Refinance Closing Costs Calculator

Model refinance costs using lender, title, and escrow inputs. See totals instantly. Export a clean breakdown for closing day planning.

Calculator inputs

Loan and lender fees
Principal balance for the refinance loan.
Used only for prepaid interest estimate.
Often 0–1.5%, varies by lender.
Optional upfront cost to lower rate.
Common administrative lender charge.
May include verification and reports.
Third‑party and government fees
Some loans waive appraisal.
Lender policy varies by location.
Escrow, settlement, and search fees.
County or registry charge.
Many refinances are 0; check local rules.
Courier, flood cert, notary, etc.
Prepaids and escrow
Days from closing to month‑end.
Often 2–4 months total.
Used to estimate monthly escrow tax.
Used to estimate monthly escrow insurance.

Example data table

Typical sample inputs and outputs for quick comparison.
Loan Origination Points Prepaid days Escrow months Total costs
$250,0001.0%0.0%103$6,900
$350,0001.0%0.5%153$9,700
$500,0000.5%1.0%204$13,850
Figures are illustrative and vary by location and lender.

Formula used

  • Origination fee = Loan amount × (Origination % ÷ 100)
  • Discount points = Loan amount × (Points % ÷ 100)
  • Transfer taxes = Loan amount × (Transfer tax % ÷ 100)
  • Daily interest rate = (APR ÷ 100) ÷ 365
  • Prepaid interest = Loan amount × Daily rate × Prepaid days
  • Escrow deposit = (Annual taxes/12 + Annual insurance/12) × Escrow months
  • Total closing costs = Sum of all fee categories
This tool estimates costs; it does not model rate savings or break‑even timing.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the refinance loan amount and your expected APR.
  2. Add lender fees, including origination and any discount points.
  3. Fill in appraisal, title, and recording charges from estimates.
  4. Set prepaid interest days based on your closing date.
  5. Enter annual taxes and insurance, then choose escrow months.
  6. Click Calculate to view totals, percent of loan, and breakdown.
  7. Use CSV or PDF exports to share details with your lender.

Closing costs move with loan size and fee structure

Refinance closing costs usually scale with the loan amount because several charges are percentage based. Origination and discount points are calculated on principal, so a 1.0% fee on 350,000 equals 3,500. Fixed fees, like underwriting or recording, matter more on smaller balances, raising the effective cost percentage.

Points trade cash today for interest savings later

Discount points increase upfront cash to close but can reduce the interest rate. This calculator treats points as a direct cost: loan amount multiplied by points percent. To judge value, compare the monthly payment savings from a lower rate against the points paid, considering how long you plan to keep the loan. If you expect to refinance again soon, paying points can be inefficient even when the quoted rate looks attractive.

Prepaid interest depends on timing and APR assumptions

Prepaid interest covers the days from closing until month end. The estimate uses a daily rate of APR divided by 365, then multiplies by principal and prepaid days. If you close near month end, prepaid interest is small. If you close early, prepaid interest rises noticeably. Because lenders can compute interest on a slightly different daily basis, treat this line as a planning estimate.

Escrow deposits affect cash to close, not long term cost

Escrow deposits fund upcoming tax and insurance bills. The calculator converts annual property tax and annual insurance into monthly amounts, then multiplies by the chosen escrow months. This deposit is not a fee; it is your money held to pay future obligations, so it changes liquidity at closing. When your prior escrow is refunded, that refund can offset the new deposit, so timing between loans can matter.

Use the breakdown to negotiate and compare estimates

Different lenders can quote similar rates but very different fee mixes. Use the fee breakdown to spot negotiable items, like origination, underwriting, and points. Third party charges, such as appraisal and title services, vary by region and provider. Recording fees and transfer taxes are typically set by local authorities and are harder to change. Export the table to share a consistent comparison across multiple offers.

FAQs

What fees are usually lender controlled?

Origination, underwriting, processing, and discount points are commonly set by the lender. These items can often be reduced through rate shopping, lender credits, or negotiating points and lender fees.

Why does the calculator include prepaid interest?

Most refinances collect interest from the closing date through the end of that month. This amount is separate from your first full monthly payment, so including it helps estimate true cash needed at closing.

Is an escrow deposit the same as a closing fee?

No. Escrow deposits are funds set aside to pay future taxes and insurance. They affect cash to close, but they are not a charge you lose, and prior escrow refunds may offset them.

How accurate are title and appraisal estimates?

They are reasonable placeholders, but real costs depend on property location, loan type, and provider pricing. Use the numbers from written quotes when possible and update the inputs before relying on the total.

Do transfer taxes apply to refinances?

In many areas transfer taxes are zero for refinances, but rules vary. If your local authority charges a refinance tax or stamp duty, enter it as a percent to include it in the estimate.

How should I compare two refinance offers?

Compare totals and also compare the mix: points versus rate, lender fees versus credits, and escrow assumptions. Use the CSV or PDF export to line up items side by side using consistent categories.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.