About Bryan Dornan

Bryan Dornan is a financial journalist and currently serves as Chief Editor of RefiGuide.org. Bryan has founded several mortgage and marketing companies and has worked as a loan officer and mortgage broker in the industry for nearly 30 years and has a wealth of experience in providing mortgage clients with the highest level of service in the industry. Bryan's continual focus is to educate homeowners how to leverage home equity while also promoting affordable home-ownership to consumers like you across the United States. He also writes for RealtyTimes, Patch, Buzzfeed, Medium and other national publications. Find him on Twitter, Muckrack, and Linkedin

Can I Add My Spouse to My Mortgage Without Refinancing?

Many married homeowners wonder if they can add their spouse to an existing mortgage without going through the costly and time-consuming refinancing process. While you cannot typically add someone to your mortgage loan itself without refinancing, you can add your spouse to the property title, granting them ownership rights without changing the loan obligation. Understanding the… Read More »

How to Calculate DSCR Loans

Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans revolutionize real estate investment financing by qualifying borrowers based on property cash flow rather than personal income, making them ideal for self-employed investors, retirees, and portfolio builders who may not qualify for traditional mortgages. Understanding how to accurately calculate DSCR ensures you know exactly what properties you can afford,… Read More »

Can I Rent My Home If I Have a Mortgage?

Yes, you can rent out your home even with an active mortgage, but whether you’re legally allowed to do so depends entirely on your specific loan type, lender approval, and lease terms in your mortgage contract. Most conventional mortgages permit rental conversions with proper notification, while government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA) have strict owner-occupancy requirements… Read More »

Can You Sell a Home with a Reverse Mortgage?

Yes, you can absolutely sell a home with a reverse mortgage, and the process is surprisingly straightforward once you understand the mechanics. Homeowners with reverse mortgages—also called Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) when FHA-insured—retain full ownership of their property and can sell whenever they choose, just like any traditional mortgage holder. However, the reverse mortgage… Read More »

What Are the Rates for a Home Equity Loan Today?

Home equity loan rates in February 2026 tell a story of dramatic market recovery and opportunity. After peaking above 10% in early 2024, rates have declined to 7.90-8.15% APR for fixed-rate home equity loans and 7.25-7.63% APR for variable-rate HELOCs, according to comprehensive industry surveys. For the 85 million American homeowners sitting on record-high equity… Read More »

How to Get a Lower Interest Rate on Mortgage

In February 2026, with mortgage rates averaging 6.0-6.5% for 30-year fixed loans, every fraction of a percentage point matters. A seemingly small 0.5% rate reduction on a $400,000 mortgage saves approximately $120 per month and over $43,000 in interest over the loan’s lifetime. Whether you’re purchasing a home or refinancing an existing mortgage, understanding the… Read More »

How to Apply for a 2nd Mortgage

Applying for a second mortgage in 2026 has become increasingly accessible thanks to digital application platforms, competitive lender rates, and record levels of home equity held by American homeowners. Whether you’re looking to consolidate debt, fund home improvements, or finance a major purchase, understanding the second mortgage application process can save you time, money, and… Read More »

What Can You Use a HELOC for​?

Homeowners across America are rediscovering the power of a Home Equity Line of Credit. But one question comes up time and again: What can you actually use a HELOC for? Quick Answer: Unlike auto loans or mortgages restricted to specific purchases, a HELOC gives you near-unlimited flexibility. You can use it for home renovations, debt… Read More »

Should I Lock My Mortgage Rate Today?

With mortgage rates fluctuating around 6% in early 2026, one of the most critical decisions facing homebuyers is whether to lock their mortgage rate today or float and hope for better rates tomorrow. A rate lock—a lender’s commitment to honor a specific interest rate for a set period—can mean the difference between affordable monthly payments… Read More »

Investment Property Equity Line of Credit Advantages

For real estate investors seeking flexible, powerful financing solutions in 2026, few tools match the strategic versatility of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) on investment property. While taking out an equity line of credit on a rental or non-owner occupied property comes with stricter HELOC requirements than financing your primary home. the advantages… Read More »