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Refinance Logic

If you refinance to 7% with $5,000 closing costs, you break even in approx. months.

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About

Borrowing at a 10% interest rate significantly alters the financial landscape of homeownership compared to lower-rate environments. At this level, the interest component of the monthly payment drastically outweighs principal repayment for the majority of the loan term. This tool is designed for users navigating high-inflation periods or subprime lending scenarios where double-digit rates are the norm.

Understanding the "Break-Even Refinance" point is critical in this bracket. Since 10% loans are often viewed as temporary bridges to better financing, this calculator identifies the exact month where the cost of holding the loan exceeds the potential closing costs of a future refinance. It relies on standard amortization logic but emphasizes the heavy front-loading of interest expenses that characterizes double-digit lending.

mortgage high interest refinance finance loans

Formulas

The monthly payment M is derived using the standard annuity formula:

M = P r1 + rn1 + rn 1

Where r is the monthly rate (0.10 ÷ 12) and n is the total months.

Reference Data

Loan YearBalance Remaining (Standard)Total Interest PaidInterest % of Pmt
Year 199%$High~92%
Year 594%$Very High~88%
Year 1084%$Extreme~80%
Year 1568%$Peak~67%
Year 2045%$Declining~50%
Year 2526%$Low~30%
Year 300%$Final0%

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The impact of extra payments is magnified at higher interest rates. Since the cost of borrowing is 10%, every dollar of principal prepaid effectively earns a guaranteed 10% return by preventing future interest accrual. This is often higher than stock market averages.
Ideally, as short as possible. If market rates drop by 1-2%, refinancing usually makes mathematical sense immediately, provided you plan to stay in the home long enough to recoup closing costs (typically 18-24 months).
At 10% interest on a 30-year loan, approximately 90% of your payment in the first year goes strictly to interest. The amortization curve is extremely steep, meaning equity builds very slowly until year 15-18.