Author

Dan Silva

Vice President, Marketplace Lending

Dan is the Vice President of Marketplace Lending at Own Up. Throughout his career, he has held executive leadership positions in the mortgage and banking industry.

Dan possesses a deep understanding of mortgages and residential lending. He leverages his expertise to help improve financial outcomes for homebuyers and supports the team of home advisors at Own Up.

He strongly believes in Own Up's mission to help people avoid overpaying for their mortgages and is dedicated to making mortgage shopping and comparison easy for all customers.

Dan earned a BA in Business Economics from Eastern Connecticut State University.

Articles by Dan Silva

First Home Loan

10 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

10 practical tips to help first-time buyers set a budget, improve credit, get preapproved, shop smarter, and lock a better mortgage rate.

First Home Loan

Earnest Money Deposit: What It Is and How It Works

Understand the earnest money deposit—what it is, typical 1–2% amounts, escrow/contingency refund rules, and tips to strengthen your offer.

Refinancing

Is Refinancing Worth It? How To Decide

Decide if refinancing saves you money: clear breakdown of costs, break-even point, goals, and practical steps to lower payments or shorten your mortgage term.

First Home Loan

Pennsylvania First-Time Homebuyer Grants And Assistance

PA first-time buyer assistance: programs that can cover down payment/closing costs—many offer up to $10,000, forgivable loans, and homebuyer counseling.

Mortgage Advisors

Mortgage Amortization Schedule: How Payments Work

See how each mortgage payment splits between principal and interest, track equity, and use extra payments to cut years off your loan and lower interest costs.

First Home Loan

Massachusetts First-Time Homebuyer Grants & Assistance

Find Massachusetts state and local down payment aid—grants and forgivable loans up to $75K to help eligible first-time buyers afford a home.

First Home Loan

Illinois First-Time Homebuyer Grants & Assistance

Explore Illinois down payment & closing-cost programs—find grants, forgivable loans, eligibility and up to $25,000 to help first-time buyers qualify.

First Home Loan

Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs For Homebuyers

Compare Texas down payment assistance—statewide and local programs, income eligibility and typical aid amounts to help you afford a home.

Mortgage Advisors

Property Types: How Lenders Evaluate Occupancy

Understand how primary, second-home, and investment properties affect mortgage approval, rates, and loans so you can choose the right financing.

First Home Loan

Home Equity: What It Is and How It Works

Clear guide to home equity: what it is, how it grows, how to build and monitor it, and how to tap it for upgrades, debt payoff, or wealth.