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
7-minute read
HELOC vs. personal loan: Compare and choose
Is a HELOC or personal loan right for you? Compare the key differences and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of both options before deciding.
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10-minute read
How much house can you afford?
Ever asked, “How much house can I afford?” Determine how much you can spend on a mortgage with help from the Rocket Mortgage home affordability calc...
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9-minute read
Veteran housing assistance options: Grants, loans and programs
Explore veteran housing assistance options, including VA...
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6-minute read
What are the FHA compensating factors?
FHA compensating factors help borrowers qualify for an FHA loan. Learn what lenders consider a compensating factor and how it can help you get an FHA loan.
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6-minute read
When are HELOCs tax deductible?
A HELOC may be tax deductible depending on when you took it out and what you used the funds for. Learn more about IRS guidelines on HELOCs.
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7-minute read
Why waiting on the Fed for a better mortgage rate may not make sense
You may hear about the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates and try to wait to get a better deal on your mortgage. Here’s why that doesn’t always...
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6-minute read
The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate decision
Wondering how the latest federal interest rate decision will affect your ability to buy or sell a home? Read on to make informed real estate decisions.
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6-minute read
What is Fannie Mae's Community Seconds Program?
Need a little extra help covering your down payment or closing costs? A program like Fannie Mae's Community Seconds might be able to help.
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5-minute read
The Rocket Visa Signature Card helps homeownership dreams become reality
Saving for a down payment or paying more toward your mortgage balance every month isn’t easy. The Rocket Visa Signature Card supports your homeownershi...
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9-minute read
Buydown: A way to reduce interest rates
Buydowns are methods used by buyers and sellers to lower interest rates in the early years of a new mortgage. Find out if a buydown is right for you.
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6-minute read
The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), defined and explained
Until recently, LIBOR was a longstanding benchmark interest rate for adjustable-rate mortgages and other loans. Learn about LIBOR and its replacement.
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5-minute read
Program provides qualified Detroiters with up to $25,000 in down payment assistance
Are you a Detroiter trying to buy a home, but lacking the funds for a down payment? A city program provides qualified residents with up to $25,000.
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3-minute read
Freddie Mac BorrowSmart® Accessâ„ expands home afffordability
Freddie Mac BorrowSmart® Accessâ„ offers a credit toward the down payment or closing costs of qualified buyers in certain areas. Read on...
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8-minute read
Native American home loans: What you need to know
If you’re a member of an indigenous community, you may have Native American home loan choices. We’ll take a look at these and other mortgage financi...
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8-minute read
Can you get a home equity loan on a manufactured home?
As a manufactured homeowner, you may be wondering if you can tap into your home equity. Learn how to take out a home equity loan on a manufactured home.
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4-minute read
Federal Reserve press release in plain English - May 2024
The Federal Reserve didn’t change the target for the federal funds rate, but the details matter. Here’s a full breakdown!
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6-minute read
Types of eClosing and how they work
Looking for digital options to close on your new house? Learn about the different types of eClosings available to you and Rocket Mortgage®
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