15-Year Fixed Mortgage | Bayou Mortgage — Pay Off Faster, Save on Interest
15-Year Fixed Mortgage

15-Year Fixed
Pay Off Faster
Save Big on Interest

A 15-year fixed mortgage locks in a stable rate while helping you build equity faster. Payments are higher than a 30-year, but you typically pay far less interest over the life of the loan.

✓ Fixed Rate + Fixed Payment
✓ Faster Equity Growth
✓ Often Lower Rate vs 30-Year
✓ Primary / Second Home (guidelines vary)
⏱️
Half the Term
You pay off the loan in 15 years instead of 30—less time paying interest.
💸
Lower Total Interest
Even with a higher payment, many borrowers save tens of thousands in interest over time.
📉
Often Better Pricing
15-year fixed rates are often lower than 30-year fixed (depends on market and lender).
🧠
Best for Strong Budgets
Ideal if the payment fits comfortably and you want to be debt-free sooner.
5-Star Google Rated
500+ Families Closed
Fast Pre-Approvals
🔒
NMLS #1845349
Homeowners reviewing a 15-year fixed mortgage option
The Basics

What Is a 15-Year Fixed Mortgage?

A 15-year fixed mortgage is a home loan with an interest rate that stays the same for the full 15-year term. Your principal and interest payment stays consistent, and the shorter term typically means you pay much less interest than a 30-year.

The tradeoff: your monthly payment is higher because you’re paying the balance down faster. For the right borrower, it’s one of the best ways to build wealth through homeownership.

As a broker, we shop multiple lenders to find the best pricing and fit—not just one bank’s option.

Get My 15-Year Quote →
Why 15-Year

Why Some Buyers Choose a 15-Year Fixed

If the payment fits, a 15-year fixed can lower your interest cost, build equity fast, and help you become mortgage-free sooner.

💰

Lower Total Interest

You pay interest for half as long—often resulting in huge lifetime interest savings.

📉

Often Lower Rate

15-year fixed rates are commonly lower than 30-year fixed, depending on market conditions.

Build Equity Faster

More of your payment goes toward principal early—equity can grow quickly.

🏁

Pay Off in 15 Years

Be mortgage-free sooner and redirect cash flow to savings, investing, or lifestyle.

🛡️

Stable Payment

Fixed rate and predictable payment—no surprises from rate changes.

🔁

Great for Refinancing

Some homeowners refinance into a 15-year to shorten the term and reduce long-term interest.

Qualifying

15-Year Fixed Requirements

Guidelines vary by lender and program type. The big question is whether the 15-year payment fits comfortably with your budget and goals.

Get My 15-Year Quote →
RequirementGuideline
Loan Type
Typically conventional (some govt refis possible)
Occupancy
Primary / second home (guidelines vary)
Down Payment
Varies by program and profile (some allow low down)
Credit
Lender guidelines apply (stronger credit helps pricing)
Debt-to-Income
Payment is higher—DTI matters more on a 15-year
Income
Stable, documentable income for underwriting
Appraisal
Required in most cases (purchase and many refis)
Assets
Funds for down payment/closing + reserves as needed
How It Works

Quote to Closing in 4 Steps

We compare lenders, confirm the best 15-year pricing, and guide the file to the finish line.

01
📊

Run the Numbers

We compare 15-year vs 30-year payments and help you decide what fits your budget.

02
🧾

Get Pre-Approved

We review documents and issue a strong pre-approval so you can shop confidently.

03
🔎

Under Contract

Once you’re under contract, we order appraisal (if needed) and submit to underwriting.

04
🎉

Close & Move In

We confirm final numbers early so there are no surprises at the closing table.

Compare

15-Year Fixed vs 30-Year Fixed

The 15-year is about paying off faster and saving interest. The 30-year is about lower monthly payment and flexibility.

Feature 15-Year Fixed 30-Year Fixed
Monthly PaymentHigherLower
RateOften lower (market dependent)Often higher
Total Interest PaidMuch lowerHigher
Equity GrowthFasterSlower
Best ForStrong budget + payoff mindsetCash-flow flexibility
Honest Overview

15-Year Fixed Pros and Cons

If the payment fits, it’s a powerful move. Here’s the honest tradeoff.

✓ Pros

  • Pay off your home faster (15 years)
  • Save a lot on interest over the life of the loan
  • Often a lower rate than a 30-year (market dependent)
  • Build equity faster
  • Predictable fixed payment
  • Great option for refinance to shorten term

✗ Cons

  • Higher monthly payment than a 30-year
  • Less monthly cash-flow flexibility
  • May reduce how much house you qualify for
  • Not ideal if income is variable or tight
  • Extra principal payments on a 30-year can be an alternative
  • Opportunity cost: cash tied to payment vs investing (depends on goals)
Real Results

What Our Borrowers Say

We’ve helped hundreds of families get into homes. Here’s what some of them had to say.

Common Questions

15-Year Fixed FAQ

Most questions are about payment vs savings—and whether it makes sense for your goals.

Get My 15-Year Quote →
Is a 15-year fixed rate always lower than a 30-year? +
Often, yes—but not always. Pricing depends on market conditions and the lender. We can compare both side-by-side on your quote.
How much higher is the payment on a 15-year? +
It varies by loan amount and rate, but the payment can be meaningfully higher because you’re paying the balance down twice as fast. We’ll show both options clearly.
Can I buy a home with a 15-year fixed? +
Yes. Many buyers choose 15-year fixed for purchases—especially if the payment fits comfortably and they want to build equity quickly.
Is it smarter to do a 30-year and pay extra each month? +
That can be a great strategy for flexibility—if you truly pay extra consistently. We can compare both paths and help you pick the best fit.
Does a 15-year fixed require mortgage insurance? +
If it’s a conventional loan and you put less than 20% down, PMI may apply—regardless of term. The good news: PMI often drops off sooner as equity grows.
Can I refinance into a 15-year fixed later? +
Yes. Many homeowners refinance into a 15-year to shorten the term—especially if the new payment still fits their budget.
Is a 15-year fixed good for first-time buyers? +
It can be—if the payment is comfortable and you want to build equity quickly. If cash flow is tight, a 30-year may be a better starting point.
What do you need from me to quote it? +
Basic info like purchase price (or current balance if refinancing), estimated credit range, income, and down payment. We’ll handle the lender shopping and show your best options.

Want to See If a
15-Year Fixed Fits Your Budget?

Get a clear comparison of 15-year vs 30-year payments, estimated savings, and the best lender options—fast and no pressure.