
How to Refinance a Mortgage: A Beginner’s Guide
Refinancing has upfront costs, but you can save over time — especially if you time it right (like when rates drop).

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Most refinances cost 2% to 6% of the new loan amount — and even a “no closing costs” refinance doesn’t come free.


You may be able to refinance a mortgage with a lower credit score. Credit requirements vary by lender and the type of loan.

You can get the best mortgage rate by knowing what lenders are looking for, shopping around and paying aggressively upfront.

A mortgage rate lock freezes your interest rate until loan closing to protect your homebuying power from rate hikes.

A strong labor market is great news for the U.S. economy, but it could mean mortgage rates are less likely to drop.

Construction loans pay for home building or renovations and are paid in full or converted to permanent mortgages when the work is completed.

Conventional loan requirements are generally stricter than government-backed mortgages.

For creditworthy borrowers who don’t meet traditional lending requirements, a non-QM loan can provide a (more expensive) path to homeownership.

With 250+ articles and 80+ years of combined expertise, our team helps you make confident financial choices. Discover more from NerdWallet's writers and strategists.

TL;DR: Mortgage rates were up this morning, but today's weak hiring numbers could bring rates down a bit.


Mortgage rates were mostly the same this week, as markets juggle jobs data and news from Iran.


TL;DR: Mortgage rates slid enough today to get home buyers' attention.


TL;DR: Mortgage rates slid enough today to get home buyers' attention.


TL;DR: Rates are up today.


Renewed fighting in Iran and a lack of clarity from the Federal Reserve are likely to push up mortgage rates.


TL;DR: Rates fell today, but not by enough to change your mortgage math.


Mortgage rates rose this week as the Federal Reserve voted to leave overnight borrowing rates unchanged.


Whether today's mortgage rates feel discouraging or encouraging depends on when your home search began.


TL;DR: Mortgage rates went up again today.


This week, mortgage interest rates reached their highest point since September.


Renewed conflict rekindles inflation fears, pushing up mortgage interest rates.


Here are the numbers for home buyers — and what you can do to make them manageable.


With a Fed rate cut out of the question, mortgage interest rates are likely to remain near their current levels.


Today's Personal Consumption Expenditures index suggests that the Fed may be in no hurry to cut interest rates.


Today's decision is likely less consequential than our first glimpses of a Warsh-led Federal Reserve.


The latest Consumer Price Index seemingly confirms the fate of next week's Fed meeting: A rate cut is definitely not in order.


A strong labor market is great news for the U.S. economy, but it could mean mortgage rates are less likely to drop.


You could get a lower interest rate, but there are risks to consider before taking on a second mortgage.


Mortgage interest rates are likely to rise in June, as they have since the start of the Iran war.
