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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

Can You Refinance an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?

Yes, you can refinance an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) at any time, provided you meet lender qualifications and the economic conditions align with your goals. In essence, refinancing an ARM involves replacing your current loan with a new one—either another ARM or, more commonly, a fixed-rate mortgage—to secure better terms, lower payments, or access equity. The… Read More »

December 20, 2025

Articles, Refinance

What Are Today’s Best Refinance Mortgage Rates?

Refinance mortgage rates in December 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 6.2% for a 30-year fixed and about 5.4% for a 15-year fixed mortgage. Adjustable-rate refinance loans offer slightly… Read More »

December 20, 2025

Refinance

No Closing Cost HELOC

The no closing cost HELOC is one of the hottest home equity products rolling into 2026 for quick cash, renovations, paying off debt and real estate investments. Homeowners continue to embrace the home equity lines of credit because they make tapping into equity so quick and easy without being required to refinance your existing mortgage.… Read More »

December 19, 2025

Home Equity

FHA Loan Limits 2026

Consumers continue to ask us, “What is the limit on FHA loans?” ​HUD just announced higher maximum FHA loan amounts and increased loan limits for 2026 increasing purchase power for home buyers in the U.S. According to Zillow, home prices remain near record highs and loan limits continue to keep pace. FHA 2026 conforming loan… Read More »

December 19, 2025

FHA

Refinance FHA Loan Guide

For 90 years the Federal Housing Administration has been insuring FHA refinancing loans for qualified borrowers in the United States. When interest rates drop, it makes sense to find out if refinancing with FHA would lower your mortgage payment and save you money.  FHA offers rate and term, cash out refinancing and streamline refi programs… Read More »

December 17, 2025

FHA, Refinance

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

Best Rental Property Loans 2026

Getting a investment property loan involves careful planning, research, and attention to detail. Evaluating your financial situation, choosing the right type of rental property financing, preparing the necessary documents, and securing pre-approval are key steps. Investing in rental properties can be a lucrative endeavor, offering a steady stream of income and long-term financial stability. However,… Read More »

December 9, 2025

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 Qualify for a Second Mortgage

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 »

December 7, 2025

Home Equity