RefiGuide offers prudent suggestions, dynamic commentary from experts in the industry, news, new home loan and refinance opportunities from leading banks and lenders and so much more.
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Founded in 2009, The RefiGuide began as a blog aiming to connect consumers with banks and mortgage lenders. Home buyers appreciate its practical, no-nonsense approach to mortgage and real estate topics.
Unlike traditional lending websites, the RefiGuide was built for everyday homeowners and buyers—not industry insiders. As our reputation for helpful and insightful content grew, so did its audience, reaching millions annually.
Learn moreYou don't need to be a scientist to figure it out. You shouldn’t have to get on a rocket to find a competitive home loan.
Our goal is to simplify mortgage refinancing and home buying, because it shouldn’t take a rocket Side-by-side comparisons, rate calculators and “how to” articles to help you make critical decisions in a timely manner.
Tell us more about your goals and financing needs and we'll suggest the appropriate loans for cash out, debt consolidation, home buying, construction and house renovation with helpful ways to improve your credit score and more.
When lenders reach out to you, you'll have a chance to learn about their full suite of mortgage and lending-related products, services, and offers.
Homeowners in the Sunshine State are blessed with over $2.1 trillion in tappable equity, according to CoreLogic’s Q3 report, making the home equity line of credit a wise financing choice for accessing funds at historically low variable HELOC rates. In October 2025, Florida’s real estate market continues to sizzle, with median home prices reaching $420,000—a… Read More »
Mortgage interest rates have been soaring so more borrowers are choosing a HELOC or home equity loan to pull out cash from the equity in their property. Before taking out a second mortgage against your property, you need to understand the benefits and risks of home equity loans and HELOC lines of credit. The RefiGuide… Read More »
California homeowners here hold a staggering trillions in tappable equity, per CoreLogic’s latest report, m aking Home Equity Lines of Credit, also called HELOCs, an attractive option for financing home improvements, consolidating credit card debt, education, or real estate investments. In October 2025, California’s housing market remains a powerhouse, with median home values climbing 4.8%… Read More »
For Maryland residents, where housing costs outpace the national median by 15% due to proximity to D.C. and Baltimore’s urban boom, HELOCs offer a lifeline for renovations, debt refinancing, education funding or business investments. Unlike fixed home equity loans, HELOCs provide revolving access during a 5-10 year draw period, with variable rates tied to the… Read More »
A Home Equity Line of Credit or HELOC is a popular financial tool for homeowners in 2025. HELOCs offer flexible borrowing because they operate like a credit card secured by your home, with draw periods (5-10 years) and repayment phases. But how does a HELOC impact your credit score? The reality: It causes a temporary… Read More »
Getting ready to shop for a mortgage refinance for your home is similar to buying your house the first time. In both situations, you have to provide a pile of financial documents to qualify for your new loan. The Federal Reserve has indicated that interest rates may be cut in 2025, so now is a… Read More »
Today homeowners looking for cash out have a choice to refinance or take out a home equity loan in an effort to leverage the equity in their home for money. Let’s explore the pros and cons of a cash out refinance versus home equity loans. In most cases, when the interest rate trend is upward,… Read More »
Refinancing a house can lower payments, reduce interest rates, shorten loan terms, or access equity. In 2025, economic conditions and personal finances determine if it’s the right move. Let’s explore home refinancing in 2025, covering market trends and consider the pros and cons. The RefiGuide will review the top banks and mortgage lenders to refinance… Read More »
Cash-out refinancing remains a popular strategy for homeowners looking to leverage their home’s equity in 2025. This process involves replacing your existing mortgage with a larger one, pocketing the difference in cash for purposes like consolidating debt, financing home improvements, or business investments. The RefiGuide published this article to educate homeowners on how long the… Read More »
With over 1.2 million refinances projected this year per Freddie Mac, a key question arises: Are home refinancing fees tax deductible? We will explore the answer and review the nuances in this article. Under IRS rules, points (prepaid interest) and certain property taxes qualify for deductions, often amortized over the loan term, while common mortgage… Read More »
Home refinancing remains a popular strategy for homeowners. With over 1.5 million refinances projected this year per Freddie Mac estimates, questions abound: Does home refinancing affect your credit? Temporarily and minimally refinancing may cause your credit score to dip in most cases. A mortgage refinance triggers a hard credit inquiry and opens a new account,… Read More »
Do you want to buy a second home? You probably have many questions about how to finance a 2nd-home. Whether you want to buy a second home for vacations or as an investment property, getting financing for this type of property comes with some challenges that you should be aware of. In 2025, with mortgage… Read More »
This year first-time home buyers continue to face daunting barriers to buying land. With mortgage rates stabilizing at 6.75% and down payment assistance programs expanding under the Biden administration’s $25 billion affordable housing push, many are exploring alternatives to traditional turnkey homes. One “outside of the box” option is buying land outright. Can first-time home… Read More »
The 5/5 adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), a flexible alternative that’s seen a 20% uptick in originations this year, per Freddie Mac data. Among ARMs, the 5/5 adjustable rate loan variant stands out for its balance of predictability and adaptability. In October 2025, with 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaging 6.75% amid a stabilizing Federal Reserve policy, homebuyers… Read More »
Homeowners across the country are taking advantage of how fast they can get take out a home equity loan without being required to refinance their primary mortgage. A home equity loan is powerful and popular second mortgage that allows homeowners to tap into the value of their property to secure funds for various purposes like… Read More »
In the blazing world of cryptocurrency, few tokens inspire as much fervent speculation as XRP, the native asset of the Ripple network. As of September 30, 2025, with XRP trading at around $2.88 amid a broader market recovery, whispers of mainstream adoption have reached fever pitch. The RefiGuide uncovers the mortgage crypto rumors and considers… Read More »
Debt can be overwhelming, especially when it accumulates at high interest rates. For homeowners, tapping into home equity is a powerful way to consolidate and pay off debt while securing lower interest rates. Whether you are dealing with credit card debt, unsecured personal loans, or high-interest auto loans, using your home’s equity can provide a… Read More »
Unlike getting a home equity line of credit on a primary residence , securing a HELOC on a investment property faces stricter requirements and higher rates (7.5–10% APR vs. 6.99–8.27%) due to increased lender risk, as real estate investors may prioritize primary home payments during financial distress. Find Top Lenders that Offer HELOCs on Investment… Read More »
A home appraisal is a critical step when refinancing your mortgage. Lenders require an appraisal to determine your home’s fair market value, which affects loan approval, interest rates, and borrowing limits. The RefiGuide can get you up to speed on do’s and don’ts on home appraisals for refinancing. What Do Appraisers Look for in a… Read More »
Since the popularity of the home equity line of credit has soared finding the best HELOC lender has become vital. Different HELOC lenders offer different types of home equity lines. For example, if you are unable to document your income, you may need a a no doc HELOC lender, or if you have low credit… Read More »
