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
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 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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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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8-minute read
How are mortgage rates determined?
Discover what determines interest rates with our in-depth analysis. Explore how economic trends, credit scores, and more impact mortgage rate decisions.
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6-minute read
Historical mortgage rates: 1971 to 2025
See how current mortgage rates compare to historical mortgage rates. Rates are among the highest of the decade but relatively low compared to the 1980s.
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7-minute read
Understanding right of survivorship: What you need to know
What is the right of survivorship? Learn how this legal principle affects joint property ownership and offers protection for surviving owners in this overvie...
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6-minute read
What is recapture of depreciation and how can I avoid it?
Planning on selling an asset that you’ve depreciated for tax purposes? Learn how depreciation recapture can lead to a big tax bill and how to avoid it....
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8-minute read
IRA withdrawal for a home purchase: What you need to know
Withdrawing money from your IRA to buy a home is possible, but there are tax implications. Discover the pros and cons of tapping into your IRA to buy a home....
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5-minute read
VA non-allowable fees: These are costs buyers don’t have to pay
Non-allowable fees for a VA loan are costs that a buyer isn't responsible for paying. Learn what fees in a VA loan are non-allowable and why that is.
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8-minute read
What is Ginnie Mae (GNMA) and how does it work?
Discover how Ginnie Mae guarantees mortgage-backed securities, supports the housing market, and helps make homeownership more affordable.
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5-minute read
Co-borrower vs. co-signer: What's the difference?
If you need help getting a mortgage, a co-borrower or co-signer can bolster your application. Learn more about buying a home with a co-borrower or co-signer....
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