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

Secrets to Get the Best Fixed Home Equity Loan Rates

Are you shopping for the fixed home equity loan rates online from the best lenders and finding a major discrepancy in interest rates and second mortgage loan amounts? The process to secure the lowest interest rates to get approved for the best home equity loans can be daunting. Not all banks and mortgage lenders specialize… Read More »

Doctor Home Loan Programs

Did you attend medical school and recently graduate? Then you are on your way to becoming a doctor. Doctors often find themselves in an unusual place when they leave medical school: They have high incomes but also a lot of student loan debt. Medical school is expensive, and many new doctors have $500,000 or more… Read More »

How to Get New Home Construction Loans in 2026

If you have looked for your dream home but can’t find it, you could think about building a new home. Building your own home requires a new home construction loan, and new home construction requirements for mortgages differ than for existing properties. Learn all about new home construction loans in this article and reach out… Read More »

How to Get a Mortgage Pre Approval

So, you were recently getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Congratulations! But don’t pop the champagne until closing day and all the home loan documents are signed and recorded. Getting a pre-approved mortgage up-front can streamline your entire home buying process if you align yourself with the right lender and realtor. Securing a mortgage pre-approval is… Read More »

How to Calculate Equity in a Home 

Home equity can be a tremendously valuable asset for homeowners. You can pull out equity to do almost anything: renovate the kitchen, pay off high-interest debt, pay for your kid’s college tuition, and even start a business or invest in real estate. Before you can get a cash-out refinance, home equity loan or home equity… Read More »

How Much Is Mortgage Insurance?

When you’re buying a home, every dollar counts. One of those crucial costs to be aware of is mortgage insurance.  It might seem like another added expense, but it plays a notable role in the home-buying process, especially if you’re putting down less than 20%. Understanding how much mortgage insurance costs and how it impacts your… Read More »

Understanding FHA Mortgage Insurance

An FHA mortgage is a great deal for many Americans because they offer substantial credit flexibility and as low as a 3.5% down payment, with very low interest rates. These mortgage loans are guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, so lenders are able to offer them to more Americans with lower incomes and credit scores.… Read More »

What Are First Responder Home Loans? 

First responders play a critical role in protecting and serving communities nationwide. To assist them with buying and owning a home, many states and counties offer first responder home loans. These are specialized mortgage programs designed for firefighters, police officers, and other first responders. This article discusses what you need to know about first responder… Read More »

Why Should I Get an FHA Loan?

Do you want to become a homeowner today so that you can enjoy very low interest rates and increasing home prices? As of early this year, the housing market is getting stronger, and it is a good time to buy your first home. One of the most popular ways to buy a first home today… Read More »

How to Finance a Multi-Family Residence (MFR)

Financing a multi-family residence in 2026 works through five distinct loan pathways  and the single most important factor that determines which path you qualify for is the number of units in the property. The dividing line that changes everything is four units vs. five or more units — a threshold defined in federal mortgage guidelines… Read More »