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Why is mortgage good debt?

Author

Sophia Koch

Updated on January 21, 2026

Mortgages come with low interest rates when compared to credit cards, another reason they are an example of good debt. You can then use these loans to help fund home improvements, pay part of your children’s college educations or pay off higher-interest-rate credit-card debt.

Is a house mortgage considered debt?

“Good” debt is defined as money owed for things that can help build wealth or increase income over time, such as student loans, mortgages or a business loan. “Bad” debt refers to things like credit cards or other consumer debt that do little to improve your financial outcome.

What type of debt is a mortgage?

Type of loan: Mortgages are installment loans, which means you pay them back in a set number of payments (installments) over an agreed-upon term (usually 15 or 30 years). They’re also secured loans, meaning the home you bought with the mortgage serves as collateral for the debt.

What is the most common type of debt?

Mortgages. Mortgages are the most common and largest debt many consumers carry. Mortgages are loans made to purchase homes, with the subject real estate serving as collateral.

How much debt can I have and still get a mortgage?

A 45% debt ratio is about the highest ratio you can have and still qualify for a mortgage. Based on your debt-to-income ratio, you can now determine what kind of mortgage will be best for you. FHA loans usually require your debt ratio to be 45 percent or less. USDA loans require a debt ratio of 43 percent or less.

Is the mortgage considered to be a debt?

By this definition, you would assume that a mortgage would fall into this category. After all, your mortgage is in its most simple form, the debt you owe a company, bank or individual after borrowing money from them to purchase your home. Good Debt vs Bad Debt, What’s the Difference?

What makes a mortgage a state of owing?

A state of being under obligation to pay or repay someone or something in return for something received: a state of owing.” By this definition, you would assume that a mortgage would fall into this category.

When is a mortgage considered to be an asset?

If you owe more than your home is worth, as mentioned above, your mortgage debt is no longer an asset but a liability. On the other hand, if you owe very little in relation to your home’s value, your mortgage can be an asset. Therefore, the answer to the question is: a mortgage is many times both an asset and debt. Is a Mortgage an Expense?

What kind of debt do you want to avoid?

Conversely, bad debt, more commonly known as consumer debt, is the type of debt you want to avoid. There are two primary forms of consumer debt, that being a fixed payment or loan, think car loans, and credit card debt. There are many Americans who currently find themselves in this type of debt.