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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

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.

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

9-minute read

What is a reverse mortgage and how does it work?

A reverse mortgage allows homeowners further up in age to borrow against a portion of their home equity. Figure out if this loan option is right for you.

Middle aged couple sitting on couch, holding a tablet and looking at each other.

8-minute read

How long does it take to get a home equity loan?

It takes time to apply and get approved for a home equity loan. Find out about how long the process takes from start to finish, as well as what to expect.

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...

A couple holding cups looking outside the glass window.

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.

A row of bungalows, illustrating a series of single-story residential homes or a housing complex.

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...

Small blue-gray mobile home with a front porch, potentially depicting a mobile or manufactured home design.

11-minute read

How to buy a manufactured home and land

Curious how to buy a manufactured home and land for it? Discover everything you need to know about this real estate purchase and what to expect from a lender...

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 ...