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Refinance Closing Costs Explained (What to Put in Break-Even)

A practical checklist of refinance costs that belong in your break-even months calculation.

Updated 2026-07-15 · Not financial advice

Cash costs vs financed costs

Some fees are paid at closing; some are rolled into the new loan balance. Financed fees raise principal and future interest.

For break-even, include the economic cost you would not pay if you kept the current loan.

Related tool: refinance break even

Sources

  1. CFPB — Closing disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Are lender credits free?

Credits usually trade for a higher rate. Model both options with the same holding period.