Keith Howell · September 2, 2026

Should you refinance right now?

Mortgage Market Update

Keith Howell

Keith Howell

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Should you refinance right now?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about one of the most common questions I hear from homeowners: whether now is a good time to refinance.

National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

FHA 30-Year

6.55%

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.


Refinance Readiness

When refinancing makes sense for you

Refinancing isn't one-size-fits-all, and it's not always the right move. The decision depends on your situation: how long you plan to stay in your home, what your current rate and loan terms are, and where rates stand now. Sometimes a refinance saves money over time. Other times, the costs don't justify the benefit. I help borrowers run the actual numbers so you can make a decision based on facts, not guesswork. If you've been thinking about refinancing but weren't sure, this is a good time to talk it through. I can show you what the real impact would be for your specific loan.

Let's walk through whether refinancing fits your goals.

Tip of the Week

Your mortgage interest may be tax-deductible if you itemize. Check with your tax professional to see if it benefits you.

Tips for Homeowners

Understanding Mortgage Points

1.

One mortgage point equals 1% of your loan amount. Paying points ("buying down the rate") reduces your interest rate — typically 0.25% per point, though this varies by lender and market.

2.

Calculate your break-even: divide the cost of the points by your monthly savings. If it takes 4 years to break even and you plan to stay 10 years, buying points makes sense.

3.

Points paid on a home purchase are generally tax-deductible in the year paid (if you itemize). Points on a refinance must be deducted over the life of the loan.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

K

Keith Howell

Keith Howell

khowell@barrettfinancial.com

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