A game of choices… with financial consequences (but also fun)

Remember playing “Would You Rather” as a kid?
You know — “Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck?”
Well, we’re putting a grown-up twist on it… mortgage style.

Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or just nosy about how others roll with real estate, these questions help you think through the choices we all face in the mortgage world.

đź’ˇ Would You Rather…

1. Lock in a 30-year fixed rate
🆚
Roll the dice with a 5/1 ARM (adjustable-rate mortgage)?

👉 Fixed rates = stability. Same payment every month, no surprises.
👉 ARM = lower initial rate… but it can go up later.
Risk-takers and short-term planners, this one’s for you.

2. Pay off your mortgage early
🆚
Invest the extra money in the stock market?

👉 Imagine being mortgage-free 10 years early… feels good, right?
👉 But if the market’s strong, your money could grow more than you’d save in interest.
Would you rather be debt-free or potentially wealthier?

3. Take a 15-year loan and pay more monthly
🆚
Take a 30-year loan and keep your payments lower?

👉 15-year = less interest, faster equity, but higher monthly payment.
👉 30-year = more flexibility, lower payment, more interest over time.
Would you rather get it over with or keep things comfy month-to-month?

4. Refinance your mortgage
🆚
Open a HELOC (home equity line of credit)?

👉 Refi = new loan, new terms, potential for long-term savings.
👉 HELOC = borrow only what you need from your equity, usually with lower upfront costs.
Would you rather reset the clock or borrow Ă  la carte?

5. Put 20% down to avoid PMI
🆚
Put less down and keep your cash for renos or emergencies?

👉 20% = no private mortgage insurance (PMI), but wipes out more savings upfront.
👉 Smaller down payment = more flexibility, but adds monthly PMI until you hit 20% equity.
Would you rather skip PMI or stay liquid?

🙋‍♂️ Your Turn:

We want to know your picks!
Drop your “would you rather” answers in the comments or share this with a friend and compare notes.
Or if you’re staring at two options in real life and want a second opinion — we’re here to help you figure it out (minus the horse-sized ducks).

Need help making the right move?
At BrightSide Lending, we help you break down your options without the jargon.
Call us, text us, or send us your own mortgage “Would You Rather” — we’re game.