CapCenter

When does refinancing make sense?

How to weigh a lower rate against how long you’ll keep the loan.

Published 6 min read

Key takeaways

  • A refinance replaces your mortgage with a new loan.
  • In a hypothetical example, a 0.75% lower rate on a $300,000, 30-year fixed loan lowers the monthly payment noticeably.
  • With ZERO Closing Costs, there are no fees to earn back.
  • You can also refinance to shorten your term or drop mortgage insurance.

Next step: See how much refinancing could save you

When does refinancing make sense?

A refinance replaces your loan with a new one.

Usually to lower your rate, change your term or take cash out.

A refinance replaces your mortgage with a new loan.

Example: $300,000 balance

Current 7.875%$2,175
New 7.125%$2,021
Monthly savings$154

Hypothetical example: on a $300,000 balance, a 0.75% lower rate saves about $154 a month. APR may differ; example only. Rates change daily.

Example details: $300,000 30-year fixed at 7.875% (7.909% APR): 360 monthly payments of $2,175.21; $300,000 30-year fixed at 7.125% (7.155% APR): 360 monthly payments of $2,021.16. Principal and interest only; taxes and insurance not included, so the actual payment will be higher. Unless noted, APR assumes ZERO Closing Costs, no discount points and 15 days of prepaid interest. Hypothetical example prepared November 4, 2026, not a current CapCenter rate offer; subject to credit approval.

Closing costs change the math

ZERO Closing Costs

Your savings start with your first payment.

Typical lender

Thousands in fees to earn back first.

With ZERO Closing Costs, there are no fees to earn back.

Other reasons to refinance

  • Shorten to a 15-year term
  • Drop mortgage insurance
  • Switch from an ARM to fixed
  • Cash out

You can also refinance to shorten your term or drop mortgage insurance.

ZERO Closing Costs

CapCenter refinances come with ZERO Closing Costs (restrictions apply; see Offer details).

Frequently asked questions

How much lower does my rate need to be?

There’s no fixed rule. With ZERO Closing Costs there are no fees to earn back, so even a smaller drop can make sense.

Does refinancing restart my loan term?

It can. You can choose a new 30-year, a 15-year or another term.

Can I refinance with less than 20% equity?

Often yes, though mortgage insurance may apply.

Examples are hypothetical and for illustration only, not an offer of credit. Payments shown are principal and interest only, exclude taxes and insurance, and your APR may differ. Rates change daily. For general information only. Program rules and limits vary. Not a commitment to lend. NMLS ID #67717.

See your refinance savings

Capping costs since 1997.