Author

Mike Tassone

Mike is a Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Own Up. He has expertise in all areas of residential lending, having led operations for a top 40 lender in the United States.

He is the leader of Own Up's home advisor team, where he offers personalized advice to homebuyers. His expertise helps them explore and compare different mortgage options. Mike also empowers individuals by providing them with valuable educational resources and advocates for financial literacy and equality.

Before working in residential lending, Mike helped start the nation's first student loan debt advisory service. The service aims to assist students in better managing their student loans.

Mike holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Brown University.

Articles by Mike Tassone

First Home Loan

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a House? Expenses Explained

Discover the real costs of buying a home - down payments, closing fees, monthly and ongoing expenses with sample scenarios to budget confidently.

First Home Loan

Mortgage Comparison Guide for First‑Time Homebuyers

Compare fixed vs adjustable, government vs conventional loans, and closing costs to choose the mortgage that fits your first-time home budget and goals.

First Home Loan

10-Step Guide for First-Time Home Buyers

Step-by-step, 10-point guide for first-time buyers — from finances and preapproval to offers and closing, so you can buy your first home with confidence.

Mortgage Advisors

Should You Work With a Mortgage Consultant?

Decide if a mortgage consultant is right for you - get expert guidance to save time, find better lender options, and reduce stress through closing.

Mortgage Advisors

Compare Mortgage Lenders: Rates, Fees, and Terms

Compare mortgage lenders confidently: check licensing, request multiple quotes, and weigh rates, fees, and terms to lower your total mortgage cost.

News & Research

Most Affordable States to Buy and Own a Home

Find the 12 U.S. states where buying and owning a home is most affordable, ranked by price, living costs and median income to show where your dollar goes furthest.

Mortgage Advisors

When a Conventional Mortgage Doesn't Work: Alternatives

If a conventional loan won't fit, get clear guidance on non-QM and hard-money options: their costs, risks, and when they make sense.

First Home Loan

Best Home Loan Options for First-Time Buyers

Compare FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans with expert tips to pick the right mortgage and lower costs for first-time homebuyers.

Mortgage Advisors

Mortgage Basics: What Is a Mortgage and How It Works

Understand mortgages - how they work, loan types, rates, preapproval & refinancing tips, plus Own Up helps you compare lenders with soft credit checks.

Mortgage Advisors

Mortgages for Self-Employed: What You Need to Know

Practical guidance for self‑employed homebuyers: documentation, qualifying income, and lender options to boost your mortgage approval odds.