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

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 »

Compare Cash Out Refinancing to a HELOC

Home values continue to rise, while mortgage rates on cash out refinancing, HELOC lines of credit and home equity loans are holding steady or even falling. That is why many homeowners are considering pulling equity out of their homes. With that money, you can afford to do home renovations, pay for college, start a business… Read More »

Calculate HELOC Payment with Ease

In 2025, Home Equity Lines of Credit or HELOC continues to be a popular 2nd-mortgage program for homeowners looking to access their property’s equity for home remodeling, debt consolidation, funding investments or unexpected expenses. The RefiGuide will teach you how to calculate home equity line of credit payments​ so you can budget accordingly. It’s no… Read More »

HELOC without Tax Returns

Accessing a Home Equity Line of Credit typically requires borrowers to provide comprehensive financial documentation, including tax returns, to verify income and assess HELOC repayment ability. However, for individuals who are self-employed, have non-traditional income sources, taking out a HELOC without tax returns may be possible if you meet the lenders criteria. Many self -employed… Read More »