Erik J. Martin is a Chicagoland-based freelance writer who covers personal finance, loans, insurance, home improvement, technology, healthcare, and entertainment for a variety of clients.

Erik J Martin

Contributing writer

Erik J. Martin is a Chicagoland-based freelance writer whose articles have been published by US News & World Report, Bankrate, Forbes Advisor, The Motley Fool, AARP The Magazine, USAA, Chicago Tribune, Reader's Digest, and other publications. He writes regularly about personal finance, loans, insurance, home improvement, technology, health care, and entertainment for a variety of clients. His career as a professional writer, editor and blogger spans over 32 years, during which time he's crafted thousands of stories. Erik also hosts a podcast (Cineversary.com) and publishes several blogs, including martinspiration.com and cineversegroup.com.

Expertise

Personal Finance
Mortgage

Education

Bachelor's degrees in English and Communications from Loyola University Chicago

Recent Articles

Exterior of a red house, illustrating the exterior appearance of a red-colored house.

4-minute read

Price per square foot: Why it matters and how it's calculated

Price per square foot is a metric that helps you compare similarly priced properties on the market. In short, it measures how much bang you can get for your buc...

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Exterior of white two-story countryside house with black shutters and roof.

7-minute read

FHA 203(k) loans: A complete guide

An FHA 203(k) loan allows you to buy and renovate a home in need of significant repairs with a single mortgage. Learn more about 203(k) loan qualifications.<...

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Aerial view of luxury homes in Oregon with forested background near horizon.

6-minute read

Oregon property tax

Are you getting ready to buy a house in Oregon? Learn how Oregon property taxes work, average tax rates, exemptions, and what you should know before buying.

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A man signing a home document with a broker, depicting a real estate transaction.

8-minute read

House title: What you need to know

A house title indicates who has legal ownership of a property and the rights to use it any way they see fit. Learn more about how a house title works.

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Woman looking at paperwork while on phone, sitting at desk with two computer monitors.

8-minute read

What is a crypto mortgage?

A crypto mortgage is a loan that utilizes cryptocurrency holdings, such as Bitcoin, as collateral. This is how they work and why they are gaining popularity.

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A depiction of a timeshare property, potentially a resort-style setting.

16-minute read

What is a timeshare and how does it work?

A timeshare allows you to share the cost and ownership of a vacation property. Here’s what to expect when entering a timeshare agreement.

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A woman relaxing at home, suggesting a comfortable and serene atmosphere in a residential setting.

6-minute read

Do I qualify for a home loan without a job?

Learn how to qualify for a mortgage without traditional employment by meeting specific requirements and proving reliable alternative sources of income.

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A family moving into a new home, illustrating a family's relocation or moving process.

5-minute read

Gift letter: What it is and how to write one

A gift letter explains to your lender where your down payment money came from and proves that it isn’t a loan. Here’s how to write one and why you s...

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Colonial-style house in Massachusetts with a white exterior and greenery.

8-minute read

What is a house deed?

A deed is a document that transfers ownership of real estate from one party to another. Understand how this works, the types of deeds, and why it's important.

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