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 Does the Iran War Affect Mortgage Rates?

The U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran that began February 28, 2026, have already caused significant volatility in mortgage rates, reversing what had been welcomed progress in housing affordability. After falling below 6% for the first time since 2022—a key psychological threshold for homebuyers—the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed back to 6.11% by March 12, according… Read More »

Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea in 2026?

Reverse mortgages have evolved significantly since their introduction, offering today’s retirees a sophisticated financial tool for accessing home equity without monthly mortgage payments. With Americans aged 62 and over holding nearly $14 trillion in home equity and median retirement savings of just $185,000 for those ages 55-64, many retirees find themselves “house rich but cash… Read More »

First Time Home Buyer Loans with Bad Credit and $0 Down

The demand for first time home buyers with bad and below average credit to get approved to buy a house with little or no money down remains as high as ever. The word on the street is that mortgage lenders and brokers are expanding the credit score requirements for many first time house buyers with… Read More »

Updated Loan Limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced on November 25, 2025 that the 2026 conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have increased to $832,750 for a single-family home in most parts of the United States — up $26,250 from the 2025 limit of $806,500. The 3.26% increase directly mirrors the average national… Read More »

Mortgage Loans for Bad Credit and Low Fico Scores

A bad credit mortgage is not a single product — it is a category of home financing that covers any loan approved for a borrower whose FICO score falls below the conventional lending standard of 620. Understanding what that number actually means to a lender, and how it is calculated, is the difference between spinning your wheels… Read More »

Bad Credit FHA Mortgage Guide

The FHA loan is the most widely used bad credit mortgage program in the United States because it is unique from every other option available to borrowers with damaged credit history. Unlike conventional loans, which use risk-based pricing to charge higher rates and fees as credit scores fall, FHA mortgage insurance premiums are flat regardless… Read More »

Can I Add My Spouse to My Mortgage Without Refinancing?

Many married homeowners wonder if they can add their spouse to an existing mortgage without going through the costly and time-consuming refinancing process. While you cannot typically add someone to your mortgage loan itself without refinancing, you can add your spouse to the property title, granting them ownership rights without changing the loan obligation. Understanding the… Read More »

Indiana First Time Home Buyer Loan Programs and Grants

We published this article detailing Indiana’s best first-time home buyer grants and DPA loans in 2026 while connecting applicants with top lenders and banks. According to Redfin, Indiana’s  median home price of $261,000 as of February 2026,. This state remains relatively affordable compared to the national average, but the median down payment of approximately $25,000… Read More »

Connecticut First-Time Home Buyer Programs

2026 presents a genuinely challenging, yet navigable entry point for first-time home buyers in Connecticut, where competitive CHFA programs and down payment assistance are more critical than ever. Connecticut’s housing market has accelerated sharply, with the statewide median sale price reaching approximately $422,000 as of early 2026 — up nearly 11% year-over-year (Redfin, February 2026)… Read More »

How to Calculate DSCR Loans

Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans revolutionize real estate investment financing by qualifying borrowers based on property cash flow rather than personal income, making them ideal for self-employed investors, retirees, and portfolio builders who may not qualify for traditional mortgages. Understanding how to accurately calculate DSCR ensures you know exactly what properties you can afford,… Read More »