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

Second Mortgage Lenders & Brokers Guide

Finding the best second mortgage lenders requires more than a quick Google search — not all banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies offer home equity loans and HELOCs, and the rates and terms between lenders vary far more than most homeowners expect. The best 2nd mortgage lenders in 2026 offer competitive fixed rates starting around… Read More »

How to Ge Pre-Approved for a FHA Loan Online

Are you ready to apply for a FHA loan? Anyone in the process of buying a home with government financing will inevitably deal with a vast array of options and the processes of applying for FHA loans online. That’s because lenders offer several pre-approved home loans, but all of them have certain requirements and conditions… Read More »

Top Home Refinance Loans

Are you thinking of refinancing your home mortgage? Depending upon your current interest rate on your mortgage, and the rates in the market, this can make a great deal of sense. If you can get a mortgage interest rate that is ½ point to a full point lower than you have right now, you may… Read More »

Home Buyer Tips for FHA Loans and Mortgages

FHA home loans represent the most accessible path to homeownership for first-time buyers to pre-qualify for low down payments, flexible credit requirements and competitive interest rates. FHA home loans represent the most accessible path to homeownership for first-time buyers to pre-qualify for low down payments and flexible credit requirements. Understanding both the advantages and limitations… Read More »

Best No Doc Mortgage Lenders in 2026

In today’s evolving mortgage landscape, many borrowers don’t fit into the neat boxes of traditional lending guidelines. Self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and retirees with non-traditional income often face obstacles when trying to qualify for a mortgage. That’s where no doc mortgage lenders come in. The no documentation mortgage loan allow borrowers to qualify… 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 »

Are Home Equity Loans Tax Deductible?

Yes — home equity loan interest is tax deductible in 2026, but the rules are strict. The One Big Beautiful Budget Act (Public Law 119-21, signed July 4, 2025) permanently extended the qualified residence interest rules under IRS §163(h). Home equity loan interest is deductible only if the borrowed funds were used to buy, build,… Read More »

FHA Cash Out Refinance Guidelines

The FHA cash-out refinance plan has helped millions of Americans with affordable refinancing with cash out opportunities and low refi-rates and easy requirements. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Cash Out Refinance Plan represents a significant financial opportunity for American homeowners seeking to leverage their home equity while maintaining affordable monthly payments. The RefiGuide published this… Read More »

Cal Vet Home Loans

In the vast landscape of home financing, veterans often seek pathways that honor their service while facilitating homeownership. For those residing in California, the Cal Vet Home Loan emerges as a beacon of opportunity, tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of veterans. The RefiGuide posted this article to explain everything you need to know… Read More »

Cash Out Refinance vs Home Equity Loan

Today homeowners looking for cash out have a choice to refinance or take out a home equity loan in an effort to leverage the equity in their home for money. Let’s explore the pros and cons of a cash out refinance versus home equity loans. In most cases, when the interest rate trend is upward,… Read More »