Kate Wood

Lead Writer | Homebuying, mortgages, homeowership

Kate Wood joined NerdWallet in 2019 as a writer on the homes and mortgages team. With an educational background in sociology, Kate feels strongly about issues like housing inequality and relishes any opportunity to demystify the homebuying process. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she wrote about home remodeling, decor and maintenance for This Old House magazine.

Education: B.A. in sociology from Vassar College, M.A. in sociology from UC San Diego
Previous experience: This Old House magazine

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Should You Buy a Home in 2024?

Would-be home buyers have been frustrated by rising interest rates, low inventory and sky-high home prices, but hopes are high that the market will be more forgiving this year.

Kate's picks

How to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster

by Taylor Getler

Making more aggressive progress toward paying off your mortgage allows you to build equity in your home and gives you financial options.

Want to Add a Granny Flat or Rental ADU? Here’s How to Finance It

by Holden Lewis

Dream of adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? Borrow equity, or refinance into a construction or renovation loan.

How to Challenge a Low Home Appraisal

by Barbara Marquand

Ask for a reconsideration of value if you think the appraiser made a mistake. Consider filing a fair housing complaint if you suspect you've been discriminated against.

Kate has also nerded out in...

Quotes and interviews

Fox Business. Pending home sales fall to record low as high mortgage rates take a toll.
Wall Street Journal. What Bank Troubles Mean for Your Mortgage.
Apartment Therapy. Finance TikTokers Claim One Easy Move Will Cut Your Mortgage in Half — But Here’s What Experts Say.

Other publications

The New York Times, The Associated Press, USA Today, MSN

The latest from Kate

The Homeowner Assistance Fund: How It Works and How to Apply

If you own your home and have been financially affected by the pandemic, you may be eligible to receive a grant through your state's Homeowner Assistance Fund.

Should I Buy a House? How to Tell If You’re Ready

Take an in-depth look at your goals and priorities, as well as your finances, before you begin house hunting.

The Property Line: Harsh Vibe Continues for Home Buyers in 2022

Signs point toward a friendlier market for buyers in 2022, if only marginally so.

How I Paid for Home Repairs and More as a New Homeowner

Hoping to buy a home? Strategizing how you'll pay for home improvements now can save you stress later.

Using a Mortgage Broker vs. a Bank

A mortgage broker can offer a wider array of options and streamline the mortgage process, but working directly with a bank gives you more control and costs less.

Offerpad: What to Know

Offerpad provides streamlined options for buying and selling homes in 11 states. It charges sellers a 5% service fee.

What Is Dual Agency, and Why Is It Illegal in Some States?

Dual agency is when one real estate agent is on both the buying and selling sides of the same transaction.

How to Flip a House

Buying a property, fixing it up and selling it at a profit is one way to make money in real estate.

How Do I Sell My House Fast?

If you need to sell your house fast, any of these options can help speed up the process.

How to Buy a Foreclosed Home

Foreclosures can expand your homebuying options, but be aware of potential costs like repairs and extra fees.

Are Cash Offers Better for Sellers?

An all-cash offer for your home might seem like the golden ticket, but take the time to weigh all your options.

Refi Possible and RefiNow: Refinance Loans for Lower-Income Homeowners

New conventional loan refinancing options could help eligible homeowners lower their interest rates and monthly mortgage payments.

How a Mortgage Nerd Bought a House in a Seller’s Market

Buying a house was super-hard, and I write about homebuying for a living. If you’re wondering how to pull it off, you’re not alone. Here's what I did.

What to Know About Buying a Second Home

Make a clear plan and an all-inclusive budget before you set your sights on buying a second home.

What Is a Real Estate Attorney, and Do You Need One?

Your state may require you to hire a real estate lawyer to facilitate parts of your home purchase.