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The December Recast Strategy: How to Lower Your Payment Without Refinancing

  • Writer: Michael Belfor
    Michael Belfor
  • Dec 15
  • 2 min read

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Many homeowners assume refinancing is the only way to lower a mortgage payment.


But in today’s rate environment, refinancing isn’t always the best move.

That’s where the mortgage recast comes in.


What Is a Mortgage Recast?

A recast allows you to apply a lump-sum principal payment to your mortgage and then recalculate the monthly payment based on the new lower balance.

Key point:

✅ Your interest rate stays the same

✅ Your loan term stays the same

✅ Your payment goes down


Who Is a Recast Best For?

A recast works well for homeowners who:

  • Received a year-end bonus

  • Sold a previous home and kept extra cash

  • Inherited money

  • Made a large principal payment

  • Want a lower payment but don’t want refi costs


It’s especially useful when current rates are higher than your existing rate.


How a Recast Lowers Your Payment

Here’s the simple math:

  • Apply a lump sum to principal

  • The lender re-amortizes the remaining balance

  • Monthly payment drops immediately


Unlike refinancing, there’s no new loan and minimal fees (often a few hundred dollars).


Recast vs. Refinance

Recast:

✔️ Keeps your rate

✔️ Low cost

✔️ No credit pull

✔️ No appraisal

✔️ Fast


Refinance:

• New rate

• New loan

• Closing costs

• Credit + appraisal required


In many cases, a recast is the smarter short-term move.


Why December Is the Perfect Time

December aligns with:

  • Bonuses

  • Year-end liquidity

  • Financial resets

  • Planning for 2026 cash flow


Lowering your payment now can improve flexibility heading into the new year.


Bottom Line

You don’t always need to refinance to lower your payment.A mortgage recast is a simple, overlooked strategy that can create immediate monthly savings — especially in a higher-rate environment.


Want to see if a recast works for your situation?👉



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