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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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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.

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Recent Articles

Fannie Mae vs FHA for First Time Home Buyers

Fannie Mae and FHA continue to roll out affordable home financing for first time home buyers in the U.S and home-ownership rates are rebounding again in 2026. First time home buyers have many choices of mortgage loans available to them. Two of the most common are first time home mortgages that are backed by the… Read More »

How Much Does It Cost to Refinance a Mortgage?

Closing costs on mortgage refinance loans are an important component to consider when applying online. Many homeowners are considering a mortgage refinance as rates have been on a generally near record lows over the last few years. Even though they are higher than they were, rates are still historically low, so now could be a… Read More »

December 15, 2025

Refinance

How to Qualify for a VA Loan

The RefiGuide helps veterans and military borrowers qualify for a VA loan from banks and lenders offering great mortgage rates and terms. As 2026 unfolds, the VA home loan program stands as one of the most powerful benefits available to America’s veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and eligible surviving spouses. Qualifying… Read More »

December 14, 2025

VA

Best Second Mortgage Rates Today

Taking out a second mortgage can be a very useful tool to increase your wealth if it is managed properly and 2nd mortgage interest rates are favorable at this time. In 2025, the second mortgage programs have expanded to offer fixed rate home equity loans and revolving HELOC lines of credit. The RefiGuide matches you… Read More »

December 12, 2025

Home Equity

Who Can Qualify for an FHA Mortgage?

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 »

December 11, 2025

FHA, Home Buying

How Long Do Pre Approved Home Loans Last?

In 2026, getting a pre-approved home loan from a trusted mortgage lender or bank is essential to be competitive in this real estate marketplace. Most consumers believe that securing a mortgage pre-approval is a rite of passage for homebuyers, signaling seriousness to sellers and clarifying budgets amid median prices hovering at $425,000 and rates stabilizing… Read More »

December 11, 2025

Home Buying, Articles

How to Qualify for a Home Equity Loan in 2026

The RefiGuide provide an depth look at what homeowners need to qualify for a home equity loan in 2026. Our team lays out the home equity loan requirements and guidelines for the most popular 2nd-mortgage programs today. Home equity loans continue to serve as vital tools for homeowners seeking to unlock their property’s value. With… Read More »

December 10, 2025

Home Equity

Does a VA Home Loan Cover Closing Costs?

The RefiGuide works with active military borrowers and veterans seeking low rate VA home loans with reasonable closing costs from competitive lenders and banks. As we enter 2026, the VA home loan program stands as a beacon of accessibility for America’s veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. With over 250,000 originations projected this… Read More »

December 9, 2025

Home Buying, VA

Can You Get a Home Mortgage with No Down Payment?

The RefiGuide explores the narrow path of getting a competitive home mortgage with no down payment and affordable closing costs in 2026. In the resilient yet challenging housing landscape of of Trump’s 2nd term, the dream of homeownership without a down payment remains tantalizingly within reach for many Americans. As median home prices hold steady… Read More »

December 9, 2025

Articles, Home Buying

How Long Does It Take to Underwrite a Home Loan?

The RefiGuide helps consumers understand the underwriting timelines before they apply for a home loan from competitive lenders and banks. In this ever evolving digital housing market of 2026, getting approved for a home loan is a milestone fraught with anticipation—and occasional frustration. Underwriting, the critical phase where lenders verify your financial stability and the… Read More »

December 8, 2025

Articles, Home Buying

How to Qualify for a Conventional Loan

Conventional loans will continue to dominate the 2026 housing market as the go-to financing option for homebuyers seeking flexibility and competitive terms. Unlike government-backed mortgages such as FHA or VA loans, conventional loans are not actually insured by federal agencies but conform to guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs)… Read More »

December 8, 2025

Articles, Home Buying

HELOC to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

In 2026, using a HELOC to pay off credit card debt and consolidate high rate unsecured loans can slash interest costs dramatically, offering a smarter path to financial freedom amid lingering economic pressures.  As credit card debt remains a crushing burden for many American households. Did you know the average credit card APR sits at… Read More »

December 8, 2025

Home Equity

Best Texas HELOC Rates

The Texas HELOCs and home equity loans have surged in popularity in 2025 with easier credit and and loan to value requirements from Lone Star lenders across the state. As December 2025 brings crisp fall air to the sprawling metros of Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, Texas homeowners are riding high on a wave… Read More »

December 8, 2025

Home Equity

Will the HELOC Interest be Tax Deductible 2026?

The 2023 tax deduction eligibility for home equity credit lines and HELOC loans is a critical point for consumers looking to maximize homeownership benefits. If you own your home, you probably have noticed that real estate prices have climbed significantly in the last year. For some homeowners, they may be enjoying 25% or more of… Read More »

December 8, 2025

Home Equity

How to Get Equity Out of Your Home Without Refinancing

Thousands if homeowners got equity out of their home this year without refinancing their original mortgage. The RefiGuide published this article to offer advice on how to get money by tapping home equity without refinancing. Homeownership is not just about having a place to live; it’s an investment. Over time, as you pay down your… Read More »

December 7, 2025

Home Equity, Articles

How to Get a Loan to Flip a House

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 »

Low Credit Score VA Home Loans

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 »

December 3, 2025

Credit Problems, Home Buying, VA

Best Non QM Mortgage Lenders

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 »

December 3, 2025

Alternative Financing

Non-Owner Occupied HELOC

Investing in real estate offers numerous financial benefits, from generating rental income to building long-term wealth through property appreciation. A common strategy among homeowners is to leverage the equity in their investment properties with a non-owner occupied HELOC to fund additional investment opportunities or cover expenses. In the past borrowers could only do HELOCs and… Read More »

December 2, 2025

Home Equity

Can You Refinance a Home Equity Loan?

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 »

December 2, 2025

Home Equity, Refinance