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

Duplex Loan Guide

Duplex properties are an attractive investment for many buyers, offering the opportunity to live in one unit while renting out the other, or simply renting both for additional income. The RefiGuide can help you get connected to banks and mortgage lenders that offer investment financing and duplex loans with FHA, VA, conventional, non QM and… Read More »

New Cash Out Opportunities with Home Equity Financing

Millions of home owners today like to tap the equity in their home to pay for things they want or need with a cash out home equity loan, refinance or HELOC financing. One of the big reasons is that homes are appreciating in value; last year, homes in the US on average grew in value… Read More »

What Insurance Is Needed for a HELOC Loan in Florida?

When obtaining a HELOC in Florida, insurance plays a critical role in protecting both the borrower and the lender. Understanding the insurance requirements is essential for a smooth loan process and long-term financial security. Getting Approved for Insurance and a HELOC in Florida in 2026 Securing affordable homeowners insurance has become particularly challenging in Florida… Read More »

Is HELOC Interest Tax Deductible on Rental Property?

For landlords or rental property owners, a HELOC can provide a valuable source of funding for renovations, property improvements, or even the purchase of additional properties. One common question among rental property owners is whether the interest paid on a HELOC is tax deductible. The answer depends on how the borrowed funds are used and… Read More »

How to Leverage Home Equity in 2026

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 »

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 »