BEAUMONT, Texas — President Donald Trump’s recent proposal for a 50-year mortgage has sparked debate among real estate and lending professionals, including some here in Southeast Texas, over whether extending home loans would truly help first-time buyers.

Trump said he hopes the longer mortgage term would encourage more Americans to purchase homes. But local experts say the idea could come with significant downsides.

Chris Wade, loan manager at Gateway Mortgage in Beaumont, said that while the idea is well-intentioned, stretching payments over half a century would ultimately cost buyers more.

“I think he’s on the right track there,” Wade said. “I don’t know that I believe in a 50-year mortgage. The interest rate on a 50-year mortgage will not be the same as it is on a 30-year mortgage.

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