<p>I think a lot of people don't realize the impact of the interest on loans. I don't think that someone who hadn't had a home loan would realize that paying $145K on a loan could end with a result with only a $21K reduction in principal.</p>
<p>^^ That's why it's a good idea to pay down the principal by paying more than the minimum each month with the extra going 100% towards the principal. The subject couple could have paid off this loan pretty quickly by doing this. It's a way many homepwners get their home loans paid off way early as well.</p>
<p>^^Absolutely true, UCdad! Maybe it could have saved their marriage.</p>