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

Cash Out Refinance on Investment Property & 2nd Homes

When your home’s value rises, you may be tempted to do a cash-out refinance and take some of your equity. A cash-out refinance also usually allows you to get a new mortgage at a lower rate. What about investment properties? Can you do a cash out refinance mortgage on an investment property, 2nd home or… Read More »

Illinois First Time Home Buyer Guide

Purchasing a first home in Illinois in 2026 is an exciting yet challenging endeavor for down-payment assistance and mortgage pre-approvals, given the median home sale price of $285,600 as of February 2025. These various state and local programs to ease financial burdens are administered primarily by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), these programs offer… Read More »

Home Improvement Loan vs HELOC

Two common approaches to finance home upgrades and remodeling are unsecured home improvement loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit also called HELOCs. While both types of loans can fund projects like kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, or energy-efficient additions, they differ significantly in structure, costs, and risks. In today’s real estate market, home values continue… Read More »

Can I Get a HELOC with Late Mortgage Payments?

With first mortgage rates still on the higher side, homeowners have migrated to the HELOC because it enables them to keep their low interest rates while tapping into their property’s equity for purposes like consolidating debt, home renovation or cover the costs of life’s emergencies. With average tappable equity at $200,000 per homeowner and HELOC… Read More »

How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage Loan?

In the housing market of 2025, securing a mortgage loan remains a cornerstone of homeownership, whether you’re a first-time buyer, refinancing an existing loan, tapping into home equity, or investing in rental properties. With interest rates stabilizing around 6-7% following the Federal Reserve’s adjustments and home prices averaging $400,000 nationally, the demand for mortgages is… Read More »

Can You Refinance a HELOC?

A home equity line of credit or HELOC is a popular way for homeowners to turn equity into cash, but is it easy to refinance a HELOC? If  interest rates continue to rise, many homeowners will consider a HELOC refinance. You have the option to refinance your HELOC into a new line of credit, a… Read More »

What Documents Are Needed for a Home Equity Loan?

Applying for a home equity loan can be an excellent way to tap into the equity you’ve built in your property, but preparation is key. Gathering the necessary documents will ensure a smooth home equity loan application process and increase your chances of approval. But what exactly do mortgage lenders require when applying for a… Read More »

What Disqualifies You from Getting a Home Equity Loan?

Home equity loans and lines of credit have become pragmatic tools for homeowners seeking to leverage their property’s value. With average home prices stabilizing around $400,000 and interest rates hovering between 8-9% for these 2nd mortgage products, they offer a way to fund renovations, consolidate debt, or cover emergencies without refinancing the primary mortgage. Homeowners… Read More »

Owner Financing Homes Guide

In the dynamic real estate market of 2025, where interest rates hover around 6-7% and traditional mortgage approvals remain stringent due to economic uncertainties, owner financing has emerged as a viable alternative for homebuyers and sellers alike. Owner financing, also known as seller financing, is an arrangement where the homeowner or seller acts as the… Read More »

How to Finance Fractional Home Ownership  

If you are interested in a vacation property or second home, you may wonder about financing fractional home ownership. Before you move forward, it’s important to understand what fractional homeownership is and how financing works. How Does Fractional Home Ownership Work? Fractional home ownership allows multiple buyers to co-own a property, each holding a share… Read More »