Published January 26, 2026

More Than a Monthly Bill: How to Build Equity Faster and Protect Your Coastal Investment

Written by Erik Windrow

At The Windrow Group, we believe homeownership is about more than just finding the perfect floor plan or the right view of the bay—it’s about making one of the smartest financial investments of your life.

Whether you’ve just settled into a new home in Ocean City or you’ve owned your Fenwick Island retreat for years, your mortgage is a tool. One of the most frequent questions we hear from our clients is: "How can I pay off my mortgage faster without straining my monthly budget?"

The 30-year mortgage is the industry standard, but it doesn’t have to be your timeline. By using one of these two simple strategies, you can shave years off your loan and build equity in your coastal property much faster.

1. The Bi-Weekly Strategy: The "Set It and Forget It" Method

Many of our clients love the bi-weekly payment plan because it aligns perfectly with a standard bi-weekly paycheck. Instead of one large payment on the first of the month, you pay half of your mortgage every two weeks.

The Math: Because there are 52 weeks in a year, you end up making 26 half-payments. By the end of December, you’ve effectively made 13 full payments instead of 12.
The Impact: That "extra" payment goes directly toward your principal. On a typical $400,000 mortgage at today's rates, this shift can cut 4 to 7 years off your loan term.
The Windrow Tip: Check with your lender first! Some banks require a specific setup to ensure the extra payment is applied immediately to the principal rather than being held in a "suspense" account.

2. Extra Principal Contributions: The "Flexibility" Method

If you prefer to stay in total control of your cash flow—especially if you have a seasonal income or rely on bonuses—adding extra to your principal whenever you can is a fantastic alternative.

How it works: You make your standard monthly payment, but add a designated amount (even $100 or $200) specifically marked for "Principal Distribution." * Why it works at the beach: Life happens. If you have a high-expense month, you stick to the minimum. If you have a great summer or receive a tax refund, you can make a larger "lump sum" contribution.
The Power of Early Payments: Because mortgage interest is "front-loaded," every extra dollar you pay in the first 10 years has a massive compounding effect on how much you save over the life of the loan.

Strategy Comparison: Which Fits Your Lifestyle?

Strategy	Best For	The Big Advantage
Bi-Weekly	Predictable, salaried budgets	Automatically creates one extra payment per year
Extra Principal	Those wanting flexibility	You can pause, increase, or adjust at any time

Why This Matters to The Windrow Group

As your real estate advisors, our goal isn't just to help you buy or sell a house; it’s to help you build wealth through real estate. When you pay down your principal faster, you aren't just saving on interest; you are building the "fuel" for your next move.

Whether that equity eventually helps you upgrade to a larger home for your family, fund a renovation, or transition into your retirement dream home, being proactive today gives you more options tomorrow.

Final Thought

The best time to start building equity was the day you closed. The second-best time is today. Whether you choose the consistency of bi-weekly payments or the flexibility of extra principal contributions, your future self will thank you for the head start.