Travis Buis · August 20, 2026

Does your rate drop justify refinancing?

Mortgage Market Update

Travis Buis

Travis Buis

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Does your rate drop justify refinancing?

Hi there. This week I want to tackle a question I hear often: when is a lower rate actually worth acting on?

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

FHA 30-Year

6.46%

VA 30-Year

6.36%

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 Strategy

When a rate drop is worth refinancing

Not every rate movement means you should refinance. There's a real cost to closing a new loan—fees, appraisals, title work, and time. The question isn't whether rates went down; it's whether they went down enough to offset those costs over the time you plan to stay in your home. I help borrowers run the real numbers on this. Sometimes a half-point drop makes sense. Sometimes you need a full point to break even. It depends on your situation, your timeline, and what you owe. If you've been curious about whether refinancing pencils out for you right now, let's talk through it together. There's no obligation—just a clear picture of whether it actually saves you money.

Reach out and we can calculate whether refinancing makes sense for your specific loan.

Tip of the Week

If your credit score is below 740, even small improvements before applying for a mortgage can save you thousands over the life of the loan.

Tips for Homeowners

Weatherproofing Your Home Before Winter

1.

Clean your chimney if you have a fireplace. The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection and cleaning to prevent chimney fires.

2.

Check attic insulation and ventilation before winter. Inadequate insulation leads to heat loss, higher energy bills, and ice dams on the roof that can cause significant damage.

3.

Inspect weatherstripping on all exterior doors. A simple dollar-bill test works: close the door on a bill — if you can pull it out easily, your weatherstripping needs replacing.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

Travis Buis

Travis Buis

travis@elitehl.com

You are receiving this from Travis Buis.  Unsubscribe