Alicia Kirby · August 19, 2026

Does refinancing pencil out for you?

Mortgage Market Update

Alicia Kirby

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Does refinancing pencil out for you?

Hi there—I wanted to touch base about a decision I see borrowers face pretty often. Here's what you should know before moving forward.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

VA 30-Year

6.33%

Rate trend

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED

Rates shown are national averages and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and market conditions. Please contact us for a personalized rate quote.


Refinancing Basics

When refinancing actually makes sense

Refinancing isn't always the right move—even when rates drop. The real question is whether the money you save on your monthly payment (or loan term) will outweigh what you pay in closing costs. That break-even point is different for everyone, depending on how long you plan to stay in your home, your current loan balance, and what you're trying to achieve. Some people refinance to lower their rate and payment. Others refinance to tap equity for a major expense, or to switch from a 30-year loan to a 15-year one. The math needs to work for your specific situation. I'm happy to walk through the numbers with you and show you what refinancing would actually cost versus what you'd save.

Let's talk through whether a refinance makes sense for you right now.

Tip of the Week

Inspect your attic insulation. Proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs and can prevent ice dams on your roof.

Tips for Homeowners

Fall Home Prep: Heating, Safety & Systems

1.

Have your heating system serviced before it's needed. A furnace failure in winter is an emergency — routine maintenance costs far less than emergency repairs.

2.

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Carbon monoxide poisoning risk rises when heating systems run more frequently.

3.

Drain and shut off exterior faucets and sprinkler systems before the first freeze to prevent burst pipes — one of the most expensive and disruptive homeowner emergencies.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Alicia Kirby team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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