Editorial library
Guides for housing decisions, underwriting, and mortgage strategy.
Browse articles that connect directly to the calculators and extension workflows across Housalyzer.
Should I Prepay My Mortgage?
Extra payments can slash years and interest—but make sure the math beats your next‑best use of cash.
Should I Refinance My Mortgage?
How to decide if refinancing makes sense—rates, costs, break-even math, and when not to.
House Hacking: Live for Less, Build Wealth Faster
How house hacking can supercharge your savings and investment returns—plus the real-world tradeoffs.
Cap Rate vs Cash‑on‑Cash: Which Metric Matters?
Cap rate ignores financing; cash‑on‑cash shows levered yield. Use both to avoid surprises.
Appreciation vs Cash Flow: Which Should You Prioritize?
Should you chase rising property values or steady monthly income? Here’s how to balance appreciation and cash flow in your real estate strategy.
Rent vs Buy: How to Decide in 10 Minutes
A simple framework to compare renting and buying based on costs, opportunity cost, and your timeline.
Claiming Depreciation on Rental Property: What Investors Should Know
How residential rental depreciation works, what qualifies, and how it impacts cash flow and taxes.
The 1% Rule: Shortcut or Trap for Real Estate Investors?
The 1% rule is a quick filter for rental properties—but it has big limitations. Here’s when to use it and when to dig deeper.