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

Can You Refinance a Home Equity Loan?

With the Federal Reserve lowering rates, you should consider refinancing your home equity loan or HELOC for a lower payment. With inflation soaring, it makes sense to maximize lower monthly payments and refinance home equity loans for a better interest rate. Consumers ask us all the time, “Can home equity loans be refinanced​?” There are… Read More »

How Do You Pay Back a HELOC?

Many borrowers want to know how the HELOC payment works with a revolving home equity line of credit and variable interest rates. Homeowners love HELOC lines of credit because they are a flexible financial product that enable borrowers to cash in on the equity in their house. Homeowners can borrow and repay their credit line… Read More »

FHA Minimum Credit Score Requirements 2026

The RefiGuide has been educating home buyers on credit score requirements on FHA loans for over a decade. What are today’s FHA credit score requirements?  This is one of the most common questions we get from consumers looking to buy a home with an FHA loan. The applicants frequently ask, What credit score for FHA… Read More »

Second Mortgage with Bad Credit OK

Borrowers like second mortgage and HELOC loans because they provide cash out opportunities to homeowners with all credit types. With rising interest rates being the trend, more and more homeowners have turned to the second mortgage with bad credit to help refinance debt, finance home renovations, education, business start-ups, buying investment properties and more. The… Read More »

Using HELOC to Buy Investment Property​

In the dynamic real estate market of 2026, savvy investors are increasingly turning to Home Equity Lines of Credit or HELOCs as a strategic tool for acquiring investment properties. A HELOC allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their primary residence, providing a revolving line of credit that can be drawn upon as needed.… Read More »

Idaho First-Time Home Buyer Loan Programs

The RefiGuide published this article to reveal the best Idaho first time home buyer programs from top lenders with local down-payment assistance opportunities. The 2026 Idaho housing market continues to offer a compelling blend of affordability and growth, making it an attractive destination for first-time buyers. With median home prices stabilizing at around $425,000—up just… Read More »

How Can I Finance Home Improvements​?

You want to make home improvements, and you aren’t alone! Millions of Americans want to renovate their homes to make them more livable and increase their value. Unless you have the cash to pay for tens of thousands in upgrades, chances are you need to get a loan to pay for your home repairs. Fortunately,… Read More »

No Doc HELOC Guide

The best No-Doc HELOC lenders offer a streamlined home equity line of credit for homeowners to access their property’s equity without needing traditional income documentation like pay stubs or tax returns. This home equity financing tool is particularly attractive to self-employed individuals, gig workers, or those with inconsistent income sources who may struggle to meet… Read More »

Zero Down Home Loans with No Down-Payment and $0 Required

Did you know that zero down mortgages are making a comeback in 2026? Buying a home with no money down allows a home buyer with little to or no deposit by using zero-down payment home loans with affordable mortgage rates. These 100% financing home loans are much rarer today than a decade ago, but there… Read More »

Non QM Loans Guide

Non-Qualified Mortgage often called Non QM loans have emerged as a vital financing option for borrowers who do not meet the stringent requirements of traditional Qualified Mortgage loans. Non QM loans were introduced after the 2008 financial crisis under the Dodd-Frank Act, QM loans adhere to strict guidelines set by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau… Read More »