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 Buy a House with FHA Mortgages

It’s no secret that the housing market is shaky with inflation and soaring energy costs. Even though the house buying process can add a lot of pressure to your life, if you take a pragmatic approach and work with trusted lending professionals home-ownership can be a wise decision. The Federal Housing Administration was created in… Read More »

Best Rate and Term Refinance Mortgage Loans

Refinancing your mortgage is usually a great way to save money on your bills every month. And these days, mortgage rates are still in the area of 3%, so many people find that they can lower their mortgage payment by refinancing. Over the last thirty years, the rate and term refinance has been the most… Read More »

Second Home Loans for Refinancing

Second home mortgage loans have different rules, requirements and rates for most borrowers looking to refinance their second house, vacation home or investment property. For people who are lucky enough to have a second home, you will always have some unique challenges. One of the issues that can come up at some point is refinancing… Read More »

Can I Refinance My House When Unemployed?

Traditionally, home refinancing can be a strategic move to lower monthly mortgage payments, secure a better interest rate, or tap into your home’s equity for financial needs. However, being unemployed adds a layer of complexity to the home refinance process. Consumers ask us all the time, “Can I refinance if i lost my job​? “Let’s… Read More »

Can You Refinance a Balloon Mortgage?

Yes — you can refinance a balloon mortgage, and in most cases you should start the process 6 to 12 months before your balloon payment comes due — not when the deadline is weeks away. A balloon mortgage reaches its maturity date — typically after 5, 7, or 10 years — at which point the… Read More »

What Credit Scores Do I Need to Buy a House?

Buying a house can be a stressful, so it is important to be organized and understand what the credit score requirements are up-front for the various mortgage programs in the United States in 2026. Read on to see what home financing programs are available and what the minimum credit scores for home loas set by… Read More »

Are There Limits on Seller Concessions on FHA Loans?

Buying a home involves many costs beyond the purchase price, including closing costs, prepaid expenses, and loan fees. For many FHA borrowers, seller concessions can be a game-changer, helping to reduce upfront expenses and make homeownership more affordable. But are there FHA limits on how much a seller can contribute? Yes, FHA loans do have… Read More »

What Is the Monthly Payment on a $75,000 Home Equity Loan?

Home equity loans are a common financial tool for homeowners looking to leverage the value of their property. They offer a lump sum of money that is repaid over a fixed term with predictable monthly payments, making them a popular choice for debt consolidation, home improvements, or other significant expenses. A key question for borrowers… Read More »

How to Get a Home Building Loan

Thinking about constructing your own home? Read this guide for all you need to know about home building loans. They say that if you cannot find your dream home, so why not build one! Yet, the truth is that constructing a home from scratch takes a lot of financial commitment. In fact, last year, people… Read More »

How Much Interest Would Be Paid on a $240,000 HELOC?

A HELOC is a nickname for a popular home equity line of credit that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they’ve built in their property. While it provides flexibility and access to significant funds, understanding how much interest you might pay on a $240,000 HELOC is critical for financial planning and important to determine… Read More »