Kirk Haverkamp

Kirk Haverkamp is an award-winning reporter and editor with more than 25 years of experience in journalism and public relations. He has contributed to Credit.com, Investopedia, and MetroMode online magazines, among other work. He has a B.A. in English from Hope College and a Master’s Degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

The Higher Costs of Buying a Historic Home

Got your eye on a vintage house that has historical or architectural significance? It’s crucial to know what you are […]

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A Guide to Green, Energy-Efficient Mortgages

As the name implies, a “Green Mortgage” is an environmentally friendly type of home loan. They’re also known as Energy […]

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An agent or servicer discussing a mortgage on a house, calculating interest on a home loan

VA Loans for Civilians: Getting a VA Loan Without Being a Veteran

The VA gives loans to military members with far more favorable terms than the conventional housing market offers. VA loans […]

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Family in front of their house

Loan Programs and Protections for Hispanic Homebuyers

People of Hispanic American ethnicity are United States citizens with a cultural or ancestral connection to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries. […]

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Home Loans and Grants for People with Disabilities

Buying a home can present unique obstacles for people with disabilities. It’s essential to find a home that meets the […]

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Coupling working on a home improvement project with paint

The FHA Title 1 Home Improvement Loan Guide

Want to add a new bathroom to your home this summer? Maybe it’s time to replace that 20-year-old roof, or […]

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Shaking hands after the signing of the contract agreement is complete.

Shared Equity Mortgages and Agreements

What is a Shared Equity Mortgage A shared equity mortgage is a joint ownership arrangement between an investor and a […]

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Qualifying for a Mortgage Is Not As Hard As You Think

What’s keeping you from applying for a mortgage? Maybe you’re worried that your credit score isn’t high enough or you […]

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Using a HELOC To Buy a Second Home

Getting a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to buy a second home can be risky. Often used for real […]

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Definition: Delayed Financing and How It Works

Delayed financing is a financial technique where an individual initially purchases a property with cash and then shortly afterwards, secures […]

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How To Help Your Children Buy A First Home

Should parents give or loan money to help adult children buy a first home? It’s a difficult question because more […]

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What Is Mortgage Forbearance?

Mortgage forbearance allows homeowners to pause or reduce mortgage payments during a short-term financial setback such as a job loss […]

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Raising Your Homeowner’s Deductible Can Produce Big Savings

If you’re looking to trim living expenses associated with your home, one option could be to raise your homeowner’s insurance […]

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What Homeowner Tax Credits Are Available?

There are many perks to owning a home. You earn equity, enjoy greater privacy and flexibility than renters, and you […]

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Using Annual Percentage Rate (APR) to More Accurately Assess Mortgage Costs

Shopping for a mortgage can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the process. Borrowers have to sort through what kind […]

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