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    1. Loans
    2. Refinance
    3. Rate Reduction Refinance
    Refinance

    Rate Reduction Refinance

    "Lower your rate. Lower your payment."

    Reduce your interest rate, lower your monthly payment, or shorten your loan term. No cash out, just better terms.

    Low to none

    Min Down

    620+

    Min Credit

    Up to 97% LTV

    Max Loan

    Check My EligibilityTalk to a Specialist
    Last reviewed: January 2026 · CMS Mortgage Editorial Team

    Is This Loan Right for You?

    This Loan is Perfect If You...

    • Your rate is 1%+ higher than current market rates
    • Planning to stay in your home 3+ years
    • Want to lower your monthly payment
    • Looking to shorten your loan term (30 to 15 years)
    • Ready to remove PMI (at 20%+ equity)

    This Might NOT Be Right If...

    • Planning to move within 1-2 years
    • Your current rate is already competitive
    • Need cash out for renovations or debt consolidation
    • Limited equity in your home

    How It Works

    Your path to homeownership in just a few simple steps

    Check Your Rate

    Compare your current interest rate to today market rates to see if refinancing makes sense.

    Calculate Savings

    Use our refinance calculator to see your potential monthly and lifetime savings.

    Break-Even Analysis

    Determine how long it will take to recoup your closing costs through monthly savings.

    Apply Online

    Submit a simple application. Often using your existing documentation makes it even easier.

    Check Your Rate

    Compare your current interest rate to today market rates to see if refinancing makes sense.

    Calculate Savings

    Use our refinance calculator to see your potential monthly and lifetime savings.

    Break-Even Analysis

    Determine how long it will take to recoup your closing costs through monthly savings.

    Apply Online

    Submit a simple application. Often using your existing documentation makes it even easier.

    5

    Close & Save

    Complete your refinance and start enjoying your new lower payment immediately.

    Break-Even Analysis

    When Does Refinancing Make Sense?

    The break-even point tells you how long it takes for your monthly savings to cover the closing costs of refinancing.

    The Formula

    Break-Even = Closing Costs ÷ Monthly Savings

    Example Calculation:

    Closing Costs

    $6,000

    ÷

    Monthly Savings

    $200

    Break-Even Point

    30 months

    (2.5 years)

    The Rule of Thumb

    If you plan to stay in your home longer than your break-even point, refinancing makes financial sense.

    Savings Timeline

    1 Year

    Still recouping costs

    Break-Even

    You have covered closing costs

    5 Years

    $6,000 in savings

    10 Years

    $18,000 in savings

    Quick Savings Estimate

    See How Much You Could Save

    Your Current Mortgage

    $
    %
    %

    Your Potential Savings

    New Payment
    $2,265/mo
    Monthly Savings
    $230/mo
    Break-Even
    31 months

    Lifetime Savings

    $70,441

    ✓ Refinancing makes sense for you!

    Get Detailed Analysis →
    0
    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about Rate Reduction Refinance

    Last updated: May 12, 2026

    What is a rate and term refinance?

    A rate and term refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new loan that has better terms, typically a lower interest rate, different loan term, or both. Unlike a cash-out refinance, you do not receive any equity as cash.

    How much does it cost to refinance?

    Refinancing typically costs 2-3% of your loan amount in closing costs. For a $300,000 loan, expect $6,000-$9,000. Some lenders offer no-closing-cost options where costs are rolled into the loan or exchanged for a slightly higher rate.

    When does refinancing make sense?

    Refinancing makes sense when your monthly savings will exceed your closing costs before you plan to move. Calculate your break-even point: divide closing costs by monthly savings. If you will stay longer than that, refinancing is likely worthwhile.

    Yes! Many homeowners refinance from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate loan for payment stability. This is especially popular when ARM rates are expected to rise or when you want predictable payments.
    Most refinances close in 30-45 days. The timeline includes application, appraisal, underwriting, and closing. Having your documents ready can help speed up the process.
    In most cases, yes. The lender needs to verify your home current value to determine your loan-to-value ratio. However, some streamline refinance programs (VA IRRRL, FHA Streamline) may waive the appraisal requirement.
    Compare all loan types — Read our comprehensive mortgage guide
    Read the Compare GuideSee how Rate Reduction Refinance stacks up against other mortgage options
    Compare All Programs Side-by-SideDrop Rate Reduction Refinance next to up to 2 others and compare requirements line by line

    Get Rate Drop Alerts

    We'll notify you instantly when rates drop to your target.

    Get Started with Rate Reduction Refinance See Today's Rates
    Top 50 National Brokerage•NMLS #212405

    See How Much You Could Save

    Calculate your break-even point and start saving today.

    Check My EligibilityTalk to a Specialist

    Or call us directly: (757) 558-2603

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      Virginia Beach, VA 23464
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