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

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 »

Home Equity Loan on Rental Property

American homeowners love home equity loans and many people have been inquiring about leveraging their second home or rental property with a HELOC or 2nd mortgage. Home prices seem to be leveling off with one major house price indicator at S&P finding prices up 3% from January last year. Thousands of homeowners have taken out… Read More »

No Closing Cost HELOC

The no closing cost HELOC is one of the hottest home equity products rolling into 2026 for quick cash, renovations, paying off debt and real estate investments. Homeowners continue to embrace the home equity lines of credit because they make tapping into equity so quick and easy without being required to refinance your existing mortgage.… Read More »