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 Leverage Home Equity

Leverage home equity refers to the process of using the equity in your home as a financial tool to access funds for various purposes, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, investing, or even covering emergency expenses. Home equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the outstanding balance on your… Read More »

Does a Cash-Out Refinance Have a DTI Requirement?

Thousands of homeowners choose a cash-out refinance loan to fund house improvements, debt consolidation, investment home purchase and other major expenses. A critical aspect of qualifying for a cash-out refinance is meeting the lender’s debt-to-income ratio (DTI) requirement. The DTI ratio is a key metric used by banks and lenders to assess a borrower’s ability… Read More »

Does Debt Consolidation Affect Buying a Home?

Debt consolidation is a proven financial strategy used by many individuals to manage and streamline their debt payments. By combining multiple debts into a single loan or payment, borrowers can potentially reduce their interest rates, simplify their finances, and lower monthly payments. However, when it comes to major financial decisions like buying a home, many… Read More »

Do You Pay Taxes on Cash-Out Refinance?

A cash-out refinance allows homeowners to replace their existing mortgage with a new one, borrowing more than what they currently owe and receiving the difference in cash. The questions often arises: Is the cash received from a cash-out refinance taxable income? Can I deduct the interest paid on a cash out refinance like a traditional… Read More »

How to Choose a Mortgage Lender

Selecting the right mortgage lender is one of the most crucial steps in the homebuying process. The lender you choose will significantly impact your financial journey, from determining your loan terms to ensuring a smooth closing process. Whether you need a purchase money loan, rate and term refinancing, cash out or a home equity line… Read More »

Can I Use a HELOC to Buy Crypto?

The rise of cryptocurrency as an investment class has attracted many homeowners seeking alternative ways to diversify their portfolios. One of the questions often raised by savvy homeowners is whether they can use a home equity line of credit or HELOC to buy cryptocurrency. While it is technically possible to use a HELOC to invest… Read More »

Non QM Construction Loans

Construction loans are essential for financing the building of a new home, renovating an existing property, or undertaking major real estate projects. While traditional conventional lenders typically cater to borrowers who meet strict financial criteria, not everyone qualifies for these conventional loans. Enter non-QM construction loans: a flexible alternative designed for borrowers with non-traditional financial… Read More »

What is a Rehab Home Loan​?

A rehab home loan, also known as a renovation mortgage, is a financing option that enables homebuyers and homeowners to fund both the purchase, refinance or home equity financing of a property and its necessary repairs or renovations through a single loan. How Rehab Home Loans Work The home rehab loan approach simplifies the financing… Read More »

Hard Money Rehab Loan​

Hard money rehab loans are specialized financing options designed for real estate investors aiming to purchase and renovate properties, particularly those requiring significant repairs. Unlike traditional loans, the hard money rehab loan is an asset-based, focusing on the home’s value rather than the borrower’s creditworthiness. The RefiGuide can help you find hard money lenders for… Read More »

How Long Does Home Loan Approval Take​?

The duration of home loan approval varies based on several factors, including the type of loan, the lender’s processes, and the borrower’s financial profile. On average, the mortgage process—from application to closing—takes about 30 to 45 days.  Getting approved for home loan can be very quick. It could take a few hours, a few days… Read More »