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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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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.

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Recent Articles

Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Programs

Kentucky’s housing market offers promising opportunities for first-time buyers in 2025, with median home prices around $250,000 and interest rates stabilizing at 6-7%, according to recent analyses. The Bluegrass State, known for its affordable living and diverse communities, faces inventory challenges in urban areas like Louisville and Lexington, but rural affordability and low property taxes… Read More »

Montana First Time Home Buyer Loan Guide

The U.S.  housing market presents a mixed bag in 2025 for Montana first-time buyers, with median home prices climbing to approximately $450,000 amid strong demand in areas like Bozeman and Missoula, driven by remote work trends and natural attractions. However, rural affordability remains a draw, with rates around 6-7% and property taxes at 0.8% on… Read More »

Arkansas First Time Home Buyer Loan Guide

In 2025, Arkansas’s housing market remains an attractive option for first-time buyers, with median home prices hovering around $220,000 statewide, according to recent market analyses. This affordability, combined with stabilizing interest rates at 6-7% and low property taxes averaging 0.6%, makes the Natural State a prime destination for new homeowners. However, challenges like limited inventory… Read More »

Louisiana First Time Home Buyer Programs

In 2025, Louisiana’s housing market continues to offer opportunities for first-time buyers, with median home prices around $250,000 and interest rates stabilizing at 6-7%. The Pelican State, known for its vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, faces affordability challenges in urban areas like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where inventory is tight and costs are higher.… Read More »

Kansas First Time Home Buyer Guide

As the housing market in Kansas continues to evolve in 2025, with median home prices around $250,000 and interest rates stabilizing at 6-7%, first-time buyers face both opportunities and challenges. The RefiGuide published this article to help Kansas first time home buyers maximize down payment assistance and affordable mortgage loans, home buying grants and HELOCs… Read More »

What Disqualifies You from Getting a Home Equity Loan?

Home equity loans and lines of credit have become pragmatic tools for homeowners seeking to leverage their property’s value. With average home prices stabilizing around $400,000 and interest rates hovering between 8-9% for these 2nd mortgage products, they offer a way to fund renovations, consolidate debt, or cover emergencies without refinancing the primary mortgage. A… Read More »

August 18, 2025

Home Equity

How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage Loan?

In the housing market of 2025, securing a mortgage loan remains a cornerstone of homeownership, whether you’re a first-time buyer, refinancing an existing loan, tapping into home equity, or investing in rental properties. With interest rates stabilizing around 6-7% following the Federal Reserve’s adjustments and home prices averaging $400,000 nationally, the demand for mortgages is… Read More »

August 12, 2025

Articles

Owner Financing Homes Guide

In the dynamic real estate market of 2025, where interest rates hover around 6-7% and traditional mortgage approvals remain stringent due to economic uncertainties, owner financing has emerged as a viable alternative for homebuyers and sellers alike. Owner financing, also known as seller financing, is an arrangement where the homeowner or seller acts as the… Read More »

August 5, 2025

Home Buying

How to Finance Fractional Home Ownership  

If you are interested in a vacation property or second home, you may wonder about financing fractional home ownership. Before you move forward, it’s important to understand what fractional homeownership is and how financing works. How Does Fractional Home Ownership Work? Fractional home ownership allows multiple buyers to co-own a property, each holding a share… Read More »

August 4, 2025

Home Buying

FHA Jumbo Loans

An FHA Jumbo Loan is a type of mortgage that falls under Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines but exceeds the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These loans provide borrowers with the opportunity to finance higher-priced homes while still benefiting from FHA’s low down payment requirements and flexible credit qualifications. The… Read More »

August 2, 2025

FHA, Articles

Can You Refinance a Debt Consolidation Loan?

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 »

August 2, 2025

Refinance

How Long Does It Take to Get a HELOC Approved?

With home values at record highs across the U.S., many homeowners are taking out a home equity line of credit or HELOC at a record pace. We get a lot of questions about: How long does it take to get a HELOC funded? The answer varies depending on several factors, including the home equity lender’s… Read More »

July 31, 2025

Home Equity

How Is HELOC Interest Calculated?

Homeowners love the HELOC because it is a flexible loan that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they’ve built in their property. One key aspect of a HELOC that borrowers need to understand is how interest is calculated, as this impacts both the cost of borrowing and repayment plans. But what makes HELOC interest… Read More »

July 31, 2025

Articles, Home Equity

How Does HELOC Repayment Work?

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 »

July 26, 2025

Home Equity

How to Negotiate Lower Refinance Closing Costs

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 »

July 14, 2025

Refinance

Trump First-Time Home Buyer Program Updates

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 »

First Time Home Buyer Mortgage Loan Guide

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 »

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 »

July 10, 2025

Articles, Refinance

Stated Income Home Equity Line of Credit

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 »

July 9, 2025

Home Equity

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. How Do Home Refinance Rates Look in 2025? Refinancing mortgage rates in… Read More »

July 9, 2025

Refinance