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

Refinancing

How Long Should You Stay in Your Home After Refinancing?

Selling your home too soon after refinancing could result in financial losses. Learn when selling can be beneficial versus a financial strain.

Refinancing

4 Mortgage Refinancing Trends: What to Expect in 2026

Interest rates are on the decline, but the current economic outlook for the next year is unclear. Learn what to expect if you’re looking for a lower mortgage rate in 2026.

Refinancing

Refinancing for a Lower Interest Rate: How Much Can You Save?

Refinancing and locking in a lower mortgage rate can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. Explore how mortgage refinancing can help your personal finances.

Refinancing

Refinancing for Retirement: Is It a Smart Move?

Refinancing your mortgage loan could be part of your comprehensive retirement strategy. Here's a look at whether this could be a smart move for retirees.

Mortgage Advisors

How a Pre-Approval Letter Helps You Buy a Home

Secure a pre-approval that proves you're a serious buyer: know your budget, strengthen offers, and avoid hard credit hits with soft-checks.

Mortgage Advisors

How to Find and Compare the Best Mortgage Rates

Discover 6 key questions and smart steps to compare lenders, avoid hidden fees, and possibly save thousands on your mortgage rate.

Refinancing

Cash-Out Refinance Before the Holidays: Timing Tips

Decide if a cash-out refinance before the holidays can free cash, lower payments, and when closing costs or timing make it not worth it.

First Home Loan

Why Mortgage Appraisals Take So Long (Timeline & Causes)

Why mortgage appraisals take so long: causes, typical timelines, and practical steps to reduce delays and protect your closing.

Refinancing

Cash-Out Refinance FAQs: 11 Questions to Ask

11 essential questions to determine if a cash-out refinance fits your goals—calculate equity, costs, break-even, tax impacts, and required documents—fast.

First Home Loan

How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a House?

See when you're legally able to buy and what lenders require: credit, income, DTI, down payment, plus practical tips to qualify as a young buyer.