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

Purchase Money Mortgage Loan Guide

Buying a new home is a special experience and part of the American Dream and applying for a purchase money mortgage as a first time home buyer can be challenging. It also is a huge personal and financial step for most of us, and it is common to experience stress. But there are some simple… Read More »

How Long Does It Take to Underwrite a Home Loan?

In today’s lending environment, it is crucial that consumers understand the underwriting timelines before they apply for a home loan from competitive lenders and banks. In this ever evolving digital housing market of 2026, getting approved for a home loan is a milestone fraught with anticipation—and occasional frustration. Underwriting, the critical phase where lenders verify… Read More »

How to Qualify for a Conventional Loan

Conventional loans will continue to dominate the 2026 housing market as the go-to financing option for homebuyers seeking flexibility and competitive terms. Unlike government-backed mortgages such as FHA or VA loans, conventional loans are not actually insured by federal agencies but conform to guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs)… Read More »

Fannie Mae vs FHA for First Time Home Buyers

Fannie Mae and FHA continue to roll out affordable home financing for first time home buyers in the U.S and home-ownership rates are rebounding again in 2026. First time home buyers have many choices of mortgage loans available to them. Two of the most common are first time home mortgages that are backed by the… Read More »

How to Get a Loan to Flip a House

House flipping—the art of buying undervalued properties, renovating them, and selling for a profit—remains a powerhouse strategy for real estate investors in 2026. With U.S. median home prices stabilizing around $425,000 after 2025’s modest 3% appreciation and interest rates dipping to 6.25-7% for qualified borrowers, the market favors savvy flippers who act fast. According to… Read More »

How Do You Pay Back a HELOC?

Paying back a HELOC works differently from a mortgage in one respect that catches most borrowers off guard: interest accrues daily on your outstanding balance, not monthly on a fixed schedule. During the draw period, your minimum payment covers only that accrued interest on what you’ve actually borrowed nothing goes toward principal. Anything you pay… Read More »

Using HELOC to Buy Investment Property​

Yes — you can use a HELOC to buy investment property, and in 2026 it is one of the most cost-effective strategies available to savvy real estate investors. A HELOC on your primary residence gives you a revolving line of credit secured by your existing home equity — and there are no restrictions on how… Read More »

Idaho First-Time Home Buyer Loan Programs

The RefiGuide published this article to reveal the best Idaho first time home buyer programs from top lenders with local down-payment assistance opportunities. The 2026 Idaho housing market continues to offer a compelling blend of affordability and growth, making it an attractive destination for first-time buyers. With median home prices stabilizing at around $425,000—up just… 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 »

Cash Out Refinance with Bad Credit

Homeowners continue to ask our team, “What is minimum credit score for cash out refinance with bad credit?” We decided to publish this article in an effort to help consumers learn everything they need to know about cash-out home refinance with bad credit this year. We will help you understand the requirements for a cash-out… Read More »