Find out exactly how many months until refinancing pays for itself — and how much you'll save over the life of your loan.
Classic refinance scenario. Rate drops 1.2%, balance $320k, 24 years left. Worth it for most homeowners.
✅ Usually Worth It0.3% reduction on $400k balance. Only 3 years planned stay — tight break-even test.
⚠️ BorderlineDrop rate AND switch from 20yr remaining to 15yr. Pay more monthly but save massively on interest.
✅ Great Long-termIt's the number of months it takes for your monthly savings from the new lower rate to equal the upfront closing costs you paid to refinance. After that point, you're in profit.
Under 24 months is generally considered excellent. Under 36 months is good. If your break-even is longer than how long you plan to stay, refinancing may not make financial sense.
The classic rule of thumb is 1% or more — but it depends on your loan balance, closing costs, and how long you'll stay. Use this calculator to find your personal threshold.
Typically 2–5% of the loan amount, or $3,000–$15,000 for most homeowners. This includes origination fees, appraisal, title insurance, and recording fees. Some lenders offer no-closing-cost refis at a slightly higher rate.