Dan Rafter
Contributing writer
Dan Rafter has covered mortgage, real estate and personal finance topics for more than two decades. During this time, he’s written for such publications as the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor, Phoenix Magazine, Mental Floss Magazine, Bankrate, CreditCards.com, Wise Bread and Lending Tree.
He’s also written about insurance, technology, careers and commercial real estate. When he’s not freelancing, he is the editor of Midwest Real Estate News, a trade magazine focusing on commercial real estate.
Recent Articles
11-minute read
What is a reverse mortgage and how does it work?
A reverse mortgage allows older homeowners to turn their home equity into cash they can use to stay in their home. Learn how a reverse mortgage works.
Read more
9-minute read
Buying a house with a septic tank: Pros and cons
Buying a house with a septic tank can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of using a home’s se...
Read more
6-minute read
How much is a mortgage on an $800K house?
A mortgage on an $800,000 home could cost you between $5.1k and $6.6k a month, but there's more to account for. Here's how to determine if you can afford it.
Read more
9-minute read
How much is a mortgage on a $900K house?
Expect the mortgage payment on a home costing $900,000 to be between $5,000 and $8,000 per month, depending on your down payment, mortgage rate, and loan ter...
Read more
7-minute read
How much does it cost to renovate a house?
The amount it costs to remodel a house can vary depending on the scale of the project. Learn the average costs associated with various kinds of remodels.
Read more
9-minute read
What's the mortgage payment on a $400K loan?
The monthly mortgage payments on a $400K loan vary based on factors such as term length and interest rate. Learn more about the payments on a $400K mortgage.
Read more
10-minute read
FHA loans in California
Homes are expensive in California, but an FHA loan can help aspiring homeowners afford a home with a low down payment and flexible credit requirements.
Read more
5-minute read
Average closing costs in Georgia
Closing costs when buying in Georgia are higher than average, so you'll need to be prepared to cover them. Learn more about average closing costs in Georgia.
Read more
5-minute read
FHA commercial loan programs: An introduction
FHA commercial loans are available for the creation of housing for low-income, elderly, or disabled people. Learn more about this type of lending.
Read more