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
10-minute read
A guide to bank statements for your mortgage
Are you self-employed or a freelancer who wants to buy a home? If you have income but it isn’t reflected on a W2, a bank statement loan could be right ...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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6-minute read
Buying a house during inflation: What you need to know
Buying a house during inflation can be challenging, but it’s possible. Learn what to consider when deciding whether to buy a house during inflation.
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8-minute read
What is real estate? A definition and a guide
Interested in learning more about real estate? Learn all about what real estate is, how the real estate industry works and how to begin real estate investing.
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7-minute read
20-year vs. 30-year mortgage: How to decide
Think it might be nice to knock an entire decade off your 30-year mortgage? Here’s what you need to know to decide between a 20-year vs. 30-year home l...
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7-minute read
A cost segregation study: What it is and how it works
Cost segregation is a method of tax planning that can help real estate owners increase their cash flow. Learn about cost segregation studies and how they wor...
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