About Bryan Dornan

Bryan Dornan is a marketing leader and financial journalist who currently serves as Chief Editor of RefiGuide.org. Bryan has founded several mortgage and digital marketing companies and has worked as a loan officer, mortgage broker and chief marketing officer 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

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 »

Should I Use a HELOC to Pay Off Credit Card Debt?

In 2026, using a HELOC to pay off credit card debt and consolidate high rate unsecured loans can slash interest costs dramatically, offering a smarter path to financial freedom amid lingering economic pressures.  As credit card debt remains a crushing burden for many American households. Did you know the average credit card APR sits at… Read More »

Fannie Mae Home Path Property Loans – Pros and Cons

The Fannie Mae Home Path loan program has a strong reputation with first time home buyers and realtors. Fannie Mae works closely with mortgage loan companies and other stakeholders in the real estate and finance industries to help homeowners who have Fannie Mae loans to avoid a foreclosure. However, there are some situations where a… Read More »

USDA Mortgage Refinance Loans for Rural Homes

Borrowers that reside in rural areas may qualify for USDA mortgage refinancing that provide special benefits for qualified prospects. USDA mortgage interest rates have have been rising over the last few years,. Still, USDA mortgage rates are still being published with affordable pricing, and this makes it a tempting time for refinancing. Can You Refinance… Read More »

Second Mortgage to Consolidate Debt

Consider taking out a second mortgage for debt consolidation, if you are carrying high interest debt on credit cards or on other high interest rate lines of credit. 2nd mortgages are an excellent way to consolidate debt and it’s secured on your home in addition to your first mortgage. We published this article to educate… Read More »

40 Year Mortgage Loan Guide

Choosing a 40-year mortgage enables you to spread your repayment over four decades to achieve a lower monthly payment. The forty-year loan deviates from the standard 30 or 15-year home loan terms. Whether you want a FHA 40 year mortgage or a 40-year home loan from a private money lender, the RefiGuide connects you with… Read More »

Home Loan for Second Homes Guide

Do you want to buy a second home? You probably have many questions about how to finance a another real estate property. Whether you want to buy a second home for vacations or as an investment property, getting financing for this type of property comes with some challenges that you should be aware of. In… Read More »

Construction Loan Versus Home Equity Line of Credit or HELOC

Experienced lenders can help you compare construction loans and home equity credit lines, so you can evaluate the benefits and risks to ensure a wise decision. Homeowners often want to make many improvements to their home. It is after all where they live and spend most of their time. HELOC vs Construction vs Finance Home… Read More »