Thanks everyone for the feedback. I am looking at my options and will update the forum once I make a decision.

Da,

I am with you.... mortgage interest is low right now. Better places to invest for much higher returns than your own mortgage. Plus you get tax benefits on the interest deductions most likely.

Good luck.

Only a couple of investments are sure things: bank accounts and mortgages.

Your mortgage is a sure thing because you are paying someone else 5%. You could save that 5% (net of income taxes) by paying it off early. You could also put the money in the bank and earn around 2% (which would be taxable). These are the sure things.

Some investments with more risk in them will yield you higher payback, but with the possibility that something might happen. For example, you could lend the money to someone to buy a house and you act as a mortgage bank. You would make the 6% or so (which is taxable) but what if they lose their job or stop paying you off?
You could also invest in stocks or any number of other traditional approaches, but all of these have some degree of risk. The safest is either paying off your own mortgage or setting it into a bank account. Only you can decide what your level of risk tolerance is.

If you decide you want to invest in real estate, we'd be glad to help you find something suitable. In the past real estate has done the same or better than stocks (and of course bank account interest), but the last couple of years have not been good except isolated cases and terrible in other states.

You need refer to your mortgage determine if you pay off no penalities.

Investing in real estate we work with world wide investors they are purchasing homes here in area for short / long term investment receive annual tax benefits

Recommend confer with CPA for your best options they review your entire financial records and tax benefits.

Direct link if you are considering real estate investments
http://sites.google.com/site/dallasbankforeclosureslistings

National Featured Realtor and Consultant, Mortgage Loan Officer, Credit Repair Lecturer
Lynn911