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

Hard Money Non QM Loan

We have been getting a lot inquiries about hard money non QM loans. Up until recently hard money loans programs and non qualified mortgage products were separate but now their are some mortgage lenders rolling out a combination of the two. The RefiGuide published this article to explore the benefits and risk of hard money… Read More »

Cash-Back Refinance Program

If you own a home, you probably have heard about a cash out or cash back refinance. Homeowners are blessed with unique opportunities to access money when refinancing their home. What is a “cash back  refinance” and why would you do it? We’ll explain in detail below. One of the most significant benefit of being… Read More »

Do HELOCs Compound Interest?

When it comes to managing the financial aspects of homeownership, a Home Equity Line of Credit or HELOC is one of the most versatile tools available. It allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they’ve built in their property, providing them with a revolving home equity line of credit that can be used for everything… Read More »

What Is an Assumable Mortgage Loan? 

An assumable mortgage lets a buyer take over the seller’s existing home loan, the same interest rate, the same remaining balance, the same payoff date. You’re not originating a new loan; you’re stepping into one that already exists. FHA, VA, and USDA loans are assumable; most conventional loans are not, because of due-on-sale clauses. The… Read More »

How to Get Rid of FHA Mortgage Insurance

FHA mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and are a lifeline for first-time homebuyers and those with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. However, they come with a mandatory mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that protects lenders if you default, adding to your monthly costs. Unlike private mortgage insurance or PMI on… Read More »

Third Mortgage Guide

In the complex world of personal finance, homeowners often wonder if they can take on additional financial burdens through a third mortgage. The question isn’t just a matter of feasibility but also one of strategy, necessity, and long-term implications. There are private and hard money lenders that continue to offer 3rd mortgage loans and third… Read More »

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a specialized home loan designed for senior homeowners. If you’re a homeowner aged 62 or older and you’re looking for quick cash and financial flexibility during your retirement, a reverse mortgage may be a suitable option. This unique financial product allows you to convert a portion of your home equity into… Read More »

How Long Does It Take to Refinance a House?

Applicants always want to know how long it takes for the home refinance process from the time they complete their residential loan application. Refinancing your house means you are getting a new home loan, so it can take some time. In many situations, the timeline for refinancing a home takes 30 to 45 days on… Read More »

How Long Does It Take to Get Down Payment Assistance?

Taking off in a plane that lands in homeownership often feels like navigating a complex labyrinth, with down payment assistance (DPA) programs serving as crucial guiding lights. People always ask us, How long does it take to secure a first time home buyer grant with down payment assistance in 2026? Much like the homebuying process… Read More »

Mortgage Pre-Qualification vs. a Pre-Approved Loan

People who have never bought a home before might think that once they have been pre-qualified for a mortgage, they may be good to go. Not the case. There is a difference between mortgage pre-qualification and mortgage pre-approval. There is a right way and wrong way to apply for a first time home buyer loan… Read More »