Make Wise Choices with the Right Mortgage

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.

Compare the Best Mortgage Loans for Your Situation

Refinance

Home equity

Home Purchase

FHA

Credit Problems

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.

Learn more

Everything right here to get you up to speed — No Cost

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.

Get Matched with Top Lenders!

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

HELOC on Investment Property & Second Home Equity Loan Guide

American homeowners love home equity loans and many people have been inquiring about leveraging their second home or rental property with a HELOC or 2nd mortgage. Home prices seem to be leveling off with one major house price indicator at S&P finding prices up 3% from January last year. Thousands of homeowners have taken out… Read More »

April 24, 2025

Home Equity

VA Home Loan Rates and Requirements

VA home loans are attractive and not out of reach if you meet the VA loan requirements and qualifications. Are you active or retired military? You may be able to qualify for a Veteran’s Administration financing, also known as the VA home loan. These Veteran mortgages are unique and powerful finance options for select American… Read More »

April 24, 2025

Home Buying

HELOC vs 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 home equity loans and HELOC lines of credit. It’s important… Read More »

April 23, 2025

Home Equity

Can You Get a Home Equity Loan Without Refinancing?

For homeowners looking to tap into their home’s value without altering their existing mortgage, a home equity loan provides a powerful solution. Whether you’re consolidating credit card debt, funding a house renovation, or covering unexpected expenses, it’s possible to get a home equity loan without refinancing your current mortgage—allowing you to preserve your existing interest… Read More »

April 21, 2025

Home Equity

Zero Down Home Loans with No Down-Payment Required

Did you know that zero down mortgages are making a comeback in 2025? Buying a home with no money down allows a home buyer with little to or no deposit by using zero down payment home loans with affordable mortgage rates. These 100% financing home loans are much rarer today than a decade ago, but… Read More »

April 21, 2025

Articles, Home Buying

Top Ranked Home Equity Loan Rates by State

​In 2025, homeowners seeking to leverage their property’s equity have a variety of options across the United States. Home equity loans and HELOCs offer avenues to access funds for purposes such as home remodeling, consolidating debt, or educational expenses. It’s not surprising that many of the high cost states like California, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland… Read More »

April 20, 2025

Home Equity, Articles

Best HELOC Lenders in 2025

Since the popularity of the home equity line of credit has soared finding the best HELOC lender has become vital. Different HELOC lenders offer different types of home equity lines. For example, if you are unable to document your income, you may need a a no doc HELOC lender, or if you have low credit… Read More »

April 19, 2025

Home Equity

Best FHA Rate and Term Refinance Options for Homeowners

Refinancing a mortgage can be a strategic move for homeowners looking to reduce monthly payments, shorten their loan term, or transition out of an adjustable-rate mortgage. One of the most flexible and widely used options is the FHA rate and term refinance. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, this refinance program is designed to help… Read More »

April 18, 2025

FHA, Refinance

Home Equity Loan with Bad Credit

Navigating the path to get approved for a home equity loan with bad credit can be challenging. Most smart homeowners consider a HELOC or low credit home equity loan if they already have a low interest rate on their first mortgage.  Can You Get a Home Equity Loan with Bad Credit​? Yes. The RefiGuide has… Read More »

April 17, 2025

Credit Problems, Home Equity

What Are Today’s Best Refinance Mortgage Rates?

Refinance mortgage rates in April 2025 remain elevated compared to the ultra-low levels during the Pandemic but they have eased off their late-2023 peaks. Homeowners looking to secure a mortgage refinance can expect average rates slightly below 7% for a 30-year fixed and about 6.3% for a 15-year fixed mortgage. Adjustable-rate refinance loans offer slightly… Read More »

April 16, 2025

Refinance

DSCR Mortgage Loan Guide

For real estate investors, traditional mortgage loans often come with hurdles: income documentation, tax returns, employment verification, and rigorous debt-to-income requirements. But what if the property itself could qualify you for financing—without jumping through hoops? Here comes the DSCR mortgage loan, an increasingly popular solution for real estate investors seeking simplicity, speed, and flexibility. The… Read More »

Hard Money HELOC

A Hard Money HELOC is a home equity line of credit provided by private or “hard money” lenders, using your property’s equity as collateral. Like a traditional HELOC, it’s a revolving credit line secured by your home’s value, but hard money HELOCs come from non-bank lenders and usually carry higher interest rates​. Hard Money HELOCs… Read More »

How Long Does It Take to Get a Home Equity Loan?

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 »

April 14, 2025

Home Equity, Articles

Refinance My Mortgage with No Closing Costs​?

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 »

April 13, 2025

Articles, Refinance

Home Equity Loan for Debt Consolidation

Are you considering a home equity loan for debt consolidation? Learn the pros and cons and compare it to other debt 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 use… Read More »

April 12, 2025

Home Equity

Top 10 Fastest Closing Mortgage Lender​​s

​Securing a mortgage swiftly can be the key to unlocking your dream home, especially in today’s competitive housing market. A rapid closing process not only enhances your appeal to sellers but also alleviates the stress associated with prolonged waiting periods. The RefiGuide published the top 10 mortgage lenders renowned for their expedited closing times, providing… Read More »

April 11, 2025

Articles

FHA Cash Out Refinance Plan

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 »

April 11, 2025

FHA, Refinance

Fast HELOC No Appraisal Required

Many homeowners need a fast cash so they request a HELOC with no appraisal required. If you have good credit and lots of home equity it may be possible to get a fast HELOC or home equity loan without a full appraisal required. Do HELOCs require an appraisal? If the mortgage lender requires a HELOC… Read More »

April 11, 2025

Home Equity

HELOC on a Manufactured Home

Manufactured homes provide an affordable alternative to traditional site-built houses, allowing homeowners to own property at a fraction of the cost. However, when it comes to accessing home equity through financial products like a Home Equity Line of Credit, many manufactured homeowners find themselves wondering if they qualify. Getting approved for a HELOC on a… Read More »

April 10, 2025

Home Equity

How to Estimate Home Equity Loan Payments

When considering a home equity loan, understanding how to estimate your monthly payments is crucial. This knowledge empowers you to budget effectively and choose second mortgage loan that aligns with your financial goals. In this guide, we’ll explore the factors estimating home equity loan payments, provide a step-by-step method to calculate them, and offer examples… Read More »

April 9, 2025

Home Equity