RefiGuide offers prudent suggestions, dynamic commentary from experts in the industry, news, new home loan and refinance opportunities from leading banks and lenders and so much more.
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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.
Learn moreYou 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.
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.
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.
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.
In 2025, many first-time house buyers have limited resources. One proven financial tool that is the Mortgage Interest Credit, often referred to as the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program. This federal tax credit, administered through state or local housing finance agencies (HFAs), provides eligible homeowners with a direct reduction in their federal income tax liability… Read More »
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 »
Can you negotiate closing costs? Refinancing a home loan can save you big every month, but watch out for some of the costly fees that come with that lower interest rate. The less you pay for refinance closing costs and lending fees, the more money you will have saved for other important things. Can You… Read More »
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 »
The incentives for first time home buyer programs have never been better for people seeking great loans and down-payment assistance. Becoming a homeowner is quintessential part of the ‘American dream’, so obtaining the right mortgage is a critical step in the first time home buyer process. It’s no secret that the U.S. housing market has… Read More »
Mortgage refinancing with no closing costs means you can refinance your home loan without paying the usual upfront fees at the closing table. Instead of shelling out thousands of dollars for appraisal, origination, title, and other costs, the lender covers those expenses often by slightly adjusting the loan terms. Times have changes and the no… Read More »
In 2025, a stated income Home Equity Line of Credit offers homeowners a flexible way to leverage their home’s equity without the burden of traditional income verification. This financing option is particularly appealing for self-employed individuals, retirees, or those with non-traditional income sources. Let’s consider the key highlights of stated income HELOCs, their credit score… Read More »
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. How Do Home Refinance Rates Look in 2025? Refinancing mortgage rates in… Read More »
Non-Qualified Mortgage often called Non QM loans have emerged as a vital financing option for borrowers who do not meet the stringent requirements of traditional Qualified Mortgage loans. Non QM loans were introduced after the 2008 financial crisis under the Dodd-Frank Act, QM loans adhere to strict guidelines set by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau… Read More »
Yes, you can refinance your mortgage and consolidate credit card debt through a cash-out refinance. This method allows you to replace your existing mortgage with a new one that has a higher loan amount, using the extra funds to pay off high-interest credit card debt. In a recent article we considered how to do debt… Read More »
Several niche lenders recently announced the Home Equity Line of Credit is now available as a fixed rate HELOC loan with competitive interest rates. The HELOC fixed interest rate option locks in the rates for a specific term. While most traditional home equity line of credit have variable rates, there are a few trusted lenders… Read More »
A home equity loan is powerful and popular second mortgage that allows homeowners to tap into the value of their property to secure funds for various purposes like home improvement projects, consolidating credit card debt, or emergency expenses that happen in life. But if you’re considering a home equity loan or equity line of credit… Read More »
Unlike getting a home equity line of credit on a primary residence , securing a HELOC on a investment property faces stricter requirements and higher rates (7.5–10% APR vs. 6.99–8.27%) due to increased lender risk, as real estate investors may prioritize primary home payments during financial distress. In 2025, with U.S. median home prices at… Read More »
For several decades the FHA cash-out refinance plan has helped millions of Americans with affordable refinancing with cash out opportunities that do not require as much equity as most conventional mortgages. Do you want to refinance your FHA loan into a lower rate and get cash out? The RefiGuide will help learn everything you need… Read More »
FHA mortgages have been a driving force in the housing industry offering affordable home financing for over five decades. Are you considering an FHA mortgage to buy your next home? If so, you probably have a lot of questions about the FHA loan process and what you need to do to be approved. It is… Read More »
With the popularity of crypto currency surging like the upward trend of mortgage rates, Americans want to know if they can buy a home and get qualified for a mortgage using crypto currency in today’s marketplace. The RefiGuide published this article to outline the steps to find crypto mortgage lenders, lists the mortgage companies accepting… Read More »
Most of us like to invest our money in ways that make us more money. But most people tend to invest only in the stock market. There is nothing wrong with that, but it looks like next year could be a good year to buy an investment property to generate rental income. With rental income,… Read More »
Purchasing a first home in Hawaii is a dream for many, but the state’s high cost of living and median home prices—around $740,000 as of February 2025—can make it daunting. Fortunately, a variety of trusted programs exist to support HI first-time home buyers, offering down payment assistance, grants, low-interest loans, and tax credits. The Hawaii… Read More »
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 »
A second mortgage program like a home equity loan or HELOC, allows you to borrow against your primary home’s equity to buy of another home, whether for investment (e.g., rental or fix-and-flip) or personal use (e.g., vacation home). This 2nd-mortgage loan offers lower interest rates than unsecured loans and potential tax benefits, but it carries… Read More »
