Final answer:
The net benefit of refinancing is $23,684.08.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compute the net benefit of refinancing, we need to calculate the savings from the new loan and subtract the cost of refinancing. First, let's calculate the monthly payment for the new loan:
Loan amount = current loan balance = $200,000
Interest rate on new loan = 4.5%
Number of remaining payments = 72
Using a mortgage calculator, the new loan monthly payment is approximately $1,268.73.
Next, let's calculate the total payments for the new loan: $1,268.73 x 72 = $91,410.56.
Now, we need to calculate the cost of refinancing: 5% of the outstanding balance = 0.05 x $200,000 = $10,000.
Finally, we can compute the net benefit: Net Benefit = Savings - Cost of Refinancing = ($1,742.22 x 72) - ($91,410.56 + $10,000) = $125,094.64 - $101,410.56 = $23,684.08.