Refinance break-even

Months to recoup the check you write, then whether you still win if you sell. Type the coupon on your payoff letter and a written quote. Default 6.80% → 5.90% is the worked slice, not today’s lock. Freddie Mac PMMS printed 6.76% on the 30-year the week of September 10, 2026 — an average of applications. Primer: break-even guide. Pulling cash while you still like the first lien is HELOC vs cash-out. Do not rebuild that here. Optional: tip / support.

The loan you have

Remaining balance ($) Current rate % (payoff letter, not PMMS) Years left

The quote

New rate % New term (years) Closing costs except points ($) Discount points (1 = 1% of new loan) Lender credit ($) Pay costs Years you will keep this house

Break-even

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Educational estimate. Taxes and insurance are not refinance savings — escrow recasts are not a rate win. Qualified residence interest is still capped at $750,000 of post-December 15, 2017 acquisition debt (Pub. 936). A 3% first lien is usually a keep-the-loan file; tapping equity without rewriting it is HELOC vs cash-out. Extra principal you already own: extra vs invest (All Access). Paid sequence: 3% vs 7% playbook. Not advice.

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