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The RefiGuide Story

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.

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Expert Info

You 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.

Helpful Tools

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.

Tailored Insights

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.

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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.

Recent Articles

Best DSCR Lenders Guide

DSCR loans evaluate a property’s ability to generate enough rental income to cover its debt obligations, calculated as Net Operating Income (NOI) divided by annual debt service (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA). Unlike conventional loans, DSCR loans don’t require personal income verification, making them accessible for investors with complex financials. In 2025, with rental demand… Read More »

November 19, 2025

Alternative Financing

No Appraisal Refinance Mortgage

Getting approved for a mortgage refinance with no appraisal can save you time and money. One of the biggest blessings for homeowners is when they can find a mortgage refinance without an appraisal being required. Yes, it not available to everyone in every situation, but it is possible to refinance with no appraisal if you… Read More »

November 17, 2025

Refinance

Top Ranked Home Equity Loan Rates by State

​In 2025, homeowners have been scrambling to leverage their property’s equity have a variety of financing options across the United States. The RefiGuide ranks US states for the best home equity loan rates and HELOCs in 2025. Home equity loans and HELOCs offer new opportunities for these borrowers to access funds for purposes such as… Read More »

November 15, 2025

Home Equity, Articles

Home Equity Loan with Bad Credit

Getting approved for a bad credit home equity loan can be challenging to say the least. In 2025, most smart homeowners consider a HELOC or low credit home equity loan 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… Read More »

November 15, 2025

Credit Problems, Home Equity

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage in 5 Years

It’s an ambitious goal to pay off the mortgage in five years. Owning your home free and clear in just five years might sound like an impossible dream—but it’s not out of reach for disciplined homeowners. Whether your goal is financial independence, early retirement, or simply peace of mind, paying off your mortgage in five… Read More »

November 12, 2025

Articles

Calculate HELOC Payment with Ease

In 2025, Home Equity Lines of Credit or HELOC continues to be a popular 2nd-mortgage program for homeowners looking to access their property’s equity for home remodeling, debt consolidation, funding investments or unexpected expenses. The RefiGuide will teach you how to calculate home equity line of credit payments​ so you can budget accordingly. It’s no… Read More »

November 11, 2025

Home Equity

Bank Statement Mortgage Loans Guide

Bank statement loans have replaced the stated income programs that were so popular last decade. Banks and lenders have gained wisdom in recent years and rolled out bank statement mortgage loans that are less risky because they enable a borrower to prove that they can afford to make their monthly mortgage payment. The most popular… Read More »

November 11, 2025

Alternative Financing, Articles

What Is a Conditional Approval on a Mortgage Loan?

Buying or refinancing a home rarely happens overnight. Between the home loan application, underwriting, and final loan approval stages, there are several checkpoints where lenders verify your income, credit, and assets. One of the most important milestones in this process is conditional approval — a strong indication that your mortgage is on track, but not… Read More »

November 10, 2025

Articles

50 Year Mortgage Loan Guide

Now that government shutdown has ended, American homeowners and aspiring buyers are buzzing about a seismic shift in the mortgage landscape: the emergence of 50-year mortgage loans. Long a staple in countries like the UK and Canada, these ultra-long-term fixed-rate products are poised to make U.S. homeownership more accessible than ever. With 30-year fixed rates… Read More »

November 10, 2025

Articles

Can Closing Costs be Rolled into Mortgage​?

When purchasing a home, buyers encounter various expenses beyond the property’s purchase price, collectively known as closing costs. These costs can be substantial, often ranging from 2% to 6% of the loan amount. Given this, many buyers explore options to manage these expenses, including rolling closing costs into their mortgage. The RefiGuide will help you… Read More »

November 6, 2025

Articles

Refinance 1st and 2nd Mortgage

Many savvy homeowners have found a solution that refinances their first and second mortgage into one new affordable loan. As of November 6, 2025, with 30-year fixed refinance rates dipping to an average of 6.30%, homeowners across the U.S. are seizing the moment to consolidate their loans. This isn’t just about snagging a lower rate;… Read More »

November 6, 2025

Refinance

Best Physician Mortgage Loans

The RefiGuide published this article to introduce and highlight a very special home loan program, the physician mortgage that offers many unique financing benefits for an exclusive group of borrowers in the U.S. In the high-stakes world of medicine, where residency grinds and student debt mountains loom large, achieving the American Dream of homeownership can… Read More »

November 6, 2025

Articles

HELOC vs Home Equity Loan

What is the difference between HELOC and home equity loan? 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… Read More »

November 6, 2025

Home Equity

Best Texas HELOC Rates

The Texas HELOCs and home equity loans have surged in popularity in 2025 with easier credit and and loan to value requirements from Lone Star lenders across the state. As November 2025 brings crisp fall air to the sprawling metros of Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, Texas homeowners are riding high on a wave… Read More »

November 5, 2025

Home Equity

How Soon Can You Refinance a Home Mortgage​?

Refinancing a mortgage can offer homeowners the opportunity to secure better terms, lower interest rates, or access cash from their home’s equity. But how soon can you refinance a home mortgage in 2025? The timing depends on several factors, including the type of mortgage refinance, the loan terms, and lender-specific requirements. How Soon After Purchasing… Read More »

November 5, 2025

Refinance, Articles

HELOC Rates in Colorado

Thousands of Colorado homeowners are considering a home equity line of credit for quick cash as lenders have eased borrowing requirements. The RefiGuide can help you shop for the best Colorado HELOC rates online from trusted banks and CO lenders at no cost with no obligation. As the leaves turn golden in the Rocky Mountains… Read More »

November 4, 2025

Home Equity

What Do Appraisers Look at for Home Equity Loans?

When homeowners seek a home equity loan, lenders typically require an appraisal to determine the value of the property.  Many homeowners want quick cash out with a home equity loan and the appraisal requirement can slow down the process. In this article, the RefiGuide will explore the various home equity loan appraisal options and what… Read More »

November 2, 2025

Home Equity

How to Remove PMI from FHA Loan

Many homeowners are tired of the cost of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) associated with FHA loans. This insurance, while serving as a safeguard for lenders, often becomes a financial albatross for homeowners. The Federal Housing Administration uses the mortgage insurance to protect against the risk of high risk loans with low credit scores and minimal… Read More »

November 2, 2025

FHA

Best HELOC Lenders in California

California homeowners here hold a staggering trillions in tappable equity, per CoreLogic’s latest report, making 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% year-over-year… Read More »

November 1, 2025

Home Equity

How Much Does It Cost to Refinance a Mortgage?

Closing costs on mortgage refinance loans are an important component to consider when applying online. Many homeowners are considering a mortgage refinance as rates have been on a generally near record lows over the last few years. Even though they are higher than they were, rates are still historically low, so now could be a… Read More »

November 1, 2025

Refinance