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 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

How Long Does It Take to Get a Mortgage Loan?

In the housing market of 2026, securing a mortgage loan remains a cornerstone of homeownership, whether you’re a first-time buyer, refinancing an existing loan, tapping into home equity, or investing in rental properties. With interest rates stabilizing around 6-7% following the Federal Reserve’s adjustments and home prices averaging $400,000 nationally, the demand for mortgages is… Read More »

Can You Refinance a HELOC?

Is it easy to refinance a HELOC in 2026? A home equity line of credit is a popular way for homeowners to turn equity into cash, but what is the process to refi? If  interest rates continue to rise, many homeowners will consider a HELOC refinance, because most borrowers have a variable interest rate. You… Read More »

What Documents Are Needed for a Home Equity Loan?

Applying for a home equity loan can be an excellent way to tap into the equity you’ve built in your property, but preparation is key. Gathering the necessary documents will ensure a smooth home equity loan application process and increase your chances of approval. But what exactly do mortgage lenders require when applying for a… Read More »

What Disqualifies You from Getting a Home Equity Loan?

Home equity loans and lines of credit have become pragmatic tools for homeowners seeking to leverage their property’s value. With average home prices stabilizing around $400,000 and interest rates hovering between 8-9% for these 2nd mortgage products, they offer a way to fund renovations, consolidate debt, or cover emergencies without refinancing the primary mortgage. Homeowners… Read More »

Owner Financing Homes Guide

Owner financing has emerged as a viable alternative for homebuyers and sellers alike in the dynamic real estate market of 2026, where interest rates hover around 6-7% and traditional mortgage approvals remain stringent due to economic uncertainties. Owner home financing, also known as seller financing, is an arrangement where the homeowner or seller acts as… Read More »

How to Finance Fractional Home Ownership  

If you are interested in a vacation property or second home, you may wonder about financing fractional home ownership. Before you move forward, it’s important to understand what fractional homeownership is and how financing works. How Does Fractional Home Ownership Work? Fractional home ownership allows multiple buyers to co-own a property, each holding a share… Read More »

FHA Jumbo Loans

An FHA Jumbo Loan is a type of mortgage that falls under Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines but exceeds the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These loans provide borrowers with the opportunity to finance higher-priced homes while still benefiting from FHA’s low down payment requirements and flexible credit qualifications. The… Read More »

How Is HELOC Interest Calculated?

Homeowners love the HELOC because it is a flexible loan that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they’ve built in their property. One key aspect of a HELOC that borrowers need to understand is how interest is calculated, as this impacts both the cost of borrowing and repayment plans. But what makes HELOC interest… Read More »

How to Negotiate Lower Refinance Closing Costs

Can you negotiate closing costs? Refinancing a home loan can save you big every month, but watch out for some of the costly fees that come with that lower interest rate. The less you pay for refinance closing costs and lending fees, the more money you will have saved for other important things. The RefiGuide… Read More »

Stated Income Home Equity Line of Credit

The stated income Home Equity Line of Credit offers homeowners a flexible way to leverage their home’s equity without the burden of traditional income verification. This financing option is particularly appealing for self-employed individuals, retirees, or those with non-traditional income sources. Let’s consider the key highlights of stated income HELOCs, their credit score and loan-to-value… Read More »