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Katie Ziraldo

Former staff writer

Katie Ziraldo is a former writer for Rocket, focused on creating accurate, accessible and educational content for future generations of home buyers. Her portfolio of work also includes The Detroit Free Press and The Huffington Post.

Recent Articles

A man calculating his taxes or finances.

5-minute read

What is ROI on real estate investments and how do I calculate it?

Real estate investors rely on ROI to determine how much profit a property will return and how it compares to other properties. Learn how to calculate ROI.

A woman painting a home in green, illustrating a woman painting the exterior of a house in green color.

5-minute read

What is home appreciation and how is it calculated?

Home appreciation tracks how a property increases in value over time. Learn how appreciation works and how you can raise your home's value before selling.

An aerial view of Miami, depicting a cityscape or travel destination.

6-minute read

10 most expensive cities in the US

Curious about the most expensive cities in the U.S.? Learn about the most expensive places to live in the U.S. and some of their unique characteristics here.

A spacious house with a sizable yard, perfect for outdoor activities and ample space for a large family.

5-minute read

How much above asking price should I offer?

In a competitive housing market, you may ask, “How much above asking price should I offer?” Read on to learn tips for preparing to offer over ask...

A Federal-style brick building, potentially representing historic architecture.

5-minute read

What is a federal style house, and should I buy one?

A Federal-style house emulates ancient Roman architectural forms and was popularized by Thomas Jefferson. Learn more about the Federal architectural style.

Condo building against a beautiful sky, showcasing a condominium structure against a scenic sky backdrop.

5-minute read

Are condos a good investment?

Condos can be an attractive option for first time buyers, but are they a good investment? Read our guide to find out whether buying a condo makes sense for you.

A happy young couple sitting on a yellow sofa.

6-minute read

40% of Americans say they would get an adjustable-rate mortgage

Of first-time home buyers, 65.4% say they would consider getting a mortgage with an adjustable rate.

Image depicting neighbors chatting near a wooden fence.

5-minute read

Homeowners are guilty of the habits they say make annoying neighbors

One factor can dramatically affect a person's experience in their own home - the neighbors. Learn about how many homeowners are guilty of the habits that the...

A young african-american couple happily doing paperwork for their new home.

5-minute read

Millennials anticipate buying a new home with student loan forgiveness

A new research study finds 56.8% of millennial student loan borrowers own a home, compared to 48.6% of overall millennials.