Refinancing a Rental Property Guide

Refinancing investment properties presents unique challenges and opportunities that distinguish these transactions from primary residence refinancing. As mortgage lending professionals specializing in non-owner occupied property financing, we’ve guided thousands of real estate investors through successful rental property refinances. Understanding the stricter qualification requirements, strategic timing considerations, and financial optimization techniques specific to investment properties enables… Read More »

January 28, 2026

How Many Times Can You Use a VA Home Loan?

One of the most common questions veterans and active-duty service members ask mortgage lenders is whether they can use their VA loan benefit more than once. The answer is definitively yes—and understanding exactly how this lifetime benefit works can save you thousands of dollars across multiple home purchases throughout your military career and beyond. As… Read More »

January 27, 2026

Can You Deduct Interest on a Second Home Mortgage?

Second home ownership represents a significant financial milestone for many American families, whether the property serves as a vacation retreat, future retirement residence, or rental investment. Understanding the tax implications of second home mortgages, particularly mortgage interest deductibility in 2026 can generate substantial annual tax savings while ensuring full compliance with Internal Revenue Service regulations.… Read More »

January 27, 2026

What Disqualifies You from an FHA Loan in 2026?

FHA loans are still backed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allow for lower down payments (as little as 3.5%), flexible credit requirements, and higher debt-to-income (DTI) ratios compared to conventional loans. With median home prices stabilizing at around $420,000 and 30-year FHA mortgage rates averaging 5.8-6.5% in early 2026, these loans… Read More »

January 24, 2026

Why 3/1 and 5/1 ARM Mortgage Loans Are Competitive

America has been moving into a longer term higher interest rate environment. You may have noticed a lot of advertisements for hybrid loans like the 3/1 and 5/1 ARM mortgage. Just a few years ago, we saw mortgage rates fall below 4% and stay there, with rates dipping to the 3.125% range for a fixed… Read More »

January 24, 2026

Bad Credit Second Mortgage Advice

Homeowners facing financial challenges often wonder whether poor credit will prevent them from accessing their home’s equity through a second mortgage. While poor credit certainly makes the process more difficult, it doesn’t necessarily make it impossible. Understanding the requirements, alternatives, and potential costs associated with taking out a second mortgage with bad credit can help… Read More »

January 23, 2026

Best HELOC Rates Guide

Getting a home equity line of credit or HELOC continue to be a popular move going into 2026. The RefiGuide offers a high-tech platform for consumers to shop lenders for the best HELOC rates today from competitive banks and lenders online. In 2026, home equity line of credit rates are still very reasonable, and property… Read More »

January 22, 2026

First Time Home Buyer Loan Guide 2026

Navigating the path to homeownership in 2026 presents unique opportunities and challenges for first-time home buyers. With evolving lending standards, diverse loan programs, and shifting market dynamics, understanding your options is essential to making informed decisions. The RefiGuide published this exclusive guide that examines the requirements, benefits, and strategies to qualify for a first-time home… Read More »

January 22, 2026

How to Get a No Closing Cost Refinance Mortgage

Refinancing your mortgage can be an excellent way to reduce your monthly payments, lower your interest rate, or access home equity. However, the prospect of paying thousands of dollars in closing costs often deters homeowners from taking advantage of potentially beneficial refinancing opportunities. Here comes the no-closing-cost refinance: a mortgage refinancing option that allows you… Read More »

January 21, 2026

Home Improvement Loan Guide

In today’s real estate market, homeowners are increasingly recognizing the value of strategic home improvements as a powerful way to maximize their property investments. Whether upgrading a kitchen, adding a bathroom, or completing essential repairs, renovations can significantly boost both home value and quality of life. However, funding these projects often requires external financing. Home… Read More »

January 20, 2026

Guide to Home Buyer Grants and Down Payment Assistance Programs

There are thousands of home buyer grants and down payment assistance programs in 2026  across the country. There also are government backed loan programs available with low down payment options backed by local, state and Federal agencies. Let’s take a closer look at what down payment help is available so you can make this the… Read More »

January 20, 2026

HELOC Credit Score Requirements

In 2026, banks and home equity lenders continue to value stability and responsible credit behavior, specific HELOC credit requirements and eligibility factors shape who qualifies and on what terms. Understanding this lending criteria can improve your chances of approval—and help you qualify more favorable HELOC rates and borrowing power. The RefiGuide published this article to… Read More »

January 20, 2026

Will FHA Loan Rates Drop in 2026?

Market analysts anticipate a declining trend in FHA-interest rates in 2026. Historically, FHA loan rates have competitive pricing compared with conventional mortgages for prime borrowers whose loans are backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Economic forecasts suggest these early 2026 developments could establish the baseline for improved mortgage rates trends throughout the year. RefiGuide… Read More »

January 20, 2026

Cash Out Refinance Mortgage Guide

A cash-out refinance mortgage allows homeowners to tap into their home equity by replacing their existing mortgage with a larger loan and receiving the difference in cash. As of January 2026, with mortgage rates trending between 6.25% and 6.75%, cash-out refinancing remains an attractive option for homeowners who need funds for major expenses, consolidating credit… Read More »

January 20, 2026

Home Equity Loan Guide

The popularity of home equity loan is surging because homeowners want to get the best rates for home improvements, investments, debt consolidation, education, and medical bills without having to refinance their low rate first mortgage. Homeowners come to the RefiGuide to find the best home equity loan companies online while shopping for competitive rates and… Read More »

January 20, 2026

Can You Get a Home Equity Loan with Bad Credit​?

Getting approved for a bad credit home equity loan can be very challenging. In 2026, most smart homeowners consider HELOCs or low credit equity loans if they already have a low interest rate on their first mortgage. We published this article to help homeowners understand the loan to value and credit requirements on HELOCs and… Read More »

January 16, 2026

Zero Down Mortgage Loan Guide

The dream of homeownership often feels out of reach for many Americans, primarily due to one significant barrier: the down payment. However, zero down home loans offer a pathway to homeownership without the need for substantial upfront savings. In 2026, these no down-payment loan programs are experiencing renewed interest as housing affordability challenges persist and… Read More »

January 16, 2026

Can You Refinance a Home Equity Loan?

Homeowners who have taken out home equity loans often wonder whether they can refinance these loans to secure better terms, lower interest rates, or access additional funds. The short answer is yes—home equity loans can be refinanced, much like primary mortgages. In 2026, with interest rates fluctuating and lending requirements evolving, refinancing a home equity… Read More »

January 15, 2026

USDA Streamline Refinance Guide

The USDA Streamline Refinance program represents one of the most accessible and borrower-friendly refinancing options available to rural and suburban homeowners in 2026. Designed specifically for existing USDA loan holders, this program offers a simplified path to lower interest rates and reduced monthly payments with minimal documentation requirements. As housing costs continue to impact American… Read More »

January 14, 2026

Benefits of a Second Mortgage Loan

American homeowners hold nearly $34 trillion in home equity—and second mortgages are one of the smartest ways to put that equity to work. After originating thousands of home equity loans over 25 years, I’ve seen how strategically tapping home equity can transform a borrower’s financial situation. Here are the key benefits that make second mortgages… Read More »

January 14, 2026