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

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 »

Heroes First Home Loan

The American military is something that the vast majority of Americans support in their devotion to our country and freedoms. One of the ways that the country pays back is military members and veterans is through a variety of military benefits. One of them for military members who want to buy a home is the… Read More »

Amazing Home Buying Grants

Buying your first home can be overwhelming in many ways. There are so many decisions to make an many people do not realize that there are home buying grants that provide down-payment assistance in all 50 states. One of the most important of course is getting approved for a mortgage and saving up for a… Read More »

100% Mortgage Financing for First Time Loans

Home buyers love 100% financing because it allows them to become a homeowner on a mortgage with no down-payment. Most first time house buyers relish the ability preserve their capital because there are many unseen costs when moving into a new home. Having the ability to become a homeowner without having to come up with… Read More »

Tips for Refinancing a 2nd Home or Investment Property

Interest rates have been rising, and this isn’t only a benefit for your primary residence. If you own a second home or investment property, it is a good time to find out if you can refinance your mortgage and save money. Refinancing a second home is generally as straightforward as securing a mortgage for a… Read More »

Second Mortgage vs Home Equity Loan

Second mortgages and home equity loans are one in the same. Technically a home equity loan is a 2nd mortgage, because the equity loan or HELOC sits in second position on title to the house. Both home equity loans and 2nd mortgages are ways to borrow against the value of your home so its silly… Read More »

FHA Appraisal Checklist

When you want an FHA loan to buy your home, you need an FHA-approved appraiser to inspect the home before the loan can be completed. A home appraisal is simply an estimate of the current market value of the home. When a property is refinanced or bought, an appraisal is required. FHA lenders use the… Read More »

Swimming Pool Loans and Financing Guide

It’s no secret that swimming pool loans have become popular with homeowners across the country looking to maximize good living and property values. Many homeowners are unaware of the many swimming pool loans that are backed by both secure and unsecure financing opportunities available today in the United States. How to Get the Best Swimming… Read More »

Cash Out Refinance Tax Implications

Homeowners across the country want to know if they have to pay taxes on a cash out refinance loan and if the mortgage interest interest is tax deductible as well. With a cash-out refinance, the homeowner can withdraw equity from their home. If your home is valued at $200,000 and you owe $150,000, you have… Read More »

How to Finance an ADU or 2nd Dwelling on Your Property

Financing a ADU or “granny flat” on your property has never been easier. In this article, we will explore ADU loans and 2nd dwelling finance opportunities. State and local governments continue to offer home equity financing incentives to expand housing across the U.S. Do you have an older family member living in your home? You… Read More »