Matthew Bramow · August 20, 2026

Does refinancing work for your situation?

Mortgage Market Update

Matthew Bramow

Matthew Bramow

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Does refinancing work for your situation?

Not every rate move triggers a refinance conversation—and that's okay. This week I want to cover the real factors that make refinancing worth your time.

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 Basics

When refinancing makes sense (and when it doesn't)

Refinancing isn't always the right move, even when rates drop. The real question is whether the long-term savings justify the upfront costs and the reset of your loan timeline. I see borrowers get excited about a lower rate, then realize they'd be extending their payoff date or paying closing costs they won't recoup before they sell. The math matters. Sometimes staying put is the smarter choice. Other times, refinancing can meaningfully reduce what you'll pay over the life of your loan. The key is running the numbers for your specific situation—not just comparing rates, but understanding the full picture. I'm here to walk through that with you and help you decide what actually works for your goals.

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

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 Matthew Bramow team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Matthew Bramow

Matthew Bramow

mike.ross@modelmtg.com

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