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
8-minute read
HELOC vs. mortgage: A guide
Curious about the differences between a HELOC and a mortgage? See how these loans differ in repayment term, interest rate and other conditions of the loan.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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5-minute read
How to increase your mortgage preapproval amount
Buying your dream home may be more realistic than you think. Explore our guide to learn what might help increase your mortgage preapproval amount.
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