Dive into our comprehensive collection of articles that cover a wide range of subjects. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, there’s something new to learn.
Yes, you can refinance a jumbo mortgage in 2026, though the timing calculus has shifted since earlier this year. Thirty-year fixed jumbo refinance rates average 6.91% as of July 29, 2026, up from 6.53% at the start of the month, which is a roughly 40-basis-point climb in four weeks. The three Federal Reserve rate cuts… Read More »
The USDA Streamline Refinance program is one of the only mortgage refinancing programs that requires no appraisal and no equity to qualify for in 2026. The USDA streamline 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… Read More »
Yes, you can buy a fixer-upper with a VA loan in 2026, through two distinct paths. A standard VA purchase loan can be used on a home needing minor repairs as long as the seller (or a negotiated credit) brings the property up to the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) before closing. For homes needing… Read More »
You refinance your mortgage for debt consolidation by executing a cash-out refinance replacing your existing mortgage with a new, larger loan and using the difference in cash to pay off credit cards, personal loans, auto debt, or medical bills at a single low mortgage rate. In 2026, this is the most powerful debt elimination tool… Read More »
A fix and flip loan is a short-term loan designed for real estate investors who purchase properties, renovate them, and quickly sell them for profit. These loans are typically provided by private lenders or hard money lenders and offer fast approvals with flexible terms. Fix and flip loans usually have higher interest rates (8-15%), short… Read More »
You cannot use a VA loan to purchase a purely non-owner-occupied investment property. The Department of Veterans Affairs is explicit: VA-guaranteed loans are for primary residences, not investment speculation. Any veteran who misrepresents their occupancy intent to obtain a VA loan for a pure investment property commits federal mortgage fraud — a consequence that includes… Read More »
Are you considering a home equity loan for debt consolidation? Learn the pros and cons and compare it to other fixed rate consolidating options for homeowners. Like many Americans, you may be wondering if a home equity loan for debt consolidation is a good idea. The RefiGuide team can help you figure out how to… Read More »
Investing in real estate offers numerous financial benefits, from generating rental income to building long-term wealth through property appreciation. A common strategy among homeowners is to leverage the equity in their investment properties with a non-owner occupied HELOC to fund additional investment opportunities or cover expenses. In the past borrowers could only do HELOCs and… Read More »
What Is an Energy Efficient Mortgage? An energy efficient mortgage (EEM) lets you finance the cost of energy-saving home improvements directly into your purchase or refinance loan, without a separate home equity loan, personal loan, or line of credit. The average U.S. household spends $2,200 per year on home energy costs, and homes with certified… Read More »
A DSCR rental loan is a mortgage for investment properties that qualifies borrowers based entirely on the rental income the property generates not the borrower’s personal income, tax returns, W-2s, or employment history. If the property’s gross rental income covers the monthly mortgage payment, the investor qualifies. That single structural feature has made DSCR the… Read More »
