For a better Rocket Mortgage® experience, switch browsers to Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.

TJ Porter

Contributing writer

TJ Porter has ten years of experience as a personal finance writer covering investing, banking, credit, and more.

TJ's interest in personal finance began as he looked for ways to stretch his own dollars through deals or reward points. In all of his writing, TJ aims to provide easy to understand and actionable content that can help readers make financial choices that work for them.

When he's not writing about finance, TJ enjoys games (of the video and board variety), cooking and reading.

Expertise

Personal Finance

Real Estate

Education

Bachelors in Business Administration from Northeastern University

Recent Articles

Couple reviewing documents at the kitchen table.

3-minute read

Is mortgage insurance tax-deductible in 2025?

Homeowners can’t deduct mortgage insurance from their taxes as of now. Learn more here about when PMI and MIP are tax-deductible.

Couple reviewing a document together at the kitchen table.

5-minute read

Closed- vs. open-end mortgage: Which is right for you?

Deciding between a closed or open-end mortgage? Learn more about the differences between these loans and how to choose the right mortgage.

An upscale kitchen with a white island bar and wall shelving, potentially depicting interior design or real estate features.

4-minute read

Understanding appraisal vs. assessment

If you're preparing to buy a home, it's important to understand the difference between an appraisal and an assessment. Read on to learn how they compare.

White condos with small porches, depicting a residential complex or condominiums.

4-minute read

HOA special assessment: What it is and how to handle it

Moving to a neighborhood with an HOA? You may be hit with unexpected fees. Here's what you need to know about special assessments.

A young couple looking for a house, symbolizing the process of home search or property hunting.

5-minute read

Nonconforming loans: What are they and how do they work?

Wondering what a nonconforming loan is and how one works? Learn about your mortgage options and see whether a nonconforming loan is the best option for you.

Father at kitchen table with young son on his lap reviewing paperwork and information on laptop..

5-minute read

How to get a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Securing a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the first step to getting a VA home loan. Learn why you need a VA COE and how to get one.

An image of a traditional neighborhood setting, depicting houses in a residential area.

6-minute read

What is a CMA in real estate? A complete guide

Learn what a comparative market analysis (CMA) is, what it does, and how it can help you determine a property’s value by comparing similar homes in you...

Dad and young sons moving into new home.

5-minute read

How much house can I afford on $300K?

You can afford quite a bit of house with an annual...

A row of townhomes, illustrating residential complexes or real estate developments.

7-minute read

Can the 30% rule help you budget for housing?

How much should you spend on housing? A general guideline says you should spend 30% of your income on housing. Is the 30% rule for housing true for you?