Mortgage Recast Versus Refinancing: Which Works for You?

Lower your mortgage payment with a recast or refinance. The right move depends on your loan type, rate, and financial goals.

William Potter/Shutterstock

If you come into some extra funds, you might want to consider applying them to your mortgage. It’s a great way to pay down the principal or lower your monthly mortgage payment. Lowering your monthly mortgage payment is particularly helpful if you often have cash-flow issues.

There are ways to lower your monthly mortgage by using recasting or refinancing. Each option works differently, so it’s important to understand how they compare.

Recasting a Mortgage

Mortgage recasting is when you make a lump-sum payment to your principal balance. Once done, your lender then calculates a new, lower monthly payment. Your interest rate stays the same.