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 the Federal Reserve Could Affect Mortgage Refinancing in 2025

In the intricate ballet of the U.S. economy, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) often takes center stage, orchestrating movements that ripple through financial markets and touch the lives of everyday Americans. In 2025, the Fed’s monetary policy decisions, particularly regarding interest rates, are poised to play a pivotal role in the mortgage refinancing landscape. Understanding… Read More »

How Much Do You Need to Save for a Home Loan in 2025?

Most Americans need to get a mortgage to buy a home; current statistics state that 87% of home buyers use mortgage financing. But it is rare in 2025 to be able to buy a home for 100% of the purchase price. In most instances banks and lenders want the borrower to have skin in the… Read More »

What Mortgage Closing Costs Are Tax Deductible on a Refinance?

Many homeowners today ask are mortgage refinance closing costs deductible? This is one of the most common questions asked when choosing to refinance their mortgage because of the very low interest rates that continue to hover in the 3% range as of this writing. Refinancing a mortgage on your home property can save you hundreds… Read More »

How to Get a Land Equity Loan​

More and more homeowners and real estate investors have been inquiring about the availability of land equity loans, so we thought we would publish this guide. This article provides a comprehensive perspective of land equity loans, including how they work, their benefits, risks, and tips for obtaining for finding one of these unique home equity… Read More »

What Is Non QM Mortgage Lending?

Millions of subprime borrowers are searching for non qualified mortgage lenders that offer a wide variety of income documentation requirements and low credit home financing programs that do not fit in the conforming loan guidelines. Non QM home loans continue to supply alternative mortgage products from private lenders. The non qualified mortgage world was created… Read More »

What Is the Monthly Payment on a $100,000 Home Equity Line of Credit?

A common question for home equity line of credit borrowers is: “What will my monthly payment be?” The answer depends on the interest rate, the amount borrowed, and whether you are in the HELOC draw period or the repayment period. Let’s explore these variables and provide examples at 7%, 8%, and 9% interest rates to… Read More »

Who Offers Bridge Loans?

A bridge loan mortgage is a short-term financing solution that helps homeowners and real estate investors “bridge” the gap between buying a new property and selling an existing one. In 2026, bridge loans are one of the most in-demand alternative mortgage products in the U.S., giving borrowers immediate access to cash — typically within 5… Read More »

Home Equity Loan Income and DTI Requirements

A home equity loan is a high regarded second mortgage that enables homeowners to borrow against the equity they’ve built in their property. This type of secondary loan provides a lump sum with fixed repayment terms and interest rates, making it ideal for significant expenses such as home remodeling, debt consolidation, or real estate investments.… Read More »

How to Finance a Vacation Home in 2026

Owning a vacation home is a dream for many, offering a personal retreat and the potential for additional income through rental opportunities. However, financing a vacation home or investment property requires careful planning and understanding of mortgage loan options to secure favorable terms and low interest rates. How to Finance a Vacation Home with a… Read More »

Duplex Loan Guide

Duplex properties are an attractive investment for many buyers, offering the opportunity to live in one unit while renting out the other, or simply renting both for additional income. The RefiGuide can help you get connected to banks and mortgage lenders that offer investment financing and duplex loans with FHA, VA, conventional, non QM and… Read More »