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

Consumer Credit Counseling Versus Debt Consolidation Loans

Many people struggle with debt. There often is a feeling of just wishing one could wave a magic wand like debt consolidation loans and make it disappear without ruining your credit. While it is never that easy to deal with the problem of excessive debt, there are options out there that may be able to… Read More »

8 Smart Secrets to Financing Home Improvements

Most people who own their house probably have a long list of home improvements they want to make: replace the kitchen counters, replace the family room floor, build an addition, or renovate the master bathroom. There are a plethora of home improvement financing programs that come in many shapes in sizes. Lear How Americans Are… Read More »

5 Signs the Interest Only Mortgage Rate Is Right for You

Interest only loans are unique options that make sense to a specific type of borrower. If you are in the market for a new mortgage, one of your options is an interest only mortgage. This is a type of loan where the borrower only pays the interest on the loan for the first 5-10 years… Read More »

Tips for Comparing FHA and Conventional Mortgage Rates

Most borrowers want to know which mortgage rate is lower, the conventional or the FHA. Let’s explore the differences between FHA and conventional mortgages so you can make a wise financial decision. Are you considering refinancing your mortgage to save money on your current monthly payment?. Great! Now you just need to figure out which… Read More »

How Are FHA Loan Limits Set?

The Federal Housing Administration — known simply to homebuyers as the FHA — has faced tremendous oversight since it was created as part of the National Housing Act of 1934. It has been part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) since 1965, and currently insures loans for millions of American homeowners.… Read More »

8 Steps to Improve Your House Prior to Listing with a Realtor

Consumer confidence at the end of 2016 is higher than it has been for eight years, and that means 2023 could be a year of strong economic growth. If so, homeowners could see rising home values, which could make it a great year to sell and make a fantastic profit. Before you list your home… Read More »

How Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Benefit from a Republican Congress

Since Donald Trump won the presidential election, there has been a lot of speculation about what effect his administration and Congress may have on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. As of Dec. 1, 2016, we started to get some idea about what a Trump administration has in mind. In 2018, we have noticed first time… Read More »

8 Ways Trump Can Improve Dodd Frank for Consumers Getting a Mortgage

by Bryan Dornan Founder RefiGuide One of the biggest targets for President-Elect Donald Trump and a Republican Congress will surely be the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul low that, critics argue, has led to less economic activity and consumer lending since its passage. It is hard to say with certainty which parts of the law may… Read More »

5 Things to Look Out for with the CFPB in 2017

by Bryan Dornan Founder RefiGuide As he was campaigning for the presidency, President-Elect Donald Trump made clear he does not think highly of the 2010 Dodd Frank law. This has made many people wonder what is going to happen to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB. Now that Trump has been elected and his… Read More »

Are ARM Mortgage Rates Popular with New Home Buyers?

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are experiencing renewed popularity among home buyers in 2026, particularly first-time buyers and millennials seeking lower initial payments and maximum financial flexibility. With initial interest rates typically 0.50-1.50% lower than 30-year fixed mortgages, ARM loans offer substantial monthly savings during the fixed-rate period, making homeownership more accessible for buyers who plan to… Read More »