How We Use Sources
Every factual claim on RefinanceUSA — closing cost ranges, LTV thresholds, PMI cancellation rules, loan limits, and state-specific mortgage rules — is sourced to a published, verifiable primary source. We cite the original agency or statute, not third-party summaries, wherever possible.
We do not accept sponsored content, affiliate placement, or payment for citation. Our sources are chosen for accuracy and authority, not commercial relationship. See our Editorial Policy for full details on how content is created and maintained.
Federal Regulatory Sources
| Agency / Source | What We Cite It For |
|---|---|
|
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home |
Loan types and definitions, RESPA/TRID closing cost rules, Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure requirements, PMI cancellation rules (Homeowners Protection Act), borrower rights, and homeowner FAQs. |
|
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) fhfa.gov — Conforming Loan Limits |
Annual conforming loan limits and high-balance county limits used in LTV and eligibility discussions. |
|
Freddie Mac freddiemac.com/pmms | freddiemac.com/research |
Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) weekly rate data for historical rate context; refinance research and break-even analysis guidance; Selling Guide LTV requirements. |
|
Fannie Mae fanniemae.com — Refinance Mortgages |
Conventional refinance LTV limits, cash-out LTV requirements, and Selling Guide eligibility rules. |
|
HUD / Federal Housing Administration (FHA) hud.gov — Single Family Housing |
FHA Streamline Refinance requirements, FHA cash-out LTV limits (80%), MIP rates, and FHA refinance eligibility rules from HUD Handbook 4000.1. |
|
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.va.gov/homeloans/refinancing |
VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan) requirements, VA cash-out LTV (90%), VA funding fee tables, and entitlement rules. |
|
IRS Publication 936 irs.gov/publications/p936 |
Home mortgage interest deduction rules, mortgage points deductibility, and cash-out refinance tax treatment for the portion used on home improvement. |
|
USDA Rural Development rd.usda.gov |
USDA Streamlined Refinance eligibility and rural area definition references in relevant blog content. |
Market Data Sources
| Source | Data Used |
|---|---|
| Freddie Mac PMMS freddiemac.com/pmms |
Weekly 30-year and 15-year fixed rate benchmarks cited for historical context in blog content and state guides |
| Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) mba.org |
Refinance application volume trends, market share data, and average origination cost research |
| American Land Title Association (ALTA) alta.org/research |
Title insurance premium averages by state, used in refinance cost calculator defaults |
| CoreLogic / ATTOM | State-level home price appreciation data and average property values referenced in state guides |
State-Specific Regulatory Sources
Each state guide on RefinanceUSA cites at least five universal federal sources and adds state-specific citations for mortgage recording taxes, attorney-closing requirements, cash-out restrictions, and homestead laws. The primary state sources we use include:
Recording Taxes and Transfer Taxes
- State revenue department or department of taxation websites (e.g., New York State Department of Taxation)
- State legislature websites for the underlying statute
- County recorder or clerk websites for county-level rates
Attorney Closing Requirements
- State bar association guidance on unauthorized practice of law in real estate closings
- State banking department regulations on settlement agents
Cash-Out and Homestead Restrictions
- Texas: Texas Constitution, Article XVI, Section 50(a)(6) — Texas Home Equity Lending Rules
- State statutes governing homestead exemption and mortgage lien priority
State-by-State Source Directories
Each state page lists its sources inline. Select your state to see its specific citations:
Calculator Methodology
For detailed documentation of the mathematical formulas, default assumptions, and data inputs used in each calculator, see our Calculator Methodology page.
Calculator formulas implement standard mortgage finance mathematics — the same amortization formula lenders use, with documented defaults derived from CFPB and GSE published data. No proprietary black-box models are used.
Reporting an Error
If you believe any content on RefinanceUSA contains an inaccurate claim, outdated figure, or missing citation, please contact us with:
- The URL of the page containing the claim
- The specific text you believe is inaccurate
- A link to a primary source supporting the correction
We aim to review all reported errors within 5 business days. Verified corrections are published promptly. See our full Editorial Policy and Disclaimer.