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

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 »

How to Get Equity Out of Your Home Without Refinancing

Homeownership is not just about having a place to live; it’s an investment. Over time, as you pay down your mortgage and property values rise, you build equity in your home. But what if you need to access that equity without dealing with the hassle of refinancing your home? Fortunately, several home equity financing options… 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 »

Bank Statement HELOC

A HELOC loan is is a flexible home equity line of credit tool that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their homes. Traditional HELOCs require standard income verification methods, such as W-2 forms and tax returns. However, for self-employed individuals or those with non-traditional income sources, qualifying for a HELOC can be challenging.… Read More »

How Long Does It Take to Get a HELOC Approved?

With home values at record highs across the U.S., many homeowners are taking out a home equity line of credit or HELOC at a record pace. We get a lot of questions about: How long does it take to get a HELOC funded? The answer varies depending on several factors, including the home equity lender’s… 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 »

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 »

Compare Cash Out Refinancing to a HELOC

Home values continue to rise, while mortgage rates on cash out refinancing, HELOC lines of credit and home equity loans are holding steady or even falling. That is why many homeowners are considering pulling equity out of their homes. With that money, you can afford to do home renovations, pay for college, start a business… Read More »