Refinancing or HELOC.
Which is better?
Your mortgage isn’t just a payment—it’s a tool. And like any tool, it needs sharpening from time to time.
Refinance or HELOC? That Depends On…
How long will you stay in the home?
If you’re moving in 2–3 years, a refi may cost more than it saves.
Do you want to touch your first mortgage?
HELOCs can offer access to funds without changing your original loan.
But how will borrowing against your equity affect your monthly payments—or your ability to qualify for future financing?
Are you consolidating debt, investing, or funding renovations?
Is there a smarter structure that protects future buying power?
Your Mortgage Is a Wealth Tool—Let’s Use It Right
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you’re refinancing, drawing equity, or just exploring smarter structures—we’ll guide you.The right plan could change everything.
What Most Banks Don’t Tell You…
- HELOCs may start interest-only, but balloon unexpectedly
- You may qualify for lender-paid closing costs or lower rate refis
- Re-amortizing your loan can free up monthly cash flow without resetting the term
- You can split loans between first + second mortgage to protect your low first rate
- Most people refinance too late—or not at all—and leave 5–6 figures on the table
Refinance Loan Options—At a Glance
Choose the structure that fits your timeline, credit profile, and exit:
- HELOC – Access a line of credit without losing the 1st lien rate.
- Home Equity Loan – Access a fixed rate loan without losing the 1st lien rate.
- FHA Streamline Refinance – Great for owner-occupants; HUD consultant on Standard.
- Conventional Loan Refinance – Flexible for primary, second home, and (in many cases) investment.
- VA IRRRL Refinance – For eligible veterans; pair improvements with zero-down benefits.
- USDA Loan Refinance – Higher price points with renovation budgets.
- Jumbo Loan Refinance – Higher price points with renovation budgets.
Run the Numbers Before You Apply
Try out a loan calculator below.
Refinance Stories
Discover how homeowners are leveraging Stairway strategies improve home values, reinvest equity, pay down debt and grow wealth.
Home Equity Loan: Dentist Accesses Lump-Sum Equity for Practice Expansio
HELOC: Financial Advisor Accesses Home Equity to Purchase First Rental Property
Conventional Loan Cash-Out Refinance: Financial Advisor Accesses Home Equity to Purchase First Investment Property
VA Loan Cash Out Refinance: Air Force Veteran Accesses Equity for Home Improvements
Bank Statement Loan Cash Out Refinance: Retail Store Owner Accesses Substantial Equity for Business Expansion
Jumbo Loan Cash-Out Refinance: Business Owner Leverages Primary Residence Equity to Acquire Investment Property Portfolio
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What Clients Say About Working with Jim & His Team
Built on Trust. Backed by Experience.
Closed in time for Thanksgiving! Jim and his team were amazing, and we got a much better deal than previous lender.
We closed our loan within 19 days. Just in time for Thanksgiving!! Jim and his team are amazing! We initially had gone with a different loan office and the interest rate and down payment was ridiculous. The owner of the company where my husband works referred us to Jim and we are very grateful for that. We had such an amazing experience with Jim and his team! Since our transaction, we’ve been referring Jim to anyone we know that are thinking of purchasing a house.
Smooth, fast, and hassle-free mortgage and refinance process.
Jim and his team are great to work with! We have used Jim twice with our home mortgage. Both times, the process was smooth and uneventful (which is what I wanted). He has kept in touch with us and contacted us when he felt it was the right time for us to refinance! I was amazed at our refinancing process – it took them about a little over two weeks to process all our information and close! I love the new online process of submitting all the information they require – it made it super easy for me to organize and gather all the documents.
Discover Your Financial Goals
Refinancing or tapping into your equity is more than a numbers game — it’s a strategic move.
Align your refinance or HELOC with your broader wealth plan and unlock smarter possibilities.