Craig Johnson

Getting Started

Averse Possession Explained

Squatters can become property owners if they meet specific legal requirements. How to protect your real estate.

Home Buying

Special Warranty Deeds Explained

Some guarantees are better than none: Why special warranty deeds have a place in real estate.

Home Equity

The Home Equity Boost From Going Solar

The verified boost in home value is great enough to offset the installation cost of solar panels.

Mortgage Refinance

3 Things Homeowners Wish They'd Known About Refinancing

When focusing on lowering their monthly payment, some refi customers lose sight of these other effects of a mortgage refinance.

Getting Started

What You Should Know About Making Rental Income With Your Home

Making money off extra living space in your home is definitely worth considering, but don't go in blind.

Cash-Out Refinance

FHA Cash-Out Plan: How It Works

A cash-out refinance from the FHA is available to more homeowners than you might think.

Home Buying

Buying a House With Cash: Pros and Cons (Yes, There Are Cons)

We explain the pros and cons of all-cash home purchases, which have been on the rise in recent years.

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.