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 over 25 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 promote 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

How to Use Home Equity to Pay Off Debt

Debt can be overwhelming, especially when it accumulates at high interest rates. For homeowners, tapping into home equity is a powerful way to consolidate and pay off debt while securing lower interest rates. Whether you are dealing with credit card debt, unsecured personal loans, or high-interest auto loans, using your home’s equity can provide a… Read More »

What Hurts a Home Appraisal for Refinance?

A home appraisal is a critical step when refinancing your mortgage. Lenders require an appraisal to determine your home’s fair market value, which affects loan approval, interest rates, and borrowing limits. The RefiGuide can get you up to speed on do’s and don’ts on home appraisals for refinancing. What Do Appraisers Look for in a… Read More »

Cash Out Refinance Investment Property Loans

Investors seeking to maximize the value of their real estate portfolios often turn to cash-out refinancing as a powerful financial strategy. By leveraging the equity in their properties, investors can secure additional funds for house renovations, new acquisitions, or even debt consolidation solutions. But with so many mortgage lenders and loan options available, how do… Read More »

How Does a Cash Out Refinance Work?

The cash-out refinance loan has been one of the most popular mortgage products for over three decades and the level of interest continues to surge this year. If you’re flush with equity in your home after rising home values in recent times, you aren’t alone. It’s estimated in some circles that homeowners have trillions of… Read More »

What Is a 10/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

In 2025, prospective home buyers continue to weigh options between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). Among ARMs, the 10/1 adjustable rate mortgage stands out as a hybrid product that combines stability with potential flexibility. As of September 2025, with 10/1 mortgage rates fluctuating amid economic uncertainties, understanding this loan type is crucial for informed decision-making.… Read More »

Can You Use a HELOC for a Down Payment?

In today’s wild housing market in 2025, many homeowners have migrated towards a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) because it offers a creative way to leverage real estate. The HELOC equity line of credit has emerged as a popular choice for financing the down-payment of a second home or investment property. Homeowners have embraced… Read More »

Mortgage Refinance and Debt Consolidation Loans

Consolidating debt with a mortgage featuring a fixed interest rate is a wise move and a hedge against inflation. For years, many Americans have decided to save on their credit card bills and other debts by refinancing their mortgage and pulling out equity. The RefiGuide connects savvy homeowners with banks and lenders that specialize in… Read More »

DSCR Loan Credit Requirements

In the realm of real estate investment, securing financing is often a labyrinthine journey, with myriad loan options available. One such option is the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan, which emphasizes a property’s income-generating potential over the borrower’s personal income. But what role do credit scores play in qualifying for a DSCR loan? Let’s… Read More »

How Much Equity Do You Need for a HELOC?

The HELOC remains a popular 2nd mortgage for homeowners looking to leverage their home’s value. The HELOC provides flexible borrowing LTV options but you need a certain amount of equity to meet the loan to value requirements for a home equity line of credit in 2025. The RefiGuide published this article to reveal how much… Read More »

Refinance With No Income Verification

Done correctly, refinancing a mortgage can be a strategic move to lower interest rates, reduce monthly payments, or access home equity for other financial goals. For many, however, providing traditional income documentation like W-2s or tax returns poses a challenge, particularly for self-employed individuals, retirees, or those with non-traditional income sources. Therefore, millions of homeowners… Read More »