Mortgage Relief CheckupMortgage Payment Relief CalculatorBlogStart checkup

A clearer view of your mortgage options

Could you lower your monthly housing costs?

Use our free Mortgage Payment Relief Calculator to uncover potential refinancing, PMI, recasting, insurance, property-tax, and other mortgage-saving opportunities—in about 2 minutes.

Check my mortgage for savings Free · No account required · Educational estimate
↻ Refinance◇ PMI⌂ Recast＋ Payoff strategy
↘Monthly costsWorth a closer look
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✓Your answers stay privateCalculations happen on this device
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Seven areas in one simple checkup01  Refinance   02  Recast   03  PMI   04  Insurance   05  Property tax   06  Extra principal   07  Assistance

Mortgage Relief Checkup

A few details can reveal options worth exploring.

Your entries are processed in your browser. You can see your results without sharing contact information.

STEP 1 OF 5

Your mortgage

⌑ Private by design

Start with the basics about your current home loan. Estimates are fine where exact figures are not handy.

Is this your primary residence?

Add the recurring costs that make up your monthly housing payment. Leave a field blank if it does not apply.

▤Current monthly housing cost so far$0Includes principal & interest and entered costs

Explore scenarios you may want to discuss with your servicer, lender, or insurer. These are estimates, not offers.

01 Compare a refinance

Compare a possible new principal-and-interest payment. Actual terms and costs vary.

02 Explore mortgage recasting

A recast applies a lump sum to your balance and recalculates payments. Servicer rules and fees vary.

iA recast is not available for every loan. Ask your servicer about requirements and costs.

03 Consider extra principal

See how optional extra principal might affect payoff time and estimated interest.

A little context helps prioritize review options and connect you with assistance resources where useful.

How manageable are your mortgage payments right now?
Which property-tax review characteristics apply?

Select any that fit. These are review signals only and do not determine eligibility.

No contact details needed to see your results.

Simple by design

A practical checkup, from answers to next steps.

Get a starting point for the conversations that could improve your mortgage picture.

01

Share a few details

Enter what you know about your loan and housing costs. Estimates are welcome.

02

Review possible options

We compare scenarios using your entries and explain the assumptions along the way.

03

Choose a next step

Use your report to ask your servicer, compare actual offers, or find trusted help.

Seven areas to review

There may be more than one way to improve the picture.

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Refinance

Compare an estimated new payment and closing-cost break-even.

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Recast

See the payment effect of applying a lump sum to principal.

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PMI review

Check conventional-loan original-value signals worth asking about.

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Insurance

Compare your current premium with an actual quote you provide.

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Property tax

Find characteristics to research with your local tax authority.

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Extra principal

Model a faster payoff path and estimated interest difference.

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Assistance

Connect with your servicer and HUD-approved housing counselors.

Need help with payments?

Free, trusted homeowner assistance is available.

If payments are difficult or you are behind, contact your mortgage servicer promptly and ask about loss-mitigation options. A HUD-approved counselor can help you understand next steps.

Find a HUD housing counselor CFPB help for homeowners ↗

Good questions

Mortgage relief, explained.

Use this checkup as a starting point, then confirm options and requirements directly with the right professional.

Start your checkup →
Can I lower my mortgage payment without refinancing?

Possibly. Options to explore may include requesting a conventional PMI review, comparing homeowners insurance, asking about a recast, or checking local property-tax programs. Availability depends on your loan and situation.

What is mortgage recasting?

A recast applies a lump-sum principal payment and recalculates scheduled payments over the remaining term, usually keeping the existing rate. Not every loan allows recasting; ask your servicer about eligibility, fees, and minimum amounts.

Can PMI be removed from a mortgage?

Some conventional mortgages may have PMI cancellation or termination provisions. Rules depend on loan type, payment history, property value, and other factors. Ask your servicer to explain the requirements for your specific loan. FHA, VA, and USDA mortgage-insurance rules differ.

What is refinance break-even?

It is an estimate of how many months of payment difference would equal the estimated closing costs. It does not account for every cost, loan-term change, or how long you keep the loan.

How much does refinancing cost?

Costs vary by lender, loan, location, and selected terms. Use a Loan Estimate from a lender for a meaningful comparison.

Does paying extra principal reduce my required monthly payment?

Usually an extra principal payment can shorten payoff time and reduce estimated interest, but it generally does not change the scheduled monthly payment unless the loan is recast or refinanced.

What is the difference between refinancing and recasting?

Refinancing replaces your current loan with a new one, potentially with new rates, terms, and costs. A recast applies a lump sum and recalculates payments under the existing loan terms if your servicer permits it.

Can homeowners insurance affect my total mortgage payment?

If insurance is paid through escrow, a premium change may affect the escrow portion of your monthly bill. Compare coverage and deductibles carefully; a lower premium is not always equivalent coverage.

Can property-tax exemptions reduce escrow expenses?

Some local or state programs may reduce property taxes for qualifying homeowners. Rules vary. Contact your local tax authority to check programs and application deadlines.

What should I do if I cannot afford my mortgage payment?

Contact your mortgage servicer as soon as possible and ask about loss-mitigation options. A HUD-approved housing counselor can provide free guidance. Be cautious of anyone demanding upfront fees or promising to stop foreclosure.

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About this tool
This independent educational calculator helps homeowners organize questions and explore estimates. All calculation inputs remain in your browser and are not sent to a server by this MVP. Avoid entering account numbers or other sensitive information.

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