When Does It Make Sense to Refinance Your Mortgage?

By David Parks · eXp Realty · The Apollo Group · 2 min read

The Short Answer

Refinancing replaces your current mortgage with a new one. It may make sense if you can lower your rate, shorten your term, remove mortgage insurance, or access equity, and if you will stay long enough to cover the costs.

When Does It Make Sense to Refinance Your Mortgage?
Illustration by David Parks

Common reasons

Costs

Refinancing has closing costs, often several thousand dollars. Divide the costs by your monthly savings to find the break-even point.

Quick Poll

Where are you with financing?

Things to weigh

How long you plan to stay, whether you are extending your term, and how your new rate compares to your old one. Cash-out refinances may reduce your equity.

How to start

Check your credit and home value, and get quotes from several lenders. Compare the Loan Estimates, not just the rate.

Takeaway

A lender can run the numbers for your situation. The right time is when savings outweigh the cost and fit your plans.

Key Takeaways
  • Common reasons: Lower the interest rate or monthly payment.
  • Costs: Refinancing has closing costs, often several thousand dollars.
  • Things to weigh: How long you plan to stay, whether you are extending your term, and how your new rate compares to your old one.
  • How to start: Check your credit and home value, and get quotes from several lenders.

This article is general information, not legal, tax, financial or inspection advice. Every home and situation is different, so confirm details with a licensed inspector, lender, attorney or tax professional.

David Parks
About David Parks

David is a Greater Denver real estate advisor with eXp Realty and The Apollo Group (Colorado broker license FA100103211). He has closed more than $55 million in volume, earned eXp Icon status in 2025, and holds a 5.0 rating on Zillow from 27 verified reviews.

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