Kevin Graham
Senior 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 passed the MLO SAFE exam given to mortgage bankers and maintains his knowledge through continuing education courses. 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.
Recent articles
8-minute read
Why does my mortgage keep going up?
An unexpected change to your mortgage payment can be frustrating, especially if you don’t know why it happened. Find out some possible reasons for the cha...
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9-minute read
Preforeclosure: How it works and what you can do
Preforeclosure is the first legal step toward foreclosure. Learn about how the process works and what options you have for keeping or letting go of your home.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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9-minute read
How to buy a house with bad credit
Considering buying a home with bad credit? Discover the lowest credit score to buy a house, learn about home loans for bad credit, and find credit score tips.
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