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
3-minute read
What is the Section 504 Home Repair program?
The USDA’s Section 504 Home Repair program can be a vital lifeline for eligible homeowners who are in need of a loan or grant. Learn how this program work...
Read more
9-minute read
Alimony and mortgage qualification: How spousal support affects home loans
Discover how alimony and child support influence mortgage qualification. Learn documentation requirements, DTI considerations, and tips to obtain a home loan.
Read more
6-minute read
What are REALTOR® fees and who pays them?
REALTOR® fees are how real estate agents get paid for their work. Who pays these fees is changing, so it’s a good time to learn more and understand...
Read more
5-minute read
Title endorsements: What they are and when you need them
A title endorsement is a modification to your title insurance policy that provides additional coverage. Learn more about title insurance endorsements here.
Read more
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...
Read more
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.
Read more
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....
Read more
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.
Read more
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...
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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...
Read more
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.
Read more