Hello! This week I want to tackle a question I hear a lot: when is refinancing actually worth it?
RATE SNAPSHOT · October 16, 2026
CONVENTIONAL 30-YR
7.40%
30-day Range: 7.14%–7.58%
CONVENTIONAL 15-YR
6.81%
30-day Range: 6.38%–6.93%
FHA 30-YR
7.25%
30-day Range: 6.89%–7.33%
VA 30-YR
7.05%
30-day Range: 6.81%–7.25%
Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED · Includes our pricing adjustment · Informational only
Refinancing Basics
When refinancing makes sense—and when it doesn't
Refinancing isn't always the right move, even when rates shift. The real question isn't whether rates dropped—it's whether the cost of refinancing will pay for itself over the time you plan to stay in your home. Sometimes a rate improvement of a quarter point doesn't justify closing costs and a new loan timeline. Other times, refinancing into a shorter loan term or switching from an adjustable rate to a fixed one can be exactly what your situation needs. The key is running the actual math on your specific loan, not just chasing rates. I'm happy to walk through whether refinancing makes sense for you right now.
Reach out if you'd like to talk through whether refinancing could work for your situation.
Tip of the Week
Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.
Tips for Homeowners
Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning
1.
Consider making your January mortgage payment in December to get an extra month of deductible interest in the current tax year (consult your tax advisor first).
2.
If you plan to sell next year, now is a good time to document improvements — receipts and records add to your cost basis and reduce taxable capital gain at sale.
3.
Review your W-4 withholding if you bought a home this year — your mortgage interest deduction may mean you're having too much withheld from each paycheck.
Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Rhett Laufenburger team any time and we'll walk you through your options.
