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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

A young couple smiling and looking at the laptop screen.

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 ...

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.

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.

A senior man seated at a table, possibly reviewing bills or managing finances.

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.

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...

Perfect neighborhood, showcasing an ideal or picturesque neighborhood setting.

5-minute read

Freddie Mac: What is the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC)?

Freddie Mac is a government-sponsored agency charged with keeping mortgage markets liquid. Learn more about FHLMC – and how it impacts home buyers and ...

A house with peeling paint, suggesting a property in need of maintenance or renovation.

8-minute read

How to find fixer-upper homes: Everything you need to know

Are you searching for a fixer-upper to be your dream home or your next fix-and-flip? Learn how to find and buy a fixer-upper that won’t turn into a mon...

A thoughtful-looking woman outside a coffee shop, potentially pondering or contemplating something.

4-minute read

A guide to the FHA MIP refund chart

Borrowers who refinance their FHA loan within 3 years may be eligible for a refund. Read here to understand the FHA MIP refund chart and what you may get bac...