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

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 borrowers… Read More »

50 Year Mortgage Loan Guide

What Is a 50-Year Mortgage? A 50-year mortgage stretches repayment across 600 monthly payments instead of the 360 in a standard 30-year loan. The pitch is straightforward: a longer amortization schedule means a smaller monthly payment on the same balance. The pitch is also incomplete, and the part that gets left out is the part… Read More »

Refinance 1st and 2nd Mortgage

Many savvy homeowners have found a solution that refinances their first and second mortgage into one new affordable loan. As of November 6, 2025, with 30-year fixed refinance rates dipping to an average of 6.30%, homeowners across the U.S. are seizing the moment to consolidate their loans. This isn’t just about snagging a lower rate;… Read More »

Best Physician Mortgage Loans

The RefiGuide published this article to introduce and highlight a very special home loan program, the physician mortgage that offers many unique financing benefits for an exclusive group of borrowers in the U.S. In the high-stakes world of medicine, where residency grinds and student debt mountains loom large, achieving the American Dream of homeownership can… Read More »

How Soon Can You Refinance a Mortgage​?

Refinancing a mortgage can offer homeowners the opportunity to secure better terms, lower interest rates, or access cash from their home’s equity. But how soon can you refinance a home mortgage in 2026? The timing depends on several factors, including the type of mortgage refinance, the loan terms, and lender-specific requirements. This RefiGuide article will… Read More »

Best Georgia First Time Home Buyer Programs

For first-time homebuyers in Georgia, 2026 offers a wealth of opportunities with down payment assistance and affordable mortgage loans to achieve homeownership despite rising home prices and competitive markets. With the median home price in Georgia at $367,000, significantly below the national average of $425,061, the state remains an attractive destination for new buyers. Purchasing… Read More »

What Do Appraisers Look at for Home Equity Loans?

When homeowners seek a home equity loan, lenders typically require an appraisal to determine the value of the property.  Many homeowners want quick cash out with a home equity loan and the appraisal requirement can slow down the process. In this article, the RefiGuide will explore the various home equity loan appraisal options and what… Read More »

Can You Refinance a Debt Consolidation Loan?

Yes, you can refinance your mortgage and consolidate credit card debt through a cash-out refinance. This method allows you to replace your existing mortgage with a new one that has a higher loan amount, using the extra funds to pay off high-interest credit card debt. The RefiGuide published this article to consider how to do… Read More »