For a better Rocket Mortgage® experience, switch browsers to Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

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

A man and two children sharing a heartfelt embrace in a cozy living room.

7-minute read

What is homeowners insurance and how does it work?

Mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance, which reimburses you if your home is damaged or destroyed. Learn how to choose the right policy for your home.

A couple signing divorce papers, suggesting a legal process related to property or asset division.

10-minute read

Divorce and home loans: Your guide to buying a home after divorce

If you’re looking to buy a home or refinance your mortgage after divorce, here’s what you need to know.

Exterior view of a gray ranch-style home with a driveway and surrounding greenery.

12-minute read

20 popular types of houses and home styles

We rounded up the most common types of houses and provided their key features, pros, cons and photos so you can find the home style that best fits you.

A small white and dark blue colored house with indigo colored flowers outside.

10-minute read

How to buy a mobile or manufactured home

Manufactured homes can be an affordable option for home buyers as traditional home prices rise. Learn about getting a mobile home loan from Rocket Mortgage.

A kitchen with updated appliances, showcasing modern amenities in a household setting.

7-minute read

A guide to home equity loan closing costs

Home equity loan closing costs typically range from 3% – 6% of your loan amount. Explore the closing costs you can expect now.

8-minute read

How much do I need to earn each year to afford a $550,000 home?

How much house you can afford is determined by a number of factors. Learn how much income you need for a $550K home.

A Black family involved in the process of moving into a new house, indicating relocation or settling.

4-minute read

Are moving expenses tax-deductible?

Moving expenses aren’t tax-deductible unless you’re active-duty military. Learn more about what moving expenses are eligible to be deducted on yo...

A mother and father holding their smiling baby outside of their home.

7-minute read

Rent-to-own homes: How it works and what to consider

Rent-to-own homes let you put part of your monthly rent toward a down payment on the property. Explore what a rent-to-own home is and how it works.

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.