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 Skip Two Mortgage Payments When Refinancing

Refinancing a mortgage offers homeowners many benefits, such as securing a lower interest rate, reducing monthly payments, and tapping into home equity. However, one lesser-known advantage is the opportunity to skip up to two mortgage payments during the refinancing process. This financial relief can provide much-needed breathing room for homeowners managing expenses. But how does… Read More »

Home Equity Loan Closing Costs and HELOC Fees

So you want to apply for a home equity loan to tap some of your hard-earned equity. Keep in mind that every mortgage, whether it is a home equity loan or HELOC, has closing costs. The only question is how much home equity loan closing costs and lending fees will be and how they will… 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 »

Calculate HELOC Payment with Ease

In 2025, Home Equity Lines of Credit or HELOC continues to be a popular 2nd-mortgage program for homeowners looking to access their property’s equity for home remodeling, debt consolidation, funding investments or unexpected expenses. The RefiGuide will teach you how to calculate home equity line of credit payments​ so you can budget accordingly. It’s no… Read More »

HELOC without Tax Returns

Accessing a Home Equity Line of Credit typically requires borrowers to provide comprehensive financial documentation, including tax returns, to verify income and assess HELOC repayment ability. However, for individuals who are self-employed, have non-traditional income sources, taking out a HELOC without tax returns may be possible if you meet the lenders criteria. Many self -employed… Read More »

Bank Statement Mortgage Loans Guide

Bank statement loans have replaced the stated income programs that were so popular last decade. Banks and lenders have gained wisdom in recent years and rolled out bank statement mortgage loans that are less risky because they enable a borrower to prove that they can afford to make their monthly mortgage payment. The most popular… Read More »

What Is a Conditional Approval on a Mortgage Loan?

Buying or refinancing a home rarely happens overnight. Between the home loan application, underwriting, and final loan approval stages, there are several checkpoints where lenders verify your income, credit, and assets. One of the most important milestones in this process is conditional approval — a strong indication that your mortgage is on track, but not… Read More »

HELOC on Investment Property Guide

Unlike getting a home equity line of credit on a primary residence , securing a HELOC on a investment property faces stricter requirements and higher rates (7.5–10% APR vs. 6.99–8.27%) due to increased lender risk, as real estate investors may prioritize primary home payments during financial distress. Find Top Lenders that Offer HELOCs on Investment… Read More »

50 Year Mortgage Loan Guide

Now that government shutdown has ended, American homeowners and aspiring buyers are buzzing about a seismic shift in the mortgage landscape: the emergence of 50-year mortgage loans. Long a staple in countries like the UK and Canada, these ultra-long-term fixed-rate products are poised to make U.S. homeownership more accessible than ever. With 30-year fixed rates… Read More »

FHA Loans for Bad Credit

Thousands of borrowers select FHA loans for bad credit every year. If you are shopping for a new home, you may want to consider bad credit FHA mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA guarantees a competitive interest rate with easier credit guidelines that offer more flexibility. Realtors, lenders and home buyers continue to… Read More »