Franky/Al:  Thats a good point to paying off the house (even if you are on the backside of the loan and paying less interest).  Its kind of like investing!  That still lots of interest saved. 

 

My house is nice for NC, but not ostentatious!  The county assessed in at just over $304,000 on 2700 square feet and 0.75 acres.  I am down to the last 5 years of payments and the tax credit for filing is not as good as it once was!  Time to clear it off the books for peace of mind.  Daughter off to college in 4+ years!

 

It is piece of mind and makes further degradation in the economy much easier to deal with and survive.  Thats a big monthly bill not going out and if one is surviving well and holds jobs, then the accounts start to fill right back up over time.

 

Again I am DAMN lucky to be able to do this, realize others are earlier in their housing history and do not have the flexibility.  This economic situation blew up at least at the right time for me personally. 

 

If its going to happen, at least its easy to dispose of, and while 51 years old, I hope to have some time to use this situation as a springboard if given the chance!

 

kutz