{
  "name": "National low-credit refinance cost scenarios, 2026",
  "version": "2026-10-27",
  "kind": "illustrative model, not observed borrower data",
  "methodology": "All cases use $270,000 principal over 360 months. P&I = P*r/(1-(1+r)^-n). Fees are paid separately, not financed. Rates, insurance and fees are illustrative assumptions, not PMMS quotes or measured credit-score pricing. Taxes, homeowners insurance, upfront program premiums and funding fees are excluded. Score labels do not establish eligibility or isolate a causal score effect. ACS 5-Year describes existing households and is not used as refinance pricing data.",
  "sources": [
    "https://www.fhfa.gov/data/conforming-loan-limit",
    "https://www.hud.gov/buying/loans",
    "https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/",
    "https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms",
    "https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/",
    "https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs"
  ],
  "rows": [
    {
      "scenario": "FHA Streamline illustration",
      "score": 580,
      "rate_percent": 6.5,
      "closing_costs": 4000,
      "monthly_insurance": 112.5,
      "principal": 270000,
      "term_months": 360,
      "principal_interest": 1706.58,
      "payment_with_mortgage_insurance": 1819.08
    },
    {
      "scenario": "VA IRRRL illustration",
      "score": 620,
      "rate_percent": 6.5,
      "closing_costs": 3500,
      "monthly_insurance": 0,
      "principal": 270000,
      "term_months": 360,
      "principal_interest": 1706.58,
      "payment_with_mortgage_insurance": 1706.58
    },
    {
      "scenario": "580 score sensitivity case",
      "score": 580,
      "rate_percent": 7,
      "closing_costs": 4500,
      "monthly_insurance": 112.5,
      "principal": 270000,
      "term_months": 360,
      "principal_interest": 1796.32,
      "payment_with_mortgage_insurance": 1908.82
    },
    {
      "scenario": "620 score sensitivity case",
      "score": 620,
      "rate_percent": 6.5,
      "closing_costs": 4500,
      "monthly_insurance": 112.5,
      "principal": 270000,
      "term_months": 360,
      "principal_interest": 1706.58,
      "payment_with_mortgage_insurance": 1819.08
    }
  ]
}