How the savings are calculated
Both loans use a fixed-rate amortization schedule. Monthly savings equal the current principal-and-interest payment plus entered mortgage insurance, minus the proposed equivalents.
The simple break-even divides total closing costs by positive monthly savings. The comparison-period result is stricter: it compares interest and entered mortgage insurance through the selected period, then includes the full refinance closing cost.
Financing closing costs increases the proposed principal and interest. Cash out also increases the proposed balance, but the cash received is not called savings. Taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA dues are excluded because they generally are not controlled by the new lender.
Methodology reviewed August 2026.