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 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?

It depends on your loan type, and the two work differently. FHA charges a flat 0.55% annually for most 30-year loans — about $137 a month on a $300,000 balance — plus a one-time 1.75% upfront premium, usually financed. That rate is identical whether your credit score is 580 or 780. Conventional PMI is risk-priced,… 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 »

First Time Home Buyer Loans and Everything You Should Know

Several trusted mortgage companies have announced new first time home buyer loans that encourage consumers to stop renting. If you have your sights on buying a home this year, credit scores are probably on your mind. After all, the higher your credit score, the lower your rate, and the better chance you will be approved… Read More »