Only 34% of Americans own their homes free and clear. All other homeowners have a a mortgage they’re chipping away at. If you have a mortgage, you may want to consider paying it off early.
Here are some strategies to help make that a reality. 
The Charlotte real estate market in 2026 is no longer overheated — but it’s far from slow. With affordability challenges, rising mortgage rates, and shifting inventory levels, buyers and sellers must adapt to a more strategic environment. Here are the five biggest challenges shaping the market right now — and how smart homeowners are navigating them successfully.