What is the impact of a bi-weekly mortgage payment schedule?

A bi-weekly mortgage payment schedule involves making payments every two weeks rather than once a month. This results in 26 payments over the course of a year, which amounts to 13 full monthly payments instead of the standard 12. By making an additional payment each year, borrowers can reduce the principal balance more quickly. This accelerated payoff can lead to considerable interest savings over the life of the mortgage, as less interest accrues on a lower principal. This is why the choice regarding the impact of a bi-weekly payment schedule mentions paying off the mortgage faster with 13 payments per year, highlighting the benefit of this approach in managing mortgage obligations effectively.