Author | Rocket Mortgage

Understanding Owner-Occupied Properties: What Investors Should Know

Home Buying - 5-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - October 31, 2023

Owner-occupied investments are properties in which the landlord both owns and lives in a home. Understand the pros and cons of owner occupancy before you buy.

Property Taxes: What They Are And How To Calculate Them

Servicing - 5-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - October 14, 2023

Homeowners pay property taxes to local governments to help cover the cost of community services. Learn more about calculating real estate taxes with our guide.

What Is A Step-Up In Basis And How Can I Get One?

Mortgage Basics - 4-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - September 28, 2023

If you’re deciding between gifting your home or bequeathing it, you may want to weigh the tax implications first. Learn how a step-up in basis benefits heirs.

What Is Condemnation In Real Estate And What Do Homeowners Need To Know?

Mortgage Basics - 4-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - August 30, 2023

Condemnation in real estate occurs when the government uses its eminent domain authority to take property. Learn what condemnation can mean for homeowners.

Recording Fees, Defined And Explained

Home Buying - 3-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - August 30, 2023

Wondering what recording fees are, how much they’ll cost you and what will happen if you don’t pay them? We have all the answers here with our quick guide.

Interest Rate Caps: What Are They And How Do They Work?

4-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - August 11, 2023

An interest rate cap limits how much your interest rate will rise on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Find out more about rate caps and how they work.

How To Change Homeowners Insurance With Escrow: A Guide

Servicing - 5-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - July 26, 2023

Are you looking to change your homeowners insurance? Read through our complete guide on how to change your homeowners insurance with an escrow account.

The Costs Of Buying A House That First-Time Home Buyers Should Prepare For

Home Buying - 7-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - July 26, 2023

Purchasing your first home is a major achievement – but make sure you're financially ready for it. Here are some first-time costs of buying a house to consider.

What Is A Mortgage Rate?

5-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - July 24, 2023

When you get a mortgage, you pay your lender interest based on your mortgage rate. Learn what a mortgage rate is, what determines it and how to get a good one.

What Is A Mortgage Maturity Date And How Does It Work?

Mortgage Basics - 5-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - July 24, 2023

A mortgage maturity date is the date you’re expected to make your last mortgage payment. Learn more about how maturity dates work and how to find yours.

The Best Modular Home Manufacturers In The U.S.

Home Buying - 8-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - July 21, 2023

Thinking of buying a modular home as your new home? Be sure to choose wisely. Discover the best modular home manufacturers so you can work with a true expert.

Assessed Value Vs. Market Value: Your Questions Answered

Home Buying - 5-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - July 12, 2023

What’s the difference between assessed value and market value? One is the home’s tax-assessed value; the other is what buyers are willing to pay. Learn more.

Understanding FHA 203(b) Loans And How They Differ From FHA 203(k) Loans

4-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - June 28, 2023

FHA 203(b) loans are intended for move-in ready homes and FHA 203(k) loans are used for homes that require significant repairs. Learn more about these loans.

How Much Rent Can I Afford? A Quick Guide

Home Buying - 5-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - June 27, 2023

Wondering how much rent you can afford, realistically? Learn how much money you should spend on rent and how to go about working monthly rent into your budget.

Can You Get An FHA Loan On A Mobile Home?

4-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - June 21, 2023

Can you get an FHA loan on a mobile home? Yes! Let’s discuss the pros and cons and everything you need to know about using an FHA loan on a mobile home.

Coming Soon Real Estate Listings, Explained

5-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - June 08, 2023

Some real estate agents will list a home as “coming soon” before it hits the market. Learn more about coming soon real estate listings and their pros and cons.

Can You Back Out Of A House Offer? How To Formally Withdraw

6-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - June 07, 2023

Typically, you can back out of a house offer after it’s accepted. See how home buyers can avoid financial loss when they back out of a home purchase agreement.

What Is The Design Approval Primary Inspection Agency (DAPIA)?

3-minute read

Sarah Sharkey - June 07, 2023

The Design Approval Primary Inspection Agency, or DAPIA, inspects and approves manufactured home designs. Learn this process before buying a manufactured home.