Jamie Cattanach

Contributing Writer

Jamie Cattanach is a freelance journalist with over 8 years’ experience writing about homeownership. Her words can be found in outlets like CNBC Make It, The Motley Fool, Yahoo! Finance, HuffPost, Insider, and many others.

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Jamie Cattanach headshot
Jamie Cattanach headshot

About

Jamie Cattanach is a Florida-born writer now based in Portland, Oregon. As the daughter of two real estate professionals and a one-time digital nomad who’s called a lot of places home—including plenty of tiny spaces, historic buildings, and, for a while, a 17-foot travel trailer—she knows how important home improvement and customization can be. 

Her work has appeared in outlets like CNBC, Fodor’s, SELF, HuffPost, Insider, and many others, and she’s written for brands like Chime, SoFi, LendingTree, and RVshare. Her best DIY project to date: a custom-built plant shelf with full-spectrum grow lights to keep her succulents alive through the Pacific Northwest winters.

Quick facts

Location
Portland, OR
Education
Flagler College
Expertise
Home upgrades and renovations, home-related personal finance

Highlights

  • Freelance journalist with almost a decade of experience in personal finance and homeownership

  • Published in CNBC Make It, The Motley Fool, Chime, SoFi, LendingTree, and many others

  • Once-upon-a-time RV dweller with mobile home renovation know-how

Published work

Articles
Jamie Cattanach  •  May 5, 2026
Can You Put Wallpaper on Textured Walls? Here’s What to Know
Can you put wallpaper on textured walls? You can, but you might not want to. If you do, here are some tips to stack the odds in your favor.
Jamie Cattanach  •  May 5, 2026
Is a Sewage Smell in My House Dangerous? Here’s What You Need to Know
Wondering what to do if you smell sewer gas in your house? Fortunately, the problem is relatively easy to prevent and fix—here’s how.
Jamie Cattanach  •  May 5, 2026
What Is a Septic Tank and How Does It Work?
What is a septic tank? It might be smelly, but it’s got a vital job to do! Dive into this important part of your home systems and see how it works for you.
Jamie Cattanach  •  May 5, 2026
Why Is My Side-by-Side Refrigerator Leaking Water Into the Freezer?
Is your side-by-side refrigerator leaking water inside the freezer? Don’t worry, it may not spell the end for your fridge. Here are 6 common causes and fixes.
Jamie Cattanach  •  May 5, 2026
Impeller vs. Agitator Washer: Which Is Right for You?
What’s the difference between an impeller versus agitator washer? We’ve got the answer here—as well as how to choose the right one for you.
Jamie Cattanach  •  May 5, 2026
6 Toasty Tips to Stop the Draft From Your Fireplace
How do you stop that pesky draft from your fireplace? The answer depends on why it’s there, but no matter what, there’s a fix for it.
Jamie Cattanach  •  May 5, 2026
Septic Leach Lines: How They Make a Dirty Job Clean
Septic leach lines perform the important function of taking wastewater from your septic tank to the leach field. Here’s how they work and how to maintain them.
Jamie Cattanach  •  May 5, 2026
Can You Sand Plaster? Yes—But You Might Not Want To
Can you sand plaster? Technically, yes, but between a big mess and potential health hazards, this is one project you’ll want to hire a pro for.