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

Top Freddie Mac Loan Program for Home Buying and Refinancing

People who want to buy their own home have a variety of mortgage options available through Freddie Mac loan programs. Below is more information about the best Freddie Mac mortgage programs available for buyers and those who want to refinance. Freddie Mac mortgage rates continue to be competitively priced with housing affordability always being a… Read More »

What Is a 5/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

The 5/5 adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) offers a flexible alternative as ARM originations have increased 18% in early 2026, per Freddie Mac data. The 5/5 ARM variant balances predictability with rate flexibility. In March 2026, with 30-year fixed mortgage rates at 6.11% following the Iran war’s impact on rates, homebuyers are reconsidering traditional loans as the… Read More »

Is Chase Accepting XRP for Mortgage Payments?

In the blazing world of cryptocurrency, few tokens inspire as much fervent speculation as XRP, the native asset of the Ripple network. As of September 30, 2025, with XRP trading at around $2.88 amid a broader market recovery, whispers of mainstream adoption have reached fever pitch. The RefiGuide uncovers the mortgage crypto rumors and considers… Read More »

How to Use Home Equity to Pay Off Debt

Debt can be overwhelming, especially when it accumulates at high interest rates. For homeowners, tapping into home equity is a powerful way to consolidate and pay off debt while securing lower interest rates. Whether you are dealing with credit card debt, unsecured personal loans, or high-interest auto loans, using your home’s equity can provide a… Read More »

What Is a 10/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

In 2026, prospective home buyers continue to weigh options between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). Among ARMs, the 10/1 adjustable rate mortgage stands out as a hybrid product that combines stability with potential flexibility. As of January 2026, with 10/1 mortgage rates fluctuating amid economic uncertainties, understanding this loan type is crucial for informed decision-making.… Read More »

Can You Use a HELOC for a Down Payment?

In today’s wild housing market in 2026, many homeowners have migrated towards a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) because it offers a creative way to leverage real estate. The HELOC equity line of credit has emerged as a popular choice for financing the down-payment of a second home or investment property. Homeowners have embraced… Read More »

What Credit Scores Do You Need for DSCR Loans?

In the realm of real estate investment, securing financing is often a labyrinthine journey, with myriad loan options available. One popular option is the DSCR loan (Debt Service Coverage Ratio), which emphasizes a property’s income-generating potential over the borrower’s personal income or fico scores. But what role do credit scores play in qualifying for a… Read More »

Refinance With No Income Verification

Done correctly, refinancing a mortgage can be a strategic move to lower interest rates, reduce monthly payments, or access home equity for other financial goals. For many, however, providing traditional income documentation like W-2s or tax returns poses a challenge, particularly for self-employed individuals, retirees, or those with non-traditional income sources. Therefore, millions of homeowners… Read More »

Home Improvement Loan vs HELOC

Two common approaches to finance home upgrades and remodeling are unsecured home improvement loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit also called HELOCs. While both types of loans can fund projects like kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, or energy-efficient additions, they differ significantly in structure, costs, and risks. In today’s real estate market, home values continue… Read More »

Can I Get a HELOC with Late Mortgage Payments?

Yes, getting a HELOC with late mortgage payments is possible — but how recently and how severely you were late determines which lenders will work with you and at what rate. Most conventional banks and credit unions require a clean 12-month mortgage payment history with zero 30-day lates before approving a HELOC. A single 30-day… Read More »