Marissa Crum
Staff Writer
Marissa Crum is a Content Marketing Specialist with 4 years of experience creating real estate and mortgage content. For the past 2 years, she has focused on home financing topics, writing educational guides that help readers understand mortgage options, affordability considerations, and the financial aspects of buying and renting a home.
Her work centers on answering common borrower questions and reflecting current lending practices, with a focus on making complex mortgage concepts easier to understand. She collaborates with subject-matter experts and internal teams to ensure her content is accurate, compliant, and grounded in real-world lending considerations.
Based in Los Angeles, Marissa brings a market-aware perspective to national housing topics, particularly in high-cost metros where affordability plays a central role in housing decisions.
Recent Articles
6-minute read
What are mortgage servicing companies?
Your mortgage lender funds your loan, but they may not collect your payments. Learn how a mortgage servicing company manages your escrow and account.
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9-minute read
Does spousal support count as income for a mortgage?
Does spousal support count as income for a mortgage? In some cases, yes. Learn how lenders verify it, how it affects your DTI, and application considerations...
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5-minute read
How to avoid three common mortgage servicing fees
Mortgage servicing fees typically fall to your lender, but some may be your responsibility. Fortunately, you can avoid these three servicing costs.
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10-minute read
How to buy a cabin or cottage: A step-by-step guide
Buying a cabin in the woods or a cottage by the beach can be a dream come true with the right financial strategy. Learn more about financing options.
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6-minute read
How do homeowners insurance deductibles work?
An insurance deductible represents the portion of repairs that you’re responsible for. Deductibles range by insurance product and the value of your home.
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6-minute read
Tax lien investing: What you need to know
Tax lien investing involves purchasing property tax debt. Once you own the debt, the homeowner owes you their property taxes within a short time frame....
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7-minute read
Are timeshares worth it? How to decide if buying one is right for you
Are timeshares worth it? It depends on contract details and your personal needs. Read the benefits and risks to see if a timeshare is worth it for you.
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7-minute read
What is a down payment and how does it work?
Learn what a down payment is, why lenders require a mortgage down payment, minimum amounts by loan type, and how it factors into your monthly payment.
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4-minute read
What is a subordinate mortgage?
A subordinate mortgage can have complex financial implications for borrowers. Uncover important realities you need to know about mortgage subordination.
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