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

Can You Refinance an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?

Yes, you can refinance an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) at any time, provided you meet lender qualifications and the economic conditions align with your goals. In essence, refinancing an ARM involves replacing your current loan with a new one—either another ARM or, more commonly, a fixed-rate mortgage—to secure better terms, lower payments, or access equity. The… Read More »

Is HELOC Interest Deductible in 2026?

The tax deduction eligibility for home equity credit lines and HELOC loans is a critical point for consumers looking to maximize homeownership benefits. If you own your home, you probably have noticed that real estate prices have climbed significantly in the last year. For some homeowners, they may be enjoying 25% or more of home… Read More »

FHA Cash Out Refinance Guidelines

The FHA cash-out refinance plan has helped millions of Americans with affordable refinancing with cash out opportunities and low refi-rates and easy requirements. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Cash Out Refinance Plan represents a significant financial opportunity for American homeowners seeking to leverage their home equity while maintaining affordable monthly payments. The RefiGuide published this… Read More »

HELOC vs Home Equity Loan

In 2026, borrowers continue to choose a HELOC or home equity loan to pull out cash from the equity in their property, because they want to keep their low first mortgage interest rate. Before taking out a second mortgage against your property, you need to understand the benefits and risks of home equity loans and… Read More »

No Tax Return Mortgage Loans

For many aspiring homeowners and real estate investors, the idea of qualifying for a mortgage loan without providing tax returns seems far-fetched. After all, traditional lenders heavily rely on tax documentation to verify income, assess repayment ability, and meet regulatory standards. But in 2026, with more flexible lending options available, getting a no tax return… Read More »

How Bond Rates Affect Mortgage Rates

The relationship between bond rates and mortgage rates is a critical topic for understanding housing market dynamics. Bond rates, particularly those of U.S. Treasury securities, serve as a benchmark for various interest rates, including those for mortgages. This article explores how changes in bond rates influence mortgage rates, the mechanisms behind this relationship, and the… Read More »

How Much Interest Would Be Paid on a $200,000 HELOC?

Homeowners who are considering maximizing their home equity for big-ticket expenses often turn to the HELOC (home equity line of credit) as a flexible financing option. A HELOC works like a credit card, allowing you to borrow against the equity you’ve built up in your home, drawing only what you need and paying interest only… Read More »

Cash Out Refinance vs Home Equity Loan

Today homeowners looking for cash out have a choice to refinance or take out a home equity loan in an effort to leverage the equity in their home for money. Let’s explore the pros and cons of a cash out refinance versus home equity loans. In most cases, when the interest rate trend is upward,… Read More »

Helpful Tips to 100% Mortgage Refinancing

Reviewed by: Bryan Dornan, Mortgage Lending Expert (25+ years)  |  Last Updated: January 2026  |  Fact-Checked ✓ Think you need significant equity to refinance your mortgage? Think again. After helping thousands of homeowners navigate refinancing options over 25 years in the mortgage industry, I can tell you that borrowers with little to no home equity… Read More »

HELOC Loans for Self Employed

Savvy self-employed homeowners have been taking our HELOCs and home equity loans for decades to fund and stimulate business, consolidate debt and invest in real estate. Leveraging your home equity by taking out a HELOC can be a strategic financial move for self-employed individuals seeking to leverage their home’s equity for various purposes, such as… Read More »