Lower Your Mortgage Payment With Today’s Lower Rates

Remember when mortgage rates were pushing 8% back in late 2023? Yeah, those weren't the good old days. If you bought or refinanced during that peak period, I've got some great news: rates have dropped significantly, and you might be sitting on a golden opportunity to lower your monthly payment.

As of February 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is hovering around 5.976%. If your current rate is above 6.5%, you're basically leaving money on the table every single month. Let's talk about how refinancing with Affinity Group Mortgage can put that money back in your pocket, and we'll do it without the typical closing cost headache.

The Reality Check: What's Your Current Rate?

Here's a sobering stat: about 82.8% of homeowners currently have mortgage rates below 6%. If you're in that 17.2% with a higher rate, you're part of a smaller group that can benefit massively from refinancing right now.

Pull out your latest mortgage statement. What's your interest rate? If it says anything above 6.5%, keep reading, because we're about to save you some serious cash.

Let's Do the Math (I Promise It's Not Scary)

Numbers don't lie, and when it comes to refinancing, they tell a pretty compelling story.

Let's say you've got a $350,000 mortgage at 7.25% (which was totally normal if you bought in late 2023 or early 2024). Your monthly principal and interest payment is sitting around $2,388.

Now, if you refinance that same balance at today's rate of roughly 6%? Your new payment drops to about $2,098. That's a $290 monthly savings, or $3,480 per year. Over the life of the loan, we're talking about tens of thousands of dollars staying in your bank account instead of going to interest.

But here's where it gets even better…

The Game-Changer: Our No Closing Cost Option

"Okay, Steven, this sounds great, but what about all those closing costs? I just paid a bunch of those when I bought!"

I hear you. That's why at Affinity Group Mortgage, we offer a no closing cost refinance option specifically designed for situations like this.

Here's how it works: Instead of paying $3,000–$6,000 upfront in closing costs (appraisal, title fees, processing, etc.), we build those costs into your new loan, typically by accepting a slightly higher rate than the absolute lowest available. But here's the kicker: even with that slightly higher rate, you're still saving money every single month compared to your current 6.5%+ rate.

Think of it this way: You start saving money from payment #1. There's no "break-even" calculation where you need to stay in the home for five years to recoup your costs. You walk away from closing with the same amount of cash you walked in with, and your payment is lower starting immediately.

For homeowners in Columbus and across Ohio, this is especially attractive because you're not draining your emergency fund or dipping into savings that you might need for other expenses, like property taxes, home repairs, or just life in general.

Why 2026 Is Your Year to Refinance

The stars are kind of aligning here, and timing matters.

Rates are stabilizing in the low 6% range. After the wild ride of the past few years, watching rates climb from 3% to nearly 8% and now settling back down, we're in a sweet spot. The Federal Reserve has indicated they're done with aggressive rate hikes, and the mortgage market has responded accordingly.

You've likely built up some equity. Even though you might have bought during a high-rate period, home values in most Ohio markets (especially Columbus) have continued to appreciate. That extra equity can help you qualify for better terms and potentially eliminate PMI if you're currently paying it.

Economic conditions are favorable. Employment is strong, inflation has cooled, and lenders are competing for your business. When lenders compete, borrowers win.

The Columbus Connection: Local Market Context

If you're a homeowner in Columbus or anywhere in central Ohio, you've probably noticed our market has remained surprisingly resilient. Despite national concerns about affordability, Columbus continues to attract new residents, new businesses, and steady home price growth.

What does this mean for refinancing? It means your home likely appraised for more than you paid for it, even if you bought relatively recently. That equity boost can help you avoid PMI on your refinance and might even give you the option to pull out some cash if you need it for home improvements or debt consolidation.

I've helped dozens of Ohio homeowners refinance in the past few months, and the common theme I hear is: "I wish I'd done this sooner." Don't be that person six months from now.

Who Should Definitely Call Today

Let's get specific. You should absolutely reach out to us at Affinity Group Mortgage if:

• Your current rate is 6.5% or higher. This is the no-brainer zone. The savings are too good to ignore.

• You bought or refinanced in 2023 or early 2024. You were likely stuck with rates in the 7%–8% range, and you deserve better.

• You're tired of high monthly payments. Even if you can technically afford your current payment, why not free up $200–$400 per month for other goals?

• You want to shorten your loan term. Some folks are refinancing from a 30-year mortgage down to a 15-year. With rates as low as 5.242% on 15-year fixed loans, you might be able to pay off your home faster without dramatically increasing your monthly payment.

• You're planning to stay in your home. If you're thinking of selling next year, refinancing might not make sense. But if this is your long-term home, locking in a lower rate now is a smart financial move.

What About Closing Costs? (Seriously, We've Got You Covered)

I know I mentioned this earlier, but it's worth repeating because it's such a big concern: Yes, our no closing cost refinance option is real, and yes, it's awesome.

Traditional refinancing can feel like you're buying your house all over again. The fees pile up fast: appraisal ($400–$600), title search and insurance ($800–$1,500), origination fees (1% of loan amount), credit report, flood certification, recording fees… it adds up.

With our program, all of those costs are either waived or rolled into the loan structure in a way that keeps your out-of-pocket expenses at zero. You sign papers, your rate goes down, and you start saving money immediately.

It's particularly popular with homeowners who used all their savings for the down payment and closing costs when they originally purchased. You shouldn't have to drain your bank account again just to lower your rate.

How to Get Started (It's Easier Than You Think)

Ready to see what you could save? Here's how simple the process is:

1. Give us a call. Seriously, just pick up the phone and call Affinity Group Mortgage. We'll pull your current loan details and run some numbers.

2. Get your personalized quote. Within 24 hours, you'll know exactly what your new rate and payment would be, and we'll show you the total savings over the life of the loan.

3. Lock in your rate. If you like what you see (and trust me, you will), we'll lock in your rate so it doesn't float around while we process your application.

4. Handle the paperwork. We'll guide you through every form and document. Most of it can be done digitally, so you're not stuck faxing stuff like it's 1995.

5. Close and start saving. The whole process typically takes 30–45 days, and then boom: lower payment, more cash in your pocket every month.

The Bottom Line

If your current mortgage rate is above 6.5%, you're paying more than you need to in 2026. With rates sitting comfortably in the low 6% range and our no closing cost refinance option eliminating the biggest barrier to refinancing, there's really no reason to wait.

Every month you delay is another month of higher payments. At $250–$300 in potential monthly savings, that's real money that could be going toward your retirement, your kids' college fund, a vacation, or just breathing room in your budget.

Visit our refinance page to learn more, or better yet, contact us directly and let's have a real conversation about your specific situation. I promise we'll shoot straight with you: if refinancing doesn't make sense for your scenario, I'll tell you. But for most homeowners stuck with rates above 6.5%, this is one of those rare financial opportunities where the decision is pretty obvious.

Call Affinity Group Mortgage today and ask about our no closing cost refinance option. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.