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

Tennessee First-Time Home Buyer Programs

Thousands of home buyers are looking to buy a home in Tennessee in 2026 with decreased inflation, reduced mortgage rates and attractive TN home buying grants. We published this Tennessee first-time home buyer guide so consumers can get help finding home buying grants with statewide and local down payment assistance and lending incentives that make… Read More »

Is It Wise to Get a Cash-Out Refinance for Home Remodeling?

In 2025, with home renovation spending projected to rise by 1.2% to $477 billion, homeowners are increasingly considering cash-out refinances to fund home improvements. A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a larger loan, allowing you to access the difference in cash to finance projects like kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, or home additions. However,… Read More »

HELOC on Manufactured Home Guide

Manufactured homes provide an affordable alternative to traditional site-built houses, allowing homeowners to own property at a fraction of the cost. However, when it comes to accessing home equity through financial products like a Home Equity Line of Credit, many manufactured homeowners find themselves wondering if they qualify. Getting approved for a HELOC on a… Read More »

First Time Home Buyer Loans with Zero Down and Bad Credit

Becoming a first time home buyer and getting approved for a zero down payment mortgage loan is a dream come true for many people in this country. Most Americans want to own their own home, but the down payment is often a sticking point for many people. If you are looking for first-time home buyer… Read More »

What is Credit Card Refinancing?

Credit card refinancing is a financial strategy aimed at managing or reducing high-interest credit card debt by replacing it with a more favorable financing option. This approach typically involves consolidating credit card balances into a single loan or transferring balances to a card with a lower interest rate. With credit card interest rates often exceeding… Read More »

Can I Increase My HELOC Limit?

Yes — you can increase your HELOC limit in 2026, but your lender will never raise it automatically, even if your home’s value has risen significantly since you opened the line. Accessing additional equity always requires you to take action through one of two specific pathways, each with different costs, timelines, and qualification requirements. Method… Read More »

How Many Times Can You Refinance a House?

Refinancing a home can be a powerful financial tool, allowing homeowners to adjust their mortgage terms, reduce monthly payments, or tap into home equity for other purposes. Many homeowners ask us: how many times can you refinance a house? It depends on various factors, including mortgage lender policies, financial goals, and market conditions. Let’s explore… Read More »

Can You Write a HELOC Check to Yourself?

Many homeowners are unaware that you can write a check with a HELOC loan and pay for things like you would with a credit card. One of the many financial benefits homeowner have is setting up a HELOC account and spending money with their home equity. Borrowers love how a HELOC account enables them to… Read More »

Home Equity Investment Guide

Are you curious about home equity investments? Find out how they can boost your finances and what to watch out for. Home equity investing has created new opportunities for borrowers to get cash out while leverage their real estate property. There is a popular new program for homeowners to consider if they have enough equity… Read More »