Is it Better to Invest or Repay House Debt? | Fox Business

Dear Dr. Don,

I currently have a home financed with a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage. The first mortgage is for $179,000 at 5.75% interest, and the second is a $38,000 adjustable-rate loan. I have the cash to pay off the second mortgage of $38,000. Should I do that or put it into savings?

Thanks,

-- Mark Mortgages

Dear Mark, There's a simple answer to this one: Look at the interest rates.

If the effective after-tax interest rate on your second mortgage is greater than the after-tax rate of return on your investments, then it makes sense to pay down the mortgage from savings.

By the way, why aren't you looking to refinance? You have more than $200,000 in debt, with most of that debt currently at 5.75%. That's extremely high right now. According to Bankrate, people with good credit can refinance into a new, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 3.52%. They can get a new, 15-year fixed-rate mortgage at 2.86% and a new, 5/1 ARM at 2.74%.

It makes sense to refinance now, unless you expect to sell the home soon. Refinancing also is tough if you have a poor credit history. And it can be difficult if you don't have any equity on your home, though you may be able to finesse that issue using a Federal Housing Administration mortgage. If you're eligible, the federal government's Home Affordable Refinance Program, or HARP, is an option.

Get more news, money-saving tips and expert advice by signing up for a free Bankrate newsletter.

Ask the adviser

To ask a question of Dr. Don, go to the "Ask the Experts" page and select one of these topics: "Financing a home," "Saving & Investing" or "Money." Read more Dr. Don columns for additional personal finance advice.

Bankrate's content, including the guidance of its advice-and-expert columns and this website, is intended only to assist you with financial decisions. The content is broad in scope and does not consider your personal financial situation. Bankrate recommends that you seek the advice of advisers who are fully aware of your individual circumstances before making any final decisions or implementing any financial strategy. Please remember that your use of this website is governed by Bankrate's Terms of Use.