheritance, a speculative win or a bonus it will be possible to clear some or all of the balance. • Investme...