How to Get a 3% Mortgage in 2026: The Assumable Mortgage Strategy Nobody's Talking About
12 million FHA and VA mortgages from 2020-2022 carry rates of 2.5-3.5% and are legally assumable. Here's how to find and assume one.
Should you refinance your mortgage? See the break-even timeline, monthly savings, and total interest saved.
Could refinancing put money back in your pocket each month?
The remaining principal on your mortgage
Find this on your monthly statement or loan documents
The interest rate a lender has offered you
Here's the thing
Refinancing from 7% to 5.5% drops your payment from $2,120 to $1,703. You'd recoup the $5,000 in closing costs in 1 year, then pocket $30,026 over your 7-year stay. Over the full loan, you'd save $17,889 in interest.
What I'd actually do
Get quotes from at least 3 lenders. Compare not just the rate but the closing costs and fees. Ask about "no-closing-cost" options where the lender rolls fees into a slightly higher rate. Lock your rate as soon as you find a good deal.
Current monthly payment
$2,120
7% rate, 25 years remaining
New monthly payment
$1,703
5.5% rate, 30-year term
Monthly savings
$417
Break-even timeline
1 year
Months to recoup $5,000 in closing costs
Savings over 7 years
$30,026
Monthly savings times months staying, minus closing costs
Interest on current loan
$336,101
Total interest over remaining 25 years
Interest on new loan
$313,212
Total interest over 30-year term
Lifetime interest saved
$17,889
Interest difference minus closing costs
The Money Friend
Yes, refinancing could save you $417 per month
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Actual costs may vary based on your creditworthiness, location, and lender. Consult a licensed financial advisor or mortgage professional before making financial decisions.
Interest rates, payments, and loan terms shown are examples for illustration purposes only and do not represent an offer to lend, a commitment to make a loan, or a guarantee of any specific rate or term. Actual rates and terms are determined by lenders based on your individual credit profile and may differ from examples shown.
Past performance and historical data do not guarantee future results. Equal Housing Opportunity.
12 million FHA and VA mortgages from 2020-2022 carry rates of 2.5-3.5% and are legally assumable. Here's how to find and assume one.
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Equal Housing Opportunity. All housing-related content on this site is provided without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.