When refinancing actually pays in Burnaby
A refinance only makes sense when the math clears the penalty. Three triggers cover most Burnaby files: your rate sits 0.50%+ above market with 24+ months left; you carry $20,000+ of non-mortgage debt above 8% that can be folded into a much cheaper mortgage rate; or you need equity for a defined purpose — a renovation, a rental down payment, a tuition bill. We compute the exact prepayment penalty (not an estimate) and the net-of-penalty saving before you commit, because a lower rate that doesn't beat the penalty is a loss dressed as a win.
