About Tom Murphy

Tom Murphy grew up in La Jolla, California surfing and carving his niche in the local real estate market. Mr. Murphy has a stellar record as a loan officer with over a decade of experience helping people secure the right home loan. He now works at Answer Home Lending in San Diego CA. NMLS # 662141

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 »

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 »

How Does Taking Out a HELOC Affect Your Credit Score?

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 »

Is 2025 a Good Time to Refinance a House?

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 »

Are Mortgage Refinancing Fees Tax Deductible?

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 »

Does Mortgage Refinancing Hurt Your Credit Scores?

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 »

What Will Tariffs Do to Mortgage Rates in 2025?

In the volatile economic landscape of 2025, tariffs have emerged as a pivotal policy tool under the Trump administration, sparking intense debate about their ripple effects across various sectors. As of September 11, 2025, with recent tariff implementations on imports from key trading partners like China and Mexico, questions abound regarding their influence on everyday… Read More »

How Does HELOC Repayment Work?

The home equity line of credit or HELOC repayment period is a unique amortization schedule that is different than most simple interest mortgage loans. The HELOC draw period typically ranges from 10 years and a HELOC repayment period of up to 20 years. The RefiGuide published this article to examine how the HELOC repayment works… Read More »

Trump First-Time Home Buyer Program Updates

In 2025, with median home prices at $412,300 (National Association of Realtors) and 30-year mortgage rates at 6.8% (Bankrate), first-time home buyers face steep challenges. President Trump’s 2025 housing initiatives aim to ease these barriers through tax incentives, deregulation, and federal land development. The RefiGuide continues to explore these 1st time home programs, their eligibility,… Read More »

ITIN Mortgage Loans Guide

In the evolving landscape of U.S. home financing, ITIN mortgage loans have emerged as a powerful tool for individuals who lack a Social Security Number (SSN) but still dream of owning a home. Whether you’re a non-U.S. resident, undocumented immigrant, or foreign national, this guide will walk you through the essentials of ITIN home loan… Read More »