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

Can I Combine My Mortgages?

Homeownership often comes with the challenge of combining multiple mortgages, whether from a primary mortgage, second mortgage, HELOC, or home equity loan. If you’re juggling multiple payments, you may wonder, “Can I combine my mortgages together?” The answer is yes, but the process involves significant financial considerations, eligibility requirements, and an understanding of home refinancing… Read More »

How to Buy a 2nd Home and Rent the First

Owning a second home while renting out your first property can be a smart financial move. Whether you’re upgrading to a larger home, relocating for work, or investing in real estate, this strategy can help generate passive income, build equity, and diversify your financial portfolio. However, purchasing a second home while maintaining and renting your… Read More »

Can You Buy a Manufactured Home with a USDA Loan?

For many homebuyers, purchasing a manufactured home is an affordable way to achieve homeownership. However, financing options can sometimes be limited for these types of homes. One potential solution is a USDA loan, which offers zero down payment financing for eligible properties and borrowers. In 2025, you are still allowed to buy a manufactured home… Read More »

Alabama First Time Home Buyer Guide

For first-time home buyers in Alabama, where the median home price was $276,400 as of January 2025, navigating the housing market can be challenging. Fortunately, a range of state, local, and federal programs offer financial assistance, including down payment grants, low-interest loans, and tax credits, to make homeownership more accessible. Let’s consider Alabama’s key first-time… Read More »

Do I Need Mortgage Insurance with a VA Loan?

When purchasing a home, many borrowers are required to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) or mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) to protect lenders in case of default. However, VA loans, which are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, offer a significant advantage: they do not require mortgage insurance. This unique feature makes VA loans… Read More »

How Does Cash-Out Refinance Affect Basis of Property?

Real estate investors and homeowners often use a cash-out refinance to tap into their home’s equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or other financial needs. However, when it comes to taxes and property valuation, a key question arises:  How does cash-out refinancing affect the basis of a property? Understanding the impact on a property’s basis is… Read More »

How to Get a Construction Loan with No Money Down

Building a home from the ground up is an exciting prospect, but financing the construction process can be a challenge—especially if you don’t have a large sum for a down payment. Many lenders require a significant upfront investment for construction loans, making it seem impossible for borrowers without savings. However, there are strategies and financial… Read More »

Best HELOC Rates Today

Getting a home equity line of credit or HELOC continue to be a popular move going into 2025. We suggest that you shop lenders for the best HELOC rates that are still very reasonable, and property values are appreciating in much of the US. It’s no secret that homeowners have access to many financial benefits… Read More »

How to Calculate Monthly Interest Rate for Solar Loan​​

Investing in solar energy is a strategic financial decision that not only reduces electricity bills but also contributes to environmental sustainability. However, for most homeowners, installing a solar panel system requires financing through a solar loan. Understanding how to calculate the monthly interest rate for a solar loan is essential to managing payments effectively and… Read More »

No-Doc Hard Money Loans

In the world of real estate investing, financing can often be the biggest hurdle. Traditional banks require extensive documentation, impeccable credit history, and strict lending criteria. But what if there was a way to bypass the bureaucratic maze and secure funding quickly? Enter no-doc hard money lenders, a financing solution for real estate investors who… Read More »