The Gist
The Refi Timing Playbook
When to Wait, When to Move, and How to Stop Guessing
Frame refinance timing around payment delta, breakeven, life plans, equity access, and rate volatility so you know whether waiting is strategic or just expensive procrastination.
5 Blinks~10 minutesFree
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Blink 01 · 2 min
Refinancing Is a Timing Decision, Not a Rate-Chasing Habit
The right move depends on total benefit, not headline excitement
“Most borrowers ask the wrong opening question: 'Did rates fall enough?' The better question is 'Does this refinance improve my financial position enough to justify the reset?' Timing is about payment relief, cash-flow flexibility, equity use, and future plans — not just rate envy.”
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Blink 02 · 2 min
Break-Even Is Necessary, But Not Sufficient
The clock matters — but so does what happens after the clock
“Break-even tells you how long it takes monthly savings to recover closing costs. It is a useful screen, but it is not the whole decision. A refinance can technically break even and still be a bad move if it resets term, slows principal paydown, or conflicts with your likely exit timeline.”
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Blink 03 · 2 min
Your Current Loan Can Make Waiting Rational
Golden first mortgages should not be replaced casually
“A borrower with a strong existing first mortgage has a much higher threshold for refinancing than a borrower trapped in a weak one. If your current loan already carries a low fixed rate, you may need a major benefit to justify replacement. In many cash-access cases, a HELOC or second lien is smarter than touching the first mortgage.”
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E
EARL · Mortgage Butler
Ready to turn these insights into your actual numbers
Educational content only. Not financial advice. Rates and figures are illustrative.
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