Kate Wood, Lead Writer

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. Despite having learned just how difficult old houses can be, Kate purchased and is slowly renovating an eighteenth century home in eastern Connecticut.

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

The latest from Kate

What Is a 10-Year Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?

A 10-year ARM has an introductory interest rate for the first 10 years. Once that's over, the rate adjusts every six months.

What Is a 5-Year Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?

A 5-year ARM offers borrowers an introductory interest rate for the first five years. After that, the rate changes every six months.

Fed Hoists Key Interest Rate as Mortgage Rates Reach New Heights

Some 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates surpassed 6% even before the Federal Reserve's 75-point increase to the federal funds rate.

Featured video

09:32

Why Condos Make Great Starter Homes

If you're a first-time homebuyer, a condo can be a great option as a starter home. We invited our home and mortgage expert, Kate Wood, into our home (well, YouTube channel) this week to get her Nerdy stats and advice on condos, and if one might be right for you.

Kate's picks

How Rising Fed Interest Rates Affect Home Buyers, Homeowners

by Holden Lewis

Are Home Warranties Worth It?

by Taylor Getler

How to Safely Tap Home Equity in a Financial Emergency

by Barbara Marquand

Kate has also nerded out in...

Quotes and interviews

Other publications

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