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Christian Allred

Christian Allred has been a professional writer since 2020. After honing his skills as a ghostwriter for an SEO agency, he started focusing on covering residential and commercial real estate. Since then, he’s written for some of the industry’s top brands and publications, including Rocket Mortgage, PropStream, Agora, Buildium, Propmodo, and CRE Daily. He’s also written about personal finance for publications like Rocket Money and Investopedia. In 2025, he launched a boutique content marketing agency called CRE Writer.

Expertise

RealEstate

Mortgage

PersonalFinance

Recent Articles

A man and women unboxing cardboard boxes after moving into the new residence.

4-minute read

What is the loan-to-value ratio and how is it calculated?

Your loan-to-value ratio measures your loan amount against the value of the home you’re buying. Figure out how your LTV ratio is calculated.

A woman and child sitting in a room, engrossed in conversation and surrounded by cozy furniture.

5-minute read

What is a down payment and how does it work?

A down payment is the percentage of a home's purchase price you pay up front. Learn how down payments work and how much you should put down on a house.

A family in front of a porch, depicting a home setting and family-oriented lifestyle.

4-minute read

Can I look at a house without mortgage preapproval?

While you can tour homes without it, mortgage preapproval makes it easier to find a real estate agent and it can persuade sellers to take your offer seriously.

Parents hugging their daughter and son-in-law, depicting a family moment or celebration.

5-minute read

Gift tax in real estate: How it works

The gift tax can apply when you transfer property without receiving full market value in return. Learn about gift tax in real estate and how to avoid it.

5-minute read

First-time home buyer qualifications: What to know

First-time home buyers should learn what lenders require to get a mortgage as well as the resources available to help making buying a home more affordable.

A businessman in a suit focused on his smartphone, multitasking in a modern world.

6-minute read

How to prepare a real estate counteroffer

Sellers don’t have to reject a buyer’s offer: you can negotiate with a counteroffer. Here’s how to create one that works best for everyone.

Middle-aged couple creating a budget, possibly discussing refinancing costs or financial planning.

8-minute read

How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?

The cost to refinance a mortgage depends on your closing fees, which can be 2% – 6% of the loan balance. Learn more about average refinancing costs.

Run-down house in a suburban-rural area for flipping.

4-minute read

How to find houses to flip: A complete guide

Learn how to find houses to flip and what to consider when selecting the right house.

Young couple standing before a new house at sunset.

8-minute read

How to choose a mortgage lender: Steps, tips & FAQs

With many financing options available, home buyers should be savvy when picking a mortgage lender. Learn how to choose a mortgage lender that will work for you.