Craig Johnson

Home Buying

Assumable Mortgages Explained: The Appeal and the Pros and Cons

Becoming a homeowner by taking over someone's mortgage can be especially beneficial in times of high interest rates.

Major Purchase

Tax Lien Investing Explained

In many states you can buy the right to collect someone's tax debt and charge high interest, but proceed with caution.

Mortgage Refinance

Can You Refinance an FHA Loan?

Despite the unique features of an FHA loan, refinancing one is a lot like a conventional loan.

Home Buying

Joint Tenancy With Right of Survivorship: What to Know

Set yourself up for a smoother transfer of a home in trying times by signing on for joint tenancy with right of survivorship.

Home Buying

Grantee vs Grantor in Real Estate Explained

Grantee vs grantor simplified. We explain these common real estate roles.

VA Home Loan

VA Construction Loans Explained

How a VA construction loan works: Borrow and build exactly the home you want.

Household Finances

12 Retro Household Savings Tips

Which of these vintage money-saving hacks around the house will you share first?

Home Buying

Quitclaim Deeds Explained

A quitclaim deed is a fast way to transfer property, but unlike other ways, it includes no protections for the buyer.

Mortgage Refinance

Mortgage Recasting Explained: Why You Might Want to Do It

Keep your great low interest rate while lowering your payment—the double benefits of mortgage recasting.

Household Finances

Your FICO Score 10 and 10 T Explained

All about the latest FICO credit score and why it might become the new standard in home mortgages.

Household Finances

The Credit Scores That Matter Most in Your Situation

Learn about the particular credit scores that stand between you and a new credit card, a car loan, or a mortgage.

Getting Started

Your FICO Score 9 Explained

How FICO Score 9 works and how you can boost your credit score.

Getting Started

Your FICO Score 8: What Is It and How Can You Raise It?

Learn about the one score that blends your activity from all three credit reports.

Mortgage Refinance

Your FICO Score 5 Is the Credit Score Mortgage Lenders Look At

A credit check reveals a lot about you to lenders, but they focus on one particular rating.

Reverse Mortgage

Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea [2023]

A reverse mortgage might be a decent home loan option for certain people. Are you one of them?

VA Home Loan

How a VA Loan Works: Explained

Your thorough yet simplified guide to one of the most substantial benefits of military service.

Mortgage Refinance

Cash-Out Refinance to Buy a Second Home

Why you should consider a cash-out refinance to buy a second home for vacations, future retirement, or rental income.

Mortgage Refinance

Should You Refinance Your Home Again?

4 advantages to refinancing a home mortgage after only 4 years.

Household Finances

The Only Times You Should Close a Credit Card (and How to Do It Right)

Close a credit card only for a good reason, and do it this way.

Mortgage Refinance

Mortgage Refi vs. Personal Loan to Escape Credit Card Debt

What are the pros and cons of these two popular debt consolidation strategies?

Getting Started

Choosing the Right Loan Product

So many options are out there, but one loan product is the best fit for you.

Home Loan

15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage: Making the Choice

No one has a crystal ball to see 15 years ahead, much less 30, but if your income is strong and stable, a larger monthly payment will get you to the finish line sooner.

Getting Started

Figure Your DTI in 3 Easy Steps

You should know your DTI when you shop for a loan just like you know your size when you shop for shoes.

Mortgage Refinance

Finally Enough Cash

Surging home values draw more to the cash-out refinance.

Home Improvement

Summer Home Improvement Projects: Bang for the Buck

Plans we have been dreaming up all winter now have the time and sunlight to be realized, but think small and smart so you don’t miss out on the season’s fun.