Instantly. By not having one. I paid in full. Mathematically it was not the best decision. Housing was cheap and rates were good. The stock market had big gain

Instantly. By not having one. I paid in full. Mathematically it was not the best decision. Housing was cheap and rates were good. The stock market had big gains in the following years. But I would do the same thing again as I love having a baseline of stability that is permanent. And true ownership. There's a good feeling having all your income free and clear with no debts.