Keep in mind that not everywhere has Bay Area real estate prices.

I bought my place for 150k back in 2002. I paid it off in less than 7 years, and have been mortgage free for over a decade now. I know another guy who did something similar, paying off his place is less than 6 years.

I realize this is very uncommon. Most people I know are perpetually refi-ing, and have no desire to ever pay off their mortgage.