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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.

Expertise

Mortgage

RealEstate

PersonalFinance

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, bachelor’s degree in journalism

Recent Articles

Modern residential buildings possible available for sale or rent.

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.

A beautiful classic country house, showcasing a specific architectural style.

4-minute read

Jumbo loan limits and requirements for 2026: A guide

The conforming loan limit in most areas in 2025 is $806,500 for one unit. A home above this limit may require a jumbo loan. Learn about jumbo loan limits.

A young woman working on a laptop, possibly in a home or office setting.

6-minute read

What is total debt service and the debt service coverage ratio (DSCR)?

Lenders use total debt service to measure your ability to repay a mortgage. Learn what a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) is and how to calculate it yourself.

A luxury kitchen with a marble slab backsplash and modern appliances.

6-minute read

What are lender credits used for when buying a house?

Lender credits let you roll your closing costs into your loan for a higher interest rate. Learn about lender credits and if they could be helpful to you.

Couple shaking hands with an agent, possibly after finalizing a real estate deal or signing an agreement.

7-minute read

Are closing costs negotiable?

When buying or refinancing a house, some of your closing costs may be negotiable. Learn which closing costs you can negotiate to save money on your mortgage.

A house against a rolling hill, showcasing a serene residential setting.

8-minute read

Cash-on-cash returns: A guide for real estate investors

Cash-on-cash return is a metric used by commercial real estate investors to see how profitable an investment is. Learn how it works and how to calculate it.

A smiling African American woman working on her laptop, possibly in a home or office setting.

19-minute read

10 best rental property management software options for 2025

What's the best property management software? Discover the top rental property management software for real estate investors, property managers and landlords.

An escrow agent, potentially illustrating a professional involved in real estate transactions or property transfers.

7-minute read

Escrow agent in real estate: What to know

An escrow agent upholds the escrow agreement in a real estate transaction. Read on to learn how this entity protects the property and assets in escrow.

A teacher in a classroom benefiting from home loans.

10-minute read

2025 guide to teacher home buying programs

It’s possible to own a home as a teacher. Learn how home buying programs and home loans for teachers can help you achieve homeownership.