About Bryan Dornan

Bryan Dornan is a marketing leader and financial journalist who currently serves as Chief Editor of RefiGuide.org. Bryan has founded several mortgage and digital marketing companies and has worked as a loan officer, mortgage broker and chief marketing officer 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

Kansas First Time Home Buyer Guide

The prospect of buying a home in Kansas continues to improve with affordable housing and attractive mortgage programs for first time home buyers in the Mid-West. As the housing market in Kansas continues to evolve in 2025, with median home prices around $250,000 and interest rates stabilizing at 6-7%, first-time buyers face both opportunities and… Read More »

Best HELOC Rates in Maryland

For Maryland residents, where housing costs outpace the national median by 15% due to proximity to D.C. and Baltimore’s urban boom, HELOCs offer a lifeline for renovations, debt refinancing, education funding or business investments. Unlike fixed home equity loans, HELOCs provide revolving access during a 5-10 year draw period, with variable rates tied to the… Read More »

What Is a Fix and Flip Loan?

A fix and flip loan is a short-term loan designed for real estate investors who purchase properties, renovate them, and quickly sell them for profit. These loans are typically provided by private lenders or hard money lenders and offer fast approvals with flexible terms. Fix and flip loans usually have higher interest rates (8-15%), short… Read More »

Home Buyer Tips for FHA Loans and Mortgages

FHA home loans represent the most accessible path to homeownership for first-time buyers, offering low down payments, flexible credit requirements, and competitive interest rates. Understanding both the advantages and limitations of FHA financing helps you make informed decisions about whether this government-backed program aligns with your homeownership goals and financial situation. The Federal Housing Administration… Read More »

Washington First-Time Home Buyer Grants

In the state of Washington, a first-time home buyer, is a person who has not owned and occupied a principal residence in the past three years, with exceptions for buyers in targeted areas. We published this guide to examine Washington’s top 2026 first-time home buyer programs, down payment assistance, grants and links for state and… Read More »

Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Loan Programs

Kentucky’s housing market offers promising opportunities for first-time buyers in 2025, with median home prices around $250,000 and interest rates stabilizing at 6-7%, according to recent analyses. The Bluegrass State, known for its affordable living and diverse communities, faces inventory challenges in urban areas like Louisville and Lexington, but rural affordability and low property taxes… Read More »

Best Options to Refinance a Conventional Mortgage

A mortgage refinance can help you to lower your rate and monthly payment, even if you have low credit scores, poor payment history, or simply upside down on your conventional mortgage loan. It also can get you cash to do renovations on your home if you want to do a cash out refinance. However, some… Read More »

Montana First Time Home Buyer Loan Guide

The U.S.  housing market presents a mixed bag in 2026 for Montana first-time buyers, with median home prices climbing to approximately $450,000 amid strong demand in areas like Bozeman and Missoula, driven by remote work trends and natural attractions. However, rural affordability remains a draw, with rates around 6-7% and property taxes at 0.8% on… Read More »

Louisiana First Time Home Buyer Loan Programs

In 2026, Louisiana’s housing market continues to offer opportunities for first-time buyers, with median home prices around $250,000 and interest rates stabilizing at 6-7%. The Pelican State, known for its vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, faces affordability challenges in urban areas like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where inventory is tight and costs are higher.… Read More »

Mortgage Loan Document Checklist to Refinance Home

Getting ready to shop for a mortgage refinance for your home is similar to buying your house the first time. In both situations, you have to provide a pile of financial documents to qualify for your new loan. The Federal Reserve has indicated that interest rates may be cut in 2026, so now is a… Read More »