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
How much is a mortgage on a $300K house?
The monthly payment to buy a home for $300,000 depends on your loan type, interest rate, loan term, and down payment. Learn how to estimate your total cost.
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9-minute read
Bank statements for your mortgage: What lenders review
Learn how bank statements for your mortgage help lenders verify income, assets and red flags. See what to provide and how to prepare before you apply.
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8-minute read
Underwriter denied my loan: What to do next
Underwriter denied your loan? Learn why mortgages get rejected in underwriting, what to review first, and how to strengthen your next application.
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8-minute read
Mortgage rate lock: How it works, and when to lock
A mortgage rate lock protects your interest rate before closing. Learn how locks work, what they cost, and when to lock. Get started with Rocket Mortgage today.
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12-minute read
How bankruptcy affects your mortgage: A homeowner guide
Learn how bankruptcy affects your mortgage, whether you can keep your home, and when you can qualify for a new loan. Review your housing options today.
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5-minute read
7/6 ARM: Definition and how it works
Learn what a 7/6 ARM is, how rates adjust after 7 years, the pros and cons, and when this adjustable mortgage could fit your homebuying plans. Start today.
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11-minute read
FHA appraisal requirements: Checklist, costs, and timeline
Understand FHA appraisal requirements, costs, timelines, and red flags so you can prepare, avoid delays, and move forward with your home loan. Start here.
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4-minute read
What is Freddie Mac's Home Possible® loan?
Home Possible® loans help low- to mid-income borrowers buy a home with a minimum down payment of 3%. Learn how it works, and how it compares with FHA loa...
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6-minute read
Your guide to debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for VA loans
Your DTI for a VA loan should be less than 41% to maximize your chances of approval. Learn how to calculate your DTI and reduce it to meet loan requirements.
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