Quick Answer: Possibly, but not without major trade-offs.
You’re reading this because you want clear direction from your listing agent, so let’s break it down.
What’s going on
Donald Trump recently voiced support for introducing 50-year fixed mortgages as one option to boost housing affordability.
He described the change as a way to lower monthly payments by spreading the cost of homeownership over a longer period.
Additionally, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) head Bill Pulte picked up the idea, calling it a “complete game-changer” and noting it was part of a “wide arsenal” of possible housing finance tools.
Why this matters for home-buyers & sellers in Idaho Falls
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Lower monthly payment: For example: a 50 year mortgage could reduce payment amounts compared to a 30 year loan, making homes feel more “affordable” in monthly terms.
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Slower equity build-up: Because you’re stretching the term, much of your early payments go to interest rather than principal. That means your ownership stake in your home grows more slowly.
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Longer debt horizon: A 50 year term means you might still be paying when you’re well into retirement, which affects financial planning.
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Potential regulatory/logistical hurdles: Under current law (e.g., rules from Dodd‑Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act), mortgages over ~40 years face restrictions, so implementation isn’t guaranteed.
What I advise if you’re considering a move
As your agent here in the Idaho Falls region (which includes Pocatello, Blackfoot, Rexburg, Rigby, Ashton & Island Park), here’s what you should keep in mind:
If you’re buying:
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Focus on overall debt strategy, not just the monthly payment. A low payment is nice, but are you building equity or just paying interest for decades?
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Consider how long you plan to stay in the home. If you expect to move in 5-10 years (common in this region), the benefits of a longer term diminish.
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Explore alternatives: putting down a little more, picking a 15 or 20 year term, or choosing a less expensive home may give you better equity growth.
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Ask yourself: when will you realistically be done paying? If a 50 year term means you’re in debt into your 60s-70s, that may conflict with other goals (retirement, travel, financial flexibility).
If you’re selling:
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Understand that potential buyers might be more cautious. Some may wait if they believe longer terms will arrive, but many will still seek solid equity-building opportunities.
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Highlight the home’s value proposition: “Here’s a home that can be paid off sooner if you choose the right financing.” That can make your listing stand out.
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Work with me, your listing agent, to frame financing options and show how this home could work under a variety of scenarios (30 year, 20 year, extended term) so buyers feel confident.
My take: Is this a home-run or a caution flag?
I see this 50 year mortgage idea as a potential tool, but not a silver bullet.
It could help in high-cost markets to lower monthly outlay, but the slower equity build and longer debt commitment are serious trade-offs, especially for first-time buyers and folks in regions like ours where home-ownership equity is one of the strongest paths to long-term financial stability.
In short: If you use it knowingly, it might make sense. But don’t let the lower payment blind you to the total cost and long term implications.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in the Idaho Falls area and want to explore how different financing options (including shorter vs longer terms) could impact your situation, let’s connect. I’ll walk you through what works best for you, as your local real-estate expert and trusted listing agent.
