Editorial Integrity & Guidelines

Learn about our editorial standards, fact-checking process, and commitment to helping mortgage-interested people make informed decisions.

Our Editorial Promise, in Plain English

We're committed to providing transparent, jargon-free, and actionable insights that empower anyone interested in mortgages and home buying. Our content is fact-checked by industry experts, cites reputable sources, and is regularly updated to reflect current market conditions. We believe that informed people make better decisions, and better decisions lead to successful homeownership.

Last updated: July 14, 2025


Editorial Integrity & Guidelines

1. A Commitment to Mortgage-Interested People

Homebuyer.com serves a diverse audience of people interested in mortgages and home buying. We commit to giving transparent, jargon-free, and actionable insights that empower U.S. home buyers and mortgage seekers of all types. We do more than assist people on their homeownership journey - we empower them to make better, informed decisions.

Our mission is to demystify the home buying and mortgage process, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their financial background, prior knowledge, or where they are in their homeownership journey. We believe that education is the foundation of successful homeownership, and we're committed to providing the highest quality educational content in the mortgage industry.

1.1 Our Diverse Audience

We serve a wide range of people interested in mortgages and home buying, including:

  • First-time home buyers - People purchasing their first home
  • Repeat buyers - Experienced homeowners looking to move or upgrade
  • Refinancers - Homeowners seeking better mortgage terms
  • Real estate investors - People buying properties for investment purposes
  • Military families - Active duty, veterans, and their families exploring VA loans
  • Rural home buyers - People interested in USDA mortgage programs
  • Credit-challenged borrowers - People working to improve their mortgage options
  • High-value borrowers - People seeking jumbo loans and luxury home financing
  • Self-employed individuals - People with non-traditional income documentation
  • Homeowners in financial distress - People exploring options like loan modifications

2. Our Editorial Pillars

2.1 Clarity Over Complexity

Home buying and mortgages can be complex, but your understanding of them doesn't have to be. We delve deep into intricate topics, from legislative nuances to financial considerations, ensuring that the information you receive is both accessible and applicable to your unique situation.

We break down complex mortgage concepts into digestible pieces, using real-world examples and clear explanations. Our goal is to make you feel confident and knowledgeable about your mortgage and home buying decisions, not overwhelmed by industry jargon.

2.2 Empowering Solutions

Our content philosophy is built on actionable guidance. We don't just highlight the challenges you might face; we provide tangible solutions and empower you to navigate mortgage and home-buying hurdles confidently. And although we champion the benefits of homeownership, we respect that it's a significant and personal decision that should be made without external pressures.

Every article we publish includes practical next steps and actionable advice. We don't just tell you what to do - we explain why it matters and how it fits into your broader financial strategy.

2.3 Rigorous Fact-Checking

Accuracy is our north star. Authored by industry experts, each piece undergoes a stringent review process to ensure it meets our high standards. Our CEO, Dan Green, helms our editorial review. Dan Green is a former mortgage loan officer and well-known mortgage industry expert. He's appeared on NPR and CNBC and in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, along with dozens of local newspapers. Dan has helped millions of people get educated on mortgages, real estate, and personal finance.

Our fact-checking process includes multiple layers of verification, including primary source research, expert consultation, and cross-referencing with authoritative industry publications and government sources.

2.4 Committed to Reliable Information

Reliability is a cornerstone of our editorial process. Our information is drawn from authoritative sources like government bodies and leading industry figures. We don't take mortgage data at face value. We verify statistics to ensure you get the most accurate and updated information.

We prioritize primary sources over secondary reporting, always seeking the most current and authoritative information available. When we cite statistics or research, we provide clear attribution and context for our readers.

2.5 Customers Come First

Our editorial priorities are your needs - not ours - because we know that when our readers succeed, we succeed, too. We don't create content based on what's trending or what might generate the most clicks. Instead, we focus on what people interested in mortgages actually need to know to make informed decisions.

We regularly survey our readers and analyze their questions to ensure our content addresses real concerns and provides genuine value. Your success in achieving your mortgage and homeownership goals is our primary measure of success.

2.6 Up-to-Date, Accurate Content

The mortgage world is always changing, so our content is never permanent. We regularly update prior articles and videos to reflect current mortgage guidelines and mortgage market conditions. We know our readers need the most current and accurate information available to guide their mortgage and home buying decisions.

We have a systematic review process that ensures all content is current and accurate. Articles are reviewed quarterly for updates, and we immediately update content when significant changes occur in mortgage regulations or market conditions.

2.7 Commitment to Ethical, Practical Solutions

We stand by ethical reporting and offer practical, low-risk solutions that adhere to standardized mortgage practices. Our approach is to equip you with strategies that are both safe and effective, simplifying your path to homeownership.

We never recommend risky or questionable financial strategies. Our advice is always grounded in sound financial principles and industry best practices, designed to protect your financial well-being while helping you achieve your homeownership goals.

3. Our Editorial Process

3.1 Research and Development

Every piece of content begins with extensive research. Our team reviews current mortgage guidelines, market data, and industry trends. We consult with industry experts, review government publications, and analyze real-world scenarios to ensure our content is comprehensive and accurate.

We don't rely on single sources or outdated information. Each topic is researched from multiple angles, ensuring we provide a complete picture of the subject matter.

3.2 Writing and Review

Content is written by experienced mortgage professionals who understand both the technical aspects of home buying and the needs of our diverse audience. Each piece undergoes multiple rounds of review, including technical accuracy checks, readability assessments, and editorial review.

Our review process includes fact-checking against primary sources, verifying calculations and statistics, and ensuring that all advice is practical and actionable for our readers.

3.3 Expert Review

All content is reviewed by Dan Green, our CEO and former mortgage loan officer. With decades of experience in the mortgage industry, Dan ensures that every piece of content meets our high standards for accuracy, clarity, and usefulness.

In addition to Dan's review, we consult with other industry experts when needed, including real estate professionals, financial advisors, and legal experts to ensure our content is comprehensive and accurate.

3.4 Continuous Improvement

We believe in continuous improvement. We regularly review our content based on reader feedback, changing market conditions, and new industry developments. Our goal is to always provide the most current, accurate, and helpful information possible.

4. Source Standards and Verification

4.1 Primary Sources

We prioritize primary sources whenever possible. This includes government publications, official mortgage guidelines, and direct industry data. We cite these sources clearly so you can verify information for yourself.

When we reference government programs, mortgage guidelines, or regulatory requirements, we link directly to the official sources whenever possible.

4.2 Reputable Sources Only

We use only reputable, authoritative sources for our research and content. This includes:

  • Government agencies: Federal Reserve, FHFA, HUD, VA, USDA, CFPB
  • Industry organizations: Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Realtors
  • Academic institutions: University research and studies
  • Reputable financial institutions: Major banks and lenders with established credibility
  • Industry publications: Recognized mortgage and real estate trade publications
  • Expert opinions: From qualified mortgage professionals and industry leaders

4.3 Citation Standards

We cite our sources clearly and consistently throughout our content. When we reference statistics, research, or specific information, we provide:

  • Clear attribution to the original source
  • Publication dates and context
  • Direct links to source materials when available
  • Explanation of how the information relates to our content

We believe in transparency and want our readers to be able to verify our information and explore sources further if they wish.

4.4 Industry Experts

We consult with recognized industry experts and professionals to ensure our content reflects current best practices and real-world experience. Our network includes mortgage loan officers, real estate agents, financial advisors, and legal professionals.

4.5 Data Verification

All statistics and data points are verified against multiple sources. We don't rely on single data points or unverified claims. When we present statistics, we provide context about when the data was collected and what it represents.

5. Content Categories and Standards

5.1 Educational Content

Our educational content focuses on explaining complex mortgage concepts in simple terms. We break down topics like credit scores, down payments, and loan types into digestible pieces that help you understand how they affect your mortgage and home buying journey.

5.2 Market Analysis

Our market analysis content provides insights into current mortgage trends and conditions. We focus on what these trends mean for different types of borrowers and how you can use this information to make better decisions.

5.3 How-To Guides

Our how-to guides provide step-by-step instructions for common mortgage and home buying tasks, from getting pre-approved to closing on your home. These guides are designed to be practical and actionable for all types of borrowers.

5.4 Research and Statistics

Our research content presents data and statistics in a way that's meaningful for our diverse audience. We don't just present numbers - we explain what they mean and how they can inform your decisions.

6. Reader Engagement and Feedback

6.1 Listening to Our Readers

We actively seek and value reader feedback. Your questions, comments, and suggestions help us improve our content and ensure we're addressing the topics that matter most to you.

We monitor reader questions and concerns to identify gaps in our content and opportunities to provide more helpful information.

6.2 Responding to Reader Questions

We strive to respond to reader questions promptly and thoroughly. While we can't provide personalized financial advice, we can point you to relevant resources and help you understand the general principles that apply to your situation.

6.3 Continuous Content Improvement

Reader feedback directly influences our content strategy. When we receive questions about topics we haven't covered, we prioritize creating content to address those needs.

7. Transparency and Disclosures

7.1 Conflicts of Interest

We are transparent about our business model and any potential conflicts of interest. We do not accept payment from lenders or other companies to promote their products or services in our editorial content.

Our recommendations are based solely on what we believe is best for our readers, not on any financial relationships or partnerships.

7.2 Affiliate Relationships

We may have affiliate relationships with some companies, but these relationships do not influence our editorial content. We clearly disclose any affiliate relationships when they exist.

7.3 Editorial Independence

Our editorial team operates independently of our business development and marketing teams. Editorial decisions are made based on reader needs and educational value, not business considerations.

8. Quality Assurance and Updates

8.1 Regular Content Reviews

We conduct regular reviews of all our content to ensure accuracy and relevance. Articles are reviewed quarterly, and we update content immediately when significant changes occur in mortgage guidelines or market conditions.

8.2 Correction Policy

If we discover an error in our content, we correct it immediately and clearly indicate what was changed and why. We believe in transparency about our mistakes and our corrections.

8.3 Version Control

We maintain clear records of content updates and changes. When we make significant updates to articles, we note the date and nature of the changes so readers can understand how current the information is.

9. Reader Rights and Expectations

9.1 What You Can Expect From Us

As a reader of Homebuyer.com, you can expect:

  • Accurate, up-to-date information about mortgages and home buying
  • Clear, jargon-free explanations of complex topics
  • Practical, actionable advice that you can use
  • Transparent disclosure of our business relationships
  • Prompt responses to your questions and concerns
  • Content that prioritizes your interests over business considerations
  • Clear citation of sources and research
  • Content relevant to your specific mortgage situation

9.2 What We Expect From You

We ask that you:

  • Use our content as educational information, not as personalized financial advice
  • Consult with qualified professionals for your specific situation
  • Provide constructive feedback to help us improve
  • Respect our editorial independence and integrity

10. Contact Us and Get Involved

10.1 Questions and Feedback

We welcome your questions, feedback, and suggestions. You can reach us at [email protected]. We strive to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.

10.2 Content Suggestions

If there's a topic you'd like us to cover or a question you'd like us to answer, please let us know. Your suggestions help us create content that's truly valuable to people interested in mortgages and home buying.

10.3 Report Errors

If you find an error in our content, please report it to us immediately. We take accuracy seriously and will correct any errors promptly.

11. Our Commitment to You

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of editorial integrity and providing you with the most accurate, helpful, and current information about mortgages and home buying. Your success in achieving your homeownership goals is our primary goal, and we will continue to work tirelessly to provide you with the resources you need to make informed decisions.

Thank you for trusting us with your mortgage and home buying education. We're honored to be part of your journey to homeownership.

12. Learn More

To learn more about Homebuyer.com, visit our About Us page. For questions about our editorial process or to provide feedback, contact us at [email protected].

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