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

How to Refinance a Second Mortgage in 2026

Refinancing a second mortgage can be a strategic financial move, but it comes with complexities that require careful consideration. Whether you’re looking to secure a lower interest rate, reduce your monthly payments, or consolidate debts, refinancing can offer financial relief and improved cash flow. Can a 2nd-mortgage truly unlock greater financial stability, or does it… Read More »

How a Home Equity Loan with No Income Verification Works

Securing a no income verification home equity loan typically does not require the proof of income to demonstrate the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. Individuals without a traditional income stream—such as retirees, freelancers, or those with substantial assets but no regular earnings—obtaining such financing can seem as elusive as chasing the wind. No doc… Read More »

VA Cash-Out Refinance Program 

If you are a current or retired military member, you may have a VA loan. The guaranteed VA mortgage loans are backed by the Veterans Administration and offer veterans lower rates down payments, among other benefits. If you’ve had a VA loan in recent years, you may have built up considerable equity in your home.… Read More »

Do You Pay Taxes on Cash-Out Refinance?

A cash-out refinance allows homeowners to replace their existing mortgage with a new one, borrowing more than what they currently owe and receiving the difference in cash. The questions often arises: Is the cash received from a cash-out refinance taxable income? Can I deduct the interest paid on a cash out refinance like a traditional… Read More »

Hawaii First Time Home Buyer Program Guide

Purchasing a first home in Hawaii is a dream for many, but the state’s high cost of living and median home prices—around $740,000 as of March 2026—can make it daunting. Fortunately, a variety of trusted programs exist to support HI first-time home buyers, offering down payment assistance, grants, low-interest loans, and tax credits. The Hawaii… Read More »

DSCR Cash Out Refinance Loans

One of the hottest loan products in 2026 is the DSCR Cash-Out Refinance. This article will show you how to unlock property equity for savvy real estate investors and borrowers. In the realm of modern real estate investment, the Debt Service Coverage Ratio, AKA, DSCR cash-out refinance emerges as a pivotal financial strategy, enabling investors… Read More »

No Appraisal Refinance Mortgage

Getting approved for a mortgage refinance with no appraisal can save you time and money. One of the biggest blessings for homeowners is when they can find a mortgage refinance without an appraisal being required. Yes, it not available to everyone in every situation, but it is possible to refinance with no appraisal if you… Read More »

Massachusetts First Time Home Buyer Grants and DPA Loans

Purchasing a first home in Massachusetts in 2026 is a significant milestone, but high real estate prices, with a median home value of $614,000 as of February 2026, pose challenges for first-time buyers . Down payment assistance (DPA) loans and grants, offered through state agencies like MassHousing and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), alongside local… Read More »

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 »