Erik J. Martin
Contributor, Personal Finance
EXPERTISE
- Personal finance
- Mortgages
- Housing market
- Home improvement
- Credit cards
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts, Loyola University Chicago
- Dale Carnegie Training
Erik J. Martin is a contributor to Bankrate covering personal finance, including mortgages, the housing market, home improvement and credit cards. Based in the Chicago area, he is host of the “Cineversary” podcast and blogs on Cineversegroup.com and Martinspiration.com.
In addition to Bankrate, Martin has contributed to AARP The Magazine, Tte Chicago Tribune, Reader’s Digest, The Costco Connection and USAA, among other outlets.
Erik J.'s latest articles
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Real estate commissions in California
A breakdown of real estate agent commissions in California.
4 min read Aug 14, 2025 -
Real estate commissions in Tennessee
Real estate agents — whether representing the buyer or the seller — generally earn their income through a percentage of the home’s sale price. Traditionally, sellers have picked up the tab for both [...]
5 min read Aug 12, 2025 -
Real estate commissions in Wisconsin
Real estate agents typically earn a commission based on the final sale price of a home. That’s true whether they’re working for the buyer or the seller. In the past, sellers were typically expected [...]
5 min read Aug 11, 2025 -
What is a no-closing-cost mortgage?
It puts off those pesky closing-day expenses. But you may pay for the delay.
5 min read Aug 07, 2025 -
What are real estate transfer taxes?
Real estate transfer taxes are different from property tax, estate tax and gift tax.
2 min read Aug 06, 2025 -
How requesting a credit limit increase affects your credit
Getting a boost to your credit line can be helpful for your credit score.
7 min read Aug 01, 2025 -
Closing costs in Arizona: Who pays for what?
The Grand Canyon state has relatively low closing costs.
4 min read Jul 29, 2025