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

What Is an Assumable Mortgage Loan? 

Mortgage interest rates in 2024 are still elevated, with the typical 30-year loan coming in at 6% or 7% in most cases. There are few signs that interest rates will drop in the near future, after the Federal Reserve decided to keep rates the same until inflation drops more. Higher interest rates have put a… 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 »

Tennessee First-Time Home Buyer Programs

Thousands of home buyers are looking to buy a home in Tennessee in 2026 with decreased inflation, reduced mortgage rates and attractive TN home buying grants. We published this Tennessee first-time home buyer guide so consumers can get help finding home buying grants with statewide and local down payment assistance and lending incentives that make… Read More »

Is It Wise to Get a Cash-Out Refinance for Home Remodeling?

In 2025, with home renovation spending projected to rise by 1.2% to $477 billion, homeowners are increasingly considering cash-out refinances to fund home improvements. A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a larger loan, allowing you to access the difference in cash to finance projects like kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, or home additions. However,… Read More »