Can You Get a Home Mortgage with No Down Payment?

The RefiGuide explores the narrow path of getting a competitive home mortgage with no down payment and affordable closing costs in 2026. In the resilient yet challenging housing landscape of of Trump’s 2nd term, the dream of homeownership without a down payment remains tantalizingly within reach for many Americans. As median home prices hold steady… Read More »

How Long Does It Take to Underwrite a Home Loan?

In today’s lending environment, it is crucial that consumers understand the underwriting timelines before they apply for a home loan from competitive lenders and banks. In this ever evolving digital housing market of 2026, getting approved for a home loan is a milestone fraught with anticipation—and occasional frustration. Underwriting, the critical phase where lenders verify… Read More »

How to Qualify for a Conventional Loan

Conventional loans will continue to dominate the 2026 housing market as the go-to financing option for homebuyers seeking flexibility and competitive terms. Unlike government-backed mortgages such as FHA or VA loans, conventional loans are not actually insured by federal agencies but conform to guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs)… Read More »

How Can I Finance Home Improvements​?

You want to make home improvements, and you aren’t alone! Millions of Americans want to renovate their homes to make them more livable and increase their value. Unless you have the cash to pay for tens of thousands in upgrades, chances are you need to get a loan to pay for your home repairs. Fortunately,… Read More »

Do You Pay Taxes on Cash-Out Refinance?

A cash-out refinance allows homeowners to replace their existing mortgage with a new one, borrowing more than what they currently owe and receiving the difference in cash. The questions often arises: Is the cash received from a cash-out refinance taxable income? Can I deduct the interest paid on a cash out refinance like a traditional… Read More »

Top Ranked Home Equity Loan Rates by State

​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 2026. Home equity loans and HELOCs offer new opportunities for these borrowers to access funds for purposes such as home remodeling,… Read More »

How to Skip Two Mortgage Payments When Refinancing

Refinancing a mortgage offers homeowners many benefits, such as securing a lower interest rate, reducing monthly payments, and tapping into home equity. However, one lesser-known advantage is the opportunity to skip up to two mortgage payments during the refinancing process. This financial relief can provide much-needed breathing room for homeowners managing expenses. But how does… Read More »

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 »

HELOC without Tax Returns

Accessing a Home Equity Line of Credit typically requires borrowers to provide comprehensive financial documentation, including tax returns, to verify income and assess HELOC repayment ability. However, for individuals who are self-employed, have non-traditional income sources, taking out a HELOC without tax returns may be possible if you meet the lenders criteria. Many self -employed… Read More »

Bank Statement Mortgage Loans Guide

Bank statement mortgage 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… Read More »