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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

Real Estate

Personal Finance

Education

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

Recent Articles

Image of an African American family, enjoying in the backyard while also grilling something.

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.

A white house with a spacious lawn and trees surrounding it.

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...

Senior man enjoying a book on his sofa in living room.

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.

Mother snuggling and smiling with her baby on white couch with large sliding glass doors behind her featuring wooded yard.

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...

Illustration of a home renovation project with tools, paint, and a blueprint.

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.

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.

White ranch style home with tiled roof in California surrounded by trees.

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.

Old homes in Savannah, Georgia, seen through branches covered in Spanish moss.

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.

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.