We paid off our thirty year loan in seven. Countrywide let you pay extra every month, and I paid as much as I could. Having a paid for house enabled us to save a lot more afterwards.
I paid off my current house in 4 (months). The house I was living was paid off, but I needed a house with a ground floor master bedroom, we found and bought. Did not have to wait until my old house sold. It sold in 2 months using Zillow, and I used the proceeds to pay off my new house.
I was empowered because my house was paid off.
Same.
Had a 33 year loan that was paid off in about 25 because then it freed up money for other needs. It took about all the savings; in fact I think I cashed in a few life insurance policies to do it, but it sure helped out later on when a working insurance policy would not have helped. I suppose I took a chance, but now a larger life policy is not what’s been needed.
That was smart. Everyone lets you pay extra every month. You are allowed to pay any extra amount toward the principal balance you like.