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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.

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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.

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Recent Articles

How Does Taking Out a HELOC Affect Your Credit Score?

A Home Equity Line of Credit  or HELOC is a popular financial tool for homeowners in 2025. HELOCs offer flexible borrowing because they operate like a credit card secured by your home, with draw periods (5-10 years) and repayment phases. But how does a HELOC impact your credit score? The reality: It causes a temporary… Read More »

October 23, 2025

Home Equity

HELOC on Investment Property Guide

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. Find Top Lenders that Offer HELOCs on Investment… Read More »

October 20, 2025

Home Equity

Mortgage Loan Document Checklist to Refinance Home

Getting ready to shop for a mortgage refinance for your home is similar to buying your house the first time. In both situations, you have to provide a pile of financial documents to qualify for your new loan. The Federal Reserve has indicated that interest rates may be cut in 2025, so now is a… Read More »

October 16, 2025

Refinance

Is 2025 a Good Time to Refinance a House?

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. The RefiGuide will review the top banks and mortgage lenders to refinance… Read More »

October 15, 2025

Refinance

How Long Does a Cash-Out Refinance Take?

Cash-out refinancing remains a popular strategy for homeowners looking to leverage their home’s equity in 2025. This process involves replacing your existing mortgage with a larger one, pocketing the difference in cash for purposes like consolidating debt, financing home improvements, or business investments. The RefiGuide published this article to educate homeowners on how long the… Read More »

October 14, 2025

Articles, Refinance

Are Mortgage Refinancing Fees Tax Deductible?

With over 1.2 million refinances projected this year per Freddie Mac, a key question arises: Are home refinancing fees tax deductible? We will explore the answer and review the nuances in this article. Under IRS rules, points (prepaid interest) and certain property taxes qualify for deductions, often amortized over the loan term, while common mortgage… Read More »

October 7, 2025

Articles, Refinance

Does Mortgage Refinancing Hurt Your Credit Scores?

Home refinancing remains a popular strategy for homeowners. With over 1.5 million refinances projected this year per Freddie Mac estimates, questions abound: Does home refinancing affect your credit​? Temporarily and minimally refinancing may cause your credit score to dip in most cases. A mortgage refinance triggers a hard credit inquiry and opens a new account,… Read More »

October 7, 2025

Refinance

Home Loan for Second Homes Guide

Do you want to buy a second home? You probably have many questions about how to finance a 2nd-home. Whether you want to buy a second home for vacations or as an investment property, getting financing for this type of property comes with some challenges that you should be aware of. In 2025, with mortgage… Read More »

October 5, 2025

Home Buying

Can First-Time Home Buyers Buy Land?

This year first-time home buyers continue to face daunting barriers to buying land. With mortgage rates stabilizing at 6.75% and down payment assistance programs expanding under the Biden administration’s $25 billion affordable housing push, many are exploring alternatives to traditional turnkey homes. One “outside of the box” option is buying land outright. Can first-time home… Read More »

What Is a 5/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

The 5/5 adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), a flexible alternative that’s seen a 20% uptick in originations this year, per Freddie Mac data. Among ARMs, the 5/5 adjustable rate loan variant stands out for its balance of predictability and adaptability. In October 2025, with 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaging 6.75% amid a stabilizing Federal Reserve policy, homebuyers… Read More »

October 1, 2025

Articles

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

Homeowners across the country are taking advantage of how fast they can get take out a home equity loan without being required to refinance their primary mortgage. 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… Read More »

October 1, 2025

Home Equity, Articles

Is Chase Accepting XRP for Mortgage Payments?

In the blazing world of cryptocurrency, few tokens inspire as much fervent speculation as XRP, the native asset of the Ripple network. As of September 30, 2025, with XRP trading at around $2.88 amid a broader market recovery, whispers of mainstream adoption have reached fever pitch. The RefiGuide uncovers the mortgage crypto rumors and considers… Read More »

September 30, 2025

Articles

How to Use Home Equity to Pay Off Debt

Debt can be overwhelming, especially when it accumulates at high interest rates. For homeowners, tapping into home equity is a powerful way to consolidate and pay off debt while securing lower interest rates. Whether you are dealing with credit card debt, unsecured personal loans, or high-interest auto loans, using your home’s equity can provide a… Read More »

September 30, 2025

Home Equity

What Hurts a Home Appraisal for Refinance?

A home appraisal is a critical step when refinancing your mortgage. Lenders require an appraisal to determine your home’s fair market value, which affects loan approval, interest rates, and borrowing limits. The RefiGuide can get you up to speed on do’s and don’ts on home appraisals for refinancing. What Do Appraisers Look for in a… Read More »

September 19, 2025

Articles, Refinance

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 »

September 15, 2025

Home Equity

Cash Out Refinance Investment Property Loans

Investors seeking to maximize the value of their real estate portfolios often turn to cash-out refinancing as a powerful financial strategy. By leveraging the equity in their properties, investors can secure additional funds for house renovations, new acquisitions, or even debt consolidation solutions. But with so many mortgage lenders and loan options available, how do… Read More »

September 15, 2025

Refinance

What Will Tariffs Do to Mortgage Rates in 2025?

In the volatile economic landscape of 2025, tariffs have emerged as a pivotal policy tool under the Trump administration, sparking intense debate about their ripple effects across various sectors. As of September 11, 2025, with recent tariff implementations on imports from key trading partners like China and Mexico, questions abound regarding their influence on everyday… Read More »

September 11, 2025

Articles

What Is a 10/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

In 2025, prospective home buyers continue to weigh options between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). Among ARMs, the 10/1 adjustable rate mortgage stands out as a hybrid product that combines stability with potential flexibility. As of September 2025, with 10/1 mortgage rates fluctuating amid economic uncertainties, understanding this loan type is crucial for informed decision-making.… Read More »

September 10, 2025

Articles

Can You Use a HELOC for a Down Payment?

In today’s wild housing market in 2025, many homeowners have migrated towards a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) because it offers a creative way to leverage real estate. The HELOC equity line of credit has emerged as a popular choice for financing the down-payment of a second home or investment property. Homeowners have embraced… Read More »

September 9, 2025

Home Equity

Does a HELOC Require an Appraisal?

Millions of homeowners in the United States are looking for Home Equity Line of Credit or HELOC because they stands out as a flexible financing option in this current housing market in 2025. The HELOC allows borrowers to tap their home equity and draw funds as needed, pay interest only on what you borrow, and… Read More »

September 9, 2025

Home Equity