About Bryan Dornan

Bryan Dornan is a financial journalist and mortgage industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience as a lender, loan officer, mortgage broker, and chief marketing officer. He currently serves as Chief Editor of RefiGuide.org, where he has built one of the most trusted mortgage education platforms in the United States. Bryan has founded multiple mortgage and digital marketing companies throughout his career and remains focused on helping homeowners leverage home equity wisely while making affordable homeownership accessible to everyday Americans. He is a licensed California Real Estate Broker DRE: #01203791. and writes for RealtyTimes, Patch, Buzzfeed, Medium and other national publications. Find him on Twitter, Muckrack, and Linkedin

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 »

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 »