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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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.
Consumers continue to embrace the unique opportunity for first-time homebuyers in Wisconsin. People in the community are taking advantage of the Wisconsin’s supportive home buyer programs and relatively moderate housing trends. Home prices in Wisconsin have risen 4–5% year-over-year, with the median price hovering around $346,700. While this upward trend may seem daunting, it’s still… Read More »
2025 presents a promising opportunity for first time homebuyers in Minnesota, especially those who are prepared. The RefiGuide offers strategic mortgage advice and connect Minnesota first time buyers with competitive lenders online. The housing market is showing signs of moderation after years of rapid price growth. Home prices in Minnesota have continued to rise, but… Read More »
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 »
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 »
2025 could be a unique opportunity for first time home buyers in Connecticut with competitive mortgage rates, down-payment assistance and easy credit requirements. Connecticut’s housing market, with a median home price of $412,000 in early 2025, presents challenges for first-time home buyers, especially in high-demand areas like Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford. The median down… Read More »
First time home buyers in Nevada have many significant opportunities with down-payment assistance, home buying grants and affordable mortgage rates in 2025. As Nevada’s housing market enters a phase of cautious optimism in 2025, prospective buyers—especially first-timers—may find this year to be a strategic moment to make their move. With home prices stabilizing and inventory… Read More »
In 2025, many first-time house buyers have limited resources. One proven financial tool that is the Mortgage Interest Credit, often referred to as the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program. This federal tax credit, administered through state or local housing finance agencies (HFAs), provides eligible homeowners with a direct reduction in their federal income tax liability… Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Accessing your home’s equity is often seen as a fundamental right for U.S. homeowners. But is it possible to take out a HELOC with bad credit? Traditional banks and lenders typically emphasize credit scores during the approval process. In today’s intricate housing market, can may still qualify for a HELOC with a low credit score.… Read More »
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 »
Several niche lenders recently announced the Home Equity Line of Credit is now available as a fixed rate HELOC loan with competitive interest rates. The HELOC fixed interest rate option locks in the rates for a specific term. While most traditional home equity line of credit have variable rates, there are a few trusted lenders… Read More »
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 »
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. In 2025, with U.S. median home prices at… Read More »
