Author

Andrew Tavin, Personal Finance Writer

Andrew Tavin is a personal finance writer who covers a wide-range of financial topics from home lending to personal loans. His work has been published across several personal finance sites, including Own Up, OppU, and Discover.

Tavin’s experience as a comedian lends an approachable and entertaining angle to his content, making his articles easy to understand and jargon-free. He has created educational and humorous content for a variety of media outlets such as BrainPOP and the National Retail Federation. His work has also been cited by Wikipedia, Crunchbase, and Hacker News.

Tavin is a Certified Financial Education Instructor through the National Financial Educators Council. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in TV Writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Articles by Andrew Tavin

First Home Loan

Your Down Payment Explained

What exactly is a down payment, and how much do I need to save? We address these questions and more right here.

Mortgage Comparison

Should You Get a Fixed Rate or Adjustable Rate Mortgage? What to Know Before Deciding

Choosing between a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate mortgage can be tough. Learn the facts about this important decision.

First Home Loan

When is the Best Time to Buy a House?

Decoding the housing market can be challenging when inventory is low and prices are high. On that note: Is there a preferred time to buy?

First Home Loan

Buying A House Without A Realtor

There are many good reasons to use a real estate agent when buying a home – but here’s what you need to know if you’re going to buy a house without a realtor.

First Home Loan

Should You Buy a For Sale by Owner (FSBO) Home?

Buying a home that’s for sale by owner could save some money on the purchase price, but it also comes with risks.

First Home Loan

Monthly Housing Expenses: The True Cost of Home Ownership

Understand the nuances of your monthly housing expenses; learn about mortgage payments, insurance, property taxes, and how to manage these costs effectively for a secure and comfortable living situation.

First Home Loan

Can You Buy a House With a Lien?

Property liens can add an extra layer of complications to the homebuying process; read on to help you decide if it’s worth navigating.

First Home Loan

What Is A Condo Questionnaire and Do I Need to Complete One?

A condo questionnaire is a document required by lenders to finance a property designated as a condominium or townhouse that is a part of a homeowners association. The document provides evidence that the condominium project is in compliance with lender’s underwriting requirements.

Mortgage Comparison

How Does a Mortgage Calculator Work?

Learn about the different parts of a mortgage calculator and how you can use it to figure out your monthly costs.

First Home Loan

8 Cautionary Notes for a First-Time Homebuyer

Going through the homebuying process for the first time can feel mysterious, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are eight mistakes to avoid as a first-time homebuyer.