Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. who specializes in writing about personal finance. His work has been published by AARP The Magazine, CNNMoney.com, Fast Company, Fortune, The Huffington Post, The New York Times, Newsweek, Realtor.com, Real Simple, Travel + Leisure, Trulia, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Post, and Zillow. He’s also a licensed real estate agent who watches way too much HGTV.
First-Time Home Buyer · Home Buying
December 25, 2025
What is a good mortgage rate in today’s market? What qualifies as a “good mortgage rate” is in the eye of the beholder. But certain types of home loans offer […]
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January 15, 2024
For many seniors, their home represents not just a place to live but also a valuable asset that can help fund their retirement. One financial tool that allows them to unlock their home’s equity is a reverse mortgage.
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January 5, 2024
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is a home loan that offers a low interest rate for a pre-set period, typically anywhere from 3 to 10 years. When that period is finished the loan’s rate adjusts based on changes in overall interest rates — though in most cases, “adjusts” means the rate increases.
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January 2, 2024
There are a number of home loan products that allow borrowers to make a low-down payment—and some require no down payment at all.
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January 2, 2024
There are a number of programs designed to help older homeowners improve their primary residences, starting with home repair grants for seniors.
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December 22, 2023
Making home renovations can transform the look of your living space, increase your house’s property value, and improve your comfort and enjoyment. However, renovating a house can also be a costly endeavor.
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Home Buying · Investment Properties
March 1, 2023
Unless you’re sitting on a boodle of cash, buying a second home — whether for an investment property or a vacation home — will require you to make a down payment for a mortgage.
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September 12, 2022
You can purchase a home with virtually anyone, including a friend — or several friends. But blending friendship and homeownership has benefits and drawbacks, and it entails taking a unique set of steps to qualify for a mortgage.
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September 2, 2022
Most homeowners move within 8 years A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most popular home loan. But because the typical homeowner moves every eight years, a 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage may […]
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July 29, 2022
Can you buy a house with student loan debt? There are ways to get a mortgage with student loan debt, even if you’re saddled with a hefty monthly student loan […]
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