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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Home equity
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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.
House flipping—the art of buying undervalued properties, renovating them, and selling for a profit—remains a powerhouse strategy for real estate investors in 2026. With U.S. median home prices stabilizing around $425,000 after 2025’s modest 3% appreciation and interest rates dipping to 6.25-7% for qualified borrowers, the market favors savvy flippers who act fast. According to… Read More »
Becoming a homeowner is a monumental step in the US, but a low credit score can feel like a permanent roadblock, slamming the door on traditional home financing options. But for America’s military veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses, low credit VA home loans offer a lifeline—a program designed with flexibility at its… Read More »
The subprime loan has evolved into a new market with non-qualified loans and the RefiGuide is ranking the best Non QM mortgage lenders going into 2026. In the ever-evolving landscape of American homeownership, traditional mortgages often leave behind a significant portion of potential buyers. Enter Non-Qualified, AKA Non-QM mortgage lenders: the unsung heroes bridging the… Read More »
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage remains the most forgiving and accessible mortgage program in the United States in 2026. Backed by the U.S. government, FHA loans require lower credit scores, tiny down payments, and more lenient debt ratios than conventional loans. In a year when 30-year fixed rates for conventional loans hover between 6.5–7.25%,… Read More »
With the Federal Reserve lowering rates, you should consider refinancing your home equity loan or HELOC for a lower payment. With inflation soaring, it makes sense to maximize lower monthly payments and refinance home equity loans for a better interest rate. Consumers ask us all the time, “Can home equity loans be refinanced?” There are… Read More »
In the dynamic real estate market of 2025, savvy investors are increasingly turning to Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) as a strategic tool for acquiring investment properties. A HELOC allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their primary residence, providing a revolving line of credit that can be drawn upon as needed. Unlike… Read More »
A second mortgage is a special type of mortgage structured as a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit or HELOC that lets you tap the equity you’ve built in your home for large expenses such as house renovations, consolidating debt, business expenses, or even investment property purchases. Unlike refinancing your first… Read More »
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 »
The best No-Doc HELOC lenders offer a streamlined home equity line of credit for homeowners to access their property’s equity without needing traditional income documentation like pay stubs or tax returns. This home equity financing tool is particularly attractive to self-employed individuals, gig workers, or those with inconsistent income sources who may struggle to meet… 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 »
Opting for a 40-year mortgage enables you to spread your repayment over four decades to achieve a lower monthly payment. The 40-year loan deviates from the standard 30 or 15-year home loan terms. Whether you want a FHA 40 year mortgage or a 40 year home loan from a private money lender, the RefiGuide connects… Read More »
Are you thinking of refinancing your home mortgage? Depending upon your current interest rate on your mortgage, and the rates in the market, this can make a great deal of sense. If you can get a mortgage interest rate that is ½ point to a full point lower than you have right now, you may… Read More »
The RefiGuide has been educating home buyers on credit score requirements on FHA loans for over a decade. What are today’s FHA credit score requirements? This is one of the most common questions we get from consumers looking to buy a home with an FHA loan. The applicants frequently ask, What credit score for FHA… Read More »
The FHA streamline refinance has been one of the most popular refinancing program for over three decades now. If you hold an FHA mortgage now, you have the option of refinancing with the FHA Streamline Refinance program. FHA customers continue to request the FHA streamline refinance without appraisal. This popular FHA refinance loan can make… Read More »
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 »
Homeowners continue to ask our team, “What is minimum credit score for cash out refinance with bad credit?” We decided to publish this article in an effort to help consumers learn everything they need to know about cash-out home refinance with bad credit this year. We will help you understand the requirements for a cash-out… Read More »
First time home buyers in California have significant opportunities and challenges as well. California has long been one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, and it’s no wonder why. It’s the state with the highest population, and it’s growing. In fact, the state has added more than 2 million residents over the… Read More »
DSCR loans evaluate a property’s ability to generate enough rental income to cover its debt obligations, calculated as Net Operating Income (NOI) divided by annual debt service (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA). Unlike conventional loans, DSCR loans don’t require personal income verification, making them accessible for investors with complex financials. In 2025, with rental demand… Read More »
If you see mortgage rates dropping in 2026, you may consider refinancing your home. The RefiGuide can match you with banks and lenders to advise you on the timing of home refinancing. But whether you should do it depends on many factors. It could be logical to pursue a home refinance in these scenarios: You… 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 December 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 »
