Headshot of a man with glasses smiling.

Kevin Graham

Senior blog writer

Kevin Graham is a Senior Writer with Rocket who has spent more than a decade covering mortgage, real estate, and personal finance. He has a BA in journalism from Oakland University.
 
A self-professed economics nerd, he brings knowledge to topics as varied as understanding what makes for a solid mortgage approval to interest rates and the doings of the Federal Reserve. He aims to help home buyers understand what real estate trends mean for them. He’s also unafraid to dig in on tax explainers.
 
In addition to his main writing interests, Kevin brings his life experience with cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia into articles on home modification and personal finance for those living with disabilities. In his off hours, Kevin would challenge you to find a bigger fan of the Detroit Tigers.

Expertise

Mortgage
PersonalFinance
RealEstate

Education

Oakland University

Recent articles

A couple looking at a computer in a kitchen setting.

5-minute read

What is an escrow waiver? Definition, requirements, and pros and cons

Considering an escrow waiver? Learn what it is, how it works, eligibility criteria, potential fees, and the pros and cons to decide if it’s right for you.

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Woman sitting at kitchen table working on laptop.

4-minute read

How to calculate per diem interest

Borrowers can calculate per diem interest using a simple formula. Learn more about what per diem interest is and how it can be calculated on a mortgage loan....

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A woman working on a computer, possibly related to remote work, finances, or digital activities.

10-minute read

How to get a mortgage when you’re self-employed

Wondering how to get a mortgage when you’re self-employed? Learn what you need to qualify and how to put your best application forward to purchase a home.

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A white brick house, illustrating residential architecture and exterior design.

8-minute read

Buying a second home with a VA loan

VA loans are designed to help military personnel, veterans, and their families buy a primary residence, but there are ways you can use one to buy a second home.

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Two story brick home on wooded lot.

6-minute read

What’s the average mortgage payment in Michigan?

Wondering about the average mortgage payment in Michigan? Explore state-specific trends, interest rates, and what to expect when buying a home in the Great Lake...

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Line of houses in a suburban street.

6-minute read

What in the world is an escrow shortage?

Understanding escrow shortages and what causes a negative escrow balance is important for homeowners. Read on to learn how to navigate these situations.

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A stunning house captured during twilight hours.

5-minute read

Cost basis in real estate: How to calculate

Cost basis in real estate is the original value that a buyer pays for their property. Learn more about cost basis and how to calculate it.

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Woman at home in her kitchen using a laptop on the counter.

5-minute read

Loan modification: Defined and explained

A loan modification changes the terms of your existing loan to bring you current by adding past-due payments back to the balance. Understand how it works.

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Woman looking over a bill in her kitchen.

3-minute read

Mortgage forbearance vs. deferment: What’s the difference?

For homeowners dealing with financial hardship, relief options include forbearance and deferment. Learn more about mortgage forbearance versus deferment.

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Mother and daughter laughing while baking, depicting a cheerful moment during a baking activity.

8-minute read

FHA down payment assistance: Everything you need to know

Down payment assistance is available to home buyers with an FHA loan, but restrictions and requirements exist. Learn about FHA grants for down payments here.

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Two-story beige house with large paved driveway, manicured shrubs and red front door.

9-minute read

Mortgage default: Everything you need to know

Mortgage default can occur if you stop making payments, and it can lead to foreclosure. See how to avoid delinquency and what to do with a mortgage in default.

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Image showing a young businesswoman contemplating while sitting in front of an open laptop.

5-minute read

What credit score do mortgage lenders use?

Mortgage lenders use several credit scores to qualify borrowers and determine the interest rate they offer. Learn more before you start the home buying journey.

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A female working at her laptop while petting a cat.

5-minute read

What is a silent second mortgage?

Using a “silent” second mortgage to cover your down payment is illegal. Learn what assistance programs you can use instead with our complete fina...

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A house at dusk, depicting a home during twilight or evening.

5-minute read

40-year mortgage: An explanation, the pros and cons

A 40-year loan term can bring down your monthly payment in exchange for paying more overall interest and some riskier features. Learn more about 40-year loan...

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Ranch-style home with tan siding, stone accents and a beautifully manicured lawn.

9-minute read

How much house can you afford on $100K?

Starting your home buying journey with a salary of $100,000 a year? Find out your mortgage options and how much house you can afford with $100K.

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Asian couple on a front porch leaning on a railing, potentially discussing property or enjoying a home.

5-minute read

Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) explained: Definition and requirements

A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is a government-insured loan that allows seniors to convert their home equity into cash. See if a HECM is right for you.

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Two people discussing something while drinking coffee.

6-minute read

What to expect from non-arm’s length transactions

Non-arm’s length transactions involve buying property from someone you know. These transactions have unique tax and legal implications you need to be awar...

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A black man in a blue plaid shirt looking at his phone on a sunny day.

4-minute read

Opening new doors to homeownership with a Jumbo Smart loan

Our Jumbo Smart loan simplifies the process of qualifying for a jumbo mortgage. Read on for details!

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