About Bryan Dornan

Bryan Dornan is a financial journalist and currently serves as Chief Editor of RefiGuide.org. Bryan has founded several mortgage and marketing companies and has worked as a loan officer and mortgage broker in the industry for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in providing mortgage clients with the highest level of service in the industry. Bryan's continual focus is to promote affordable home-ownership to consumers like you across the United States. He also writes for RealtyTimes, Patch, Buzzfeed, Medium and other national publications. Find him on Twitter, Muckrack, and Linkedin

Will FHA Loan Rates Drop in 2025?

Many experts think that FHA interest rates could be in for some unpredictability in 2025. In the last decade, FHA loan rates have been competitive with conventional mortgage rates associated with prime loan programs backed by Fannie and Freddie. The Federal Reserve plans to meet in February, and a critical non-farm payrolls report is due… Read More »

Are There Limits on Seller Concessions on FHA Loans?

Buying a home involves many costs beyond the purchase price, including closing costs, prepaid expenses, and loan fees. For many FHA borrowers, seller concessions can be a game-changer, helping to reduce upfront expenses and make homeownership more affordable. But are there FHA limits on how much a seller can contribute? Yes, FHA loans do have… Read More »

First Time Home Buyer Mortgage Loan Guide

The incentives for first time home buyer programs have never been better for people seeking great loans and down-payment assistance. Becoming a homeowner is quintessential part of the ‘American dream’, so obtaining the right mortgage is a critical step in the first time home buyer process. It’s no secret that the U.S. housing market has… Read More »

How Much Interest Would Be Paid on a $240,000 HELOC?

A HELOC is a nickname for a popular home equity line of credit that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they’ve built in their property. While it provides flexibility and access to significant funds, understanding how much interest you might pay on a $240,000 HELOC is critical for financial planning and important to determine… Read More »

Is HELOC Transfer and Withdrawal Instant?

Borrowers want to know how quickly can they get their money with a HELOC transfer. It’s no secret that the Home Equity Line of Credit provides American homeowners quick access to funds from the equity they have earned through real estate appreciation. Borrowers like how the HELOC provides revolving line of credit. In this digital… Read More »

Portfolio Loan Guide

Portfolio loans are a versatile and flexible mortgage option for borrowers who don’t fit neatly within the confines of conventional loan requirements. These portfolio loan options open up opportunities for financing unique properties and accommodating non-standard financial situations. It’s important to note that while portfolio loans offer more flexibility, each private lender has its own… Read More »

FHA Mortgage for Investment Property?

The allure of real estate investment often leads prospective investors to explore various financing options, including FHA mortgage loans. Many borrowers want to know about FHA loans and investment properties so we are publishing this article to shed some light. Can one utilize an FHA loan to acquire an investment property? These infamous home loans… Read More »

Best Ways to Finance Home Remodeling and Repairs

Remodeling your home is an exciting way to enhance its functionality, increase its value, or make it better suited to your lifestyle. However, financing a home remodel can be a challenge, especially when costs add up quickly. Luckily, there are numerous options available to fund your project. Here are the 12 best ways to finance… Read More »

Home Equity Loan for Renovation

A home equity loan for renovation allows homeowners to tap into their home’s equity to fund remodeling projects. It provides a lump sum of cash, secured against the value of the home, with a fixed interest rate and predictable monthly payments, making it a suitable option for planned renovations. What Is a Home Equity Loan… Read More »

How Do I Save for a DownPayment on a House​?

People who are buying their first house typically have a challenge with coming up with the down payment for the home loan. There are many proven methods for to save for a down-payment when buying a house. How Do I Save for a Down Payment to Buy a Home in 2025? Saving for a down… Read More »

DSCR HELOC

More and more consumers have been inquiring about DSCR HELOC and investment property home equity loans, so we decided to publish an article answering these questions. In 2025 we anticipate more an more lenders offering DSCR HELOC and home equity loans because the demand is surging. The RefiGuide helps you find the best DSCR loans… Read More »

FHA Cash Out Refinance Plan

For several decades the FHA cash-out refinance plan has helped millions of Americans with affordable refinancing with cash out opportunities that do not require as much equity as most conventional mortgages. Do you want to refinance your FHA loan into a lower rate and get cash out? The RefiGuide will help learn everything you need… Read More »

How Can I Finance Home Improvements​?

You want to make home improvements, and you aren’t alone! Millions of Americans want to renovate their homes to make them more livable and increase their value. Unless you have the cash to pay for tens of thousands in upgrades, chances are you need to get a loan to pay for your home repairs. Fortunately,… Read More »

What Is Lender Paid Mortgage Insurance?

Lender Paid Mortgage Insurance is a specific arrangement where the lender, rather than the borrower, takes on the responsibility of paying for mortgage insurance. In a conventional mortgage with PMI, borrowers are typically required to purchase a separate insurance policy to protect the lender, especially if they make a down payment of less than 20%… Read More »

How to Get Rid of PMI Loans

What is a No PMI Mortgage Loan? PMI stands for “private mortgage insurance” and thus a “no PMI mortgage loan” is a home loan without the borrower being required to pay mortgage insurance monthly. No PMI loans have been very popular with first time home buyers for the last two decades. We will also explore… Read More »

Manufactured Home Loans Guide 2025

Manufactured home loans are available with competitive mortgage rates for borrowers looking to purchase or refinance a manufactured or modular home.  Potential home buyers who want to get a manufactured home often wonder how easy it will be to get financing for these properties. Find the Trusted Mortgage Lenders that Offer the Best Manufactured Home… Read More »

Should I Get a HELOC Just in Case​?

Getting a HELOC “just in case” can provide financial flexibility for emergencies or future expenses, as it allows access to funds when needed. However, since a HELOC often comes with variable interest rates and potential fees, it’s best to secure one only if you foresee a specific need. Maintaining an emergency HELOC may be a… Read More »

Solar Panel Loans for Homeowners

Are you thinking about installing solar panels on your home and wondering how to get a loan for it? If you are considering going solar, the good news is the price of these systems has dropped in recent years. And there are many solar panel financing options than ever. Can I Get a Loan for… Read More »

30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Benefits American Home Buying

Securing a 30-year mortgage involves careful financial planning, choosing the right lender, and understanding the commitment of homeownership. Many people think that having a 15 year mortgage will always be better than a 30 year mortgage. Sometimes it may be, and sometimes it may not be. While a fixed 30-year mortgage offers numerous benefits, it’s… Read More »

Stated Income Mortgage Loans

The stated income loan has become somewhat of an elusive mortgage program that streamlines the process. The stated income mortgage loan is very popular with self-employed borrowers that do not have a traditional income documentation with W-2s and pay stubs. Yes, there are alternative loan options for self-employed professionals to get a home loan without… Read More »

How to Refinance Mortgage with Bad Credit

People ask us all the time, how to get a mortgage refinance with bad credit scores. Traditionally, qualifying for a home refinance required high credit scores, but quite a few lenders have carved out a niche offering bad credit refinancing home loan solutions. Mortgage Refinancing for Bad Credit from Experienced Lending Companies Refinancing your first… Read More »

How Does a Home Equity Loan Work for Home Improvements?

Home equity loans have become a popular home improvement financing option for homeowners looking to fund renovations, repairs, construction and house remodeling. Many U.S. consumers are interested in how home equity loans create opportunities to finance home improvements, including the application process, interest structure, benefits, and potential drawbacks. It also examines why these equity loans… Read More »

How Is HELOC Interest Calculated?

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a flexible loan that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they’ve built in their property. One key aspect of a HELOC that borrowers need to understand is how interest is calculated, as this impacts both the cost of borrowing and repayment plans. But what makes HELOC… Read More »

Home Equity Loan for Debt Consolidation

Are you considering a home equity loan for debt consolidation? Learn the pros and cons and compare it to other debt consolidating options for homeowners.  Like many Americans, you may be wondering if a home equity loan for debt consolidation is a good idea.  The RefiGuide team can help you figure out how to use… Read More »

No Doc HELOC

A No-Doc HELOC is a home equity line of credit that offers a streamlined way for homeowners to access their property’s equity without needing traditional income documentation like pay stubs or tax returns. This financing tool is particularly attractive to self-employed individuals, gig workers, or those with inconsistent income sources who may struggle to meet… Read More »

40 Year Mortgage Loan for Low Payments 

Opting for a 40-year mortgage enables you to spread your repayment over four decades to achieve a lower monthly payment. The 40-year loan deviates from the standard 30 or 15-year home loan terms. Whether you want a FHA 40 year mortgage or a 40 year home loan from a private money lender, the RefiGuide connects… Read More »

How the Federal Reserve Could Affect Mortgage Refinancing in 2025

In the intricate ballet of the U.S. economy, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) often takes center stage, orchestrating movements that ripple through financial markets and touch the lives of everyday Americans. In 2025, the Fed’s monetary policy decisions, particularly regarding interest rates, are poised to play a pivotal role in the mortgage refinancing landscape. Understanding… Read More »

How Much Do You Need to Save for a Home Loan in 2025?

Most Americans need to get a mortgage to buy a home; current statistics state that 87% of home buyers use mortgage financing. But it is rare in 2025 to be able to buy a home for 100% of the purchase price. In most instances banks and lenders want the borrower to have skin in the… Read More »

Bad Credit Home Loans from Trusted Lenders

One of the biggest challenges for consumers today is to find a bad credit home loan from a mortgage company you trust. Learn how to get low credit score home loans from lending experts that take risks and offer new opportunities. After the financial crash fifteen years ago, many subprime mortgage programs disappeared, but new… Read More »

How Much Does It Cost to Refinance a Mortgage?

Closing costs on mortgage refinance loans are an important component to consider when applying online. Many homeowners are considering a mortgage refinance as rates have been on a generally near record lows over the last few years. Even though they are higher than they were, rates are still historically low, so now could be a… Read More »