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

How to Remove PMI from FHA Loan

Many homeowners are tired of the cost of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) associated with FHA loans. This insurance, while serving as a safeguard for lenders, often becomes a financial albatross for homeowners. The Federal Housing Administration uses the mortgage insurance to protect against the risk of high risk loans with low credit scores and minimal… Read More »

Minnesota First Time Home Buyer Loans

2026 presents a promising opportunity for first time homebuyers in Minnesota, especially those who are prepared. The RefiGuide offers strategic mortgage advice and connect Minnesota first time buyers with competitive lenders online.  The housing market is showing signs of moderation after years of rapid price growth. Home prices in Minnesota have continued to rise, but… Read More »

Does a HELOC Require an Appraisal?

Millions of homeowners in the United States are looking for Home Equity Line of Credit or HELOC because they stands out as a flexible financing option in this current housing market in 2025. The HELOC allows borrowers to tap their home equity and draw funds as needed, pay interest only on what you borrow, and… Read More »

Nevada First‑Time Home Buyer Loans

First time home buyers in Nevada have many significant opportunities with down-payment assistance, home buying grants and affordable mortgage rates in 2026. As Nevada’s housing market enters a phase of cautious optimism in 2026 and 2027, prospective new home buyers may find this year to be a strategic moment to make their move. With house… Read More »

FHA Construction Loan Guide

The FHA construction loan program is in high demand as more and more consumers see the value in building a home with government insured construction financing. Many people dream of having a home altered to suit their needs and wants. But constructing the home of your dreams isn’t a piece of cake. To make this… 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 »

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 2026, 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 »