well we didn't get there in one step. We started with a 30. When rates dropped enough we went to a 20, then to a 15. We had 8 years left on that when the college fund wasn't enough and we needed some repairs around the house. When we saw the rates at more than 2 point lower than we were at, it made the 10 yr note possible.
One can usually taka a 30 year note amd make it a 17 year note ny making a 13th payment (all to principal) every year, or most will allow for additional principal to be added whenever you you have the "spare" cash. What we have found over the years is that there is never really any "spare", so we pay heavy on the debt first and live on the rest. Sometimes it works, sometimes we reach for the plastic.
ymmv
