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 nearly 30 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 educate homeowners how to leverage home equity while also promoting 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

Benefits of a Second Mortgage Loan

American homeowners hold nearly $34 trillion in home equity—and second mortgages are one of the smartest ways to put that equity to work. After originating thousands of home equity loans over 25 years, I’ve seen how strategically tapping home equity can transform a borrower’s financial situation. Here are the key benefits that make second mortgages… Read More »

What is a HELOC and How Does It Work?

The HELOC loan is one of the most cherished and powerful financial tools for homeowners in the United States. In 2026 mortgage rates are nearly double what they were three years ago which makes the home equity line of credit, also known as a HELOC the best opportunity for homeowners to get quick access to… Read More »

Government Home Loan Guide

Government home loans continue to play a crucial role in making homeownership accessible to millions of Americans in 2026. These top loan programs, offered through partnerships between federal agencies and approved private lenders, provide flexible credit requirements, lower down payments, and competitive interest rates. For first-time buyers, military veterans, and families with modest incomes, government… Read More »

How Often Can You Refinance Your Home?  

Refinancing a home mortgage can provide substantial financial benefits, from lowering monthly payments to accessing home equity for important expenses. However, homeowners often wonder: how soon can I refinance my mortgage? The answer depends primarily on the type of loan you have and the refinancing option you choose. Each refi loan program—conventional, FHA, VA, USDA,… Read More »

FHA Loan Limits 2026

The Federal Housing Administration continues to play a crucial role in making homeownership accessible to millions of Americans. As we enter 2026, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced significant updates to FHA loan limits, reflecting the ongoing changes in home values across the nation. These adjustments represent a commitment to maintaining affordable… Read More »

How to Qualify for a VA Loan

VA loans provide service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses with a valuable opportunity to purchase a home with favorable terms. Understanding the qualifications for a VA loan can simplify the process and enhance your chances of securing financing. We published this article to outline the essential steps to qualify for a VA loan, including… Read More »

FHA Streamline Refinance Loan Guide

The Federal Housing Administration’s FHA streamline refinance has been one of the most popular refinancing program for over three decades now. If you presently have an FHA mortgage, you have the option of refinancing with the Streamline program. This popular FHA refinance loan can make a lot of sense in certain situations, especially for those… Read More »

Fast HELOC with No Appraisal Required

Many homeowners need a fast cash so they request a HELOC with no appraisal required. If you have good credit and lots of home equity it may be possible to get a fast HELOC or home equity loan without a full appraisal required. Do HELOCs require an appraisal? If the mortgage lender requires a HELOC… Read More »

No Doc HELOC Guide

The no-documentation home equity line of credit, AKA, No Doc HELOC has emerged as a crucial financing tool for homeowners with non-traditional income sources in 2026. These specialized loan products allow borrowers to access their home equity without the extensive income verification required by conventional lenders. This comprehensive guide explores how to qualify for a… Read More »

Who Can Qualify for an FHA Mortgage?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage remains the most forgiving and accessible mortgage program in the United States in 2026. Backed by the U.S. government, FHA loans accept lower credit scores, tiny down payments, and more lenient debt ratios than conventional loans. In a year when 30-year fixed rates for conventional loans hover between 6… Read More »