Author

Lauren Hargrave, Personal Finance Writer

Lauren Hargrave is a writer from San Diego who focuses on technology, finance, and healthcare. She worked in finance for seven years before pivoting to a career in writing, and now, instead of putting numbers into spreadsheets, she writes about them instead. Her articles have appeared in Forbes, The Huffington Post, the Credit Karma blog, and more.

Articles by Lauren Hargrave

Refinancing

What is a Streamline Refinance?

If you have a government-backed loan, you may be eligible for a streamline refinance. Find out if these quick-closing loans may be right for you.

First Home Loan

Escrow Accounts: What Are They and How Do They Work?

Escrow accounts serve as important intermediaries in the home buying and homeownership process.

First Home Loan

Mortgage Repayment Best Practices

Staying current with your mortgage payments is critical. Learn tips for staying on track and how early repayment options could help you save money over time.

First Home Loan

Understanding Open Houses: What Are They and How Do They Work?

An open house is one of the most efficient ways for home sellers to share their homes with interested buyers and for potential homebuyers to view the homes they’re interested in seeing.

Mortgage Comparison

Mortgage Discount Points: What They Are and How to Use Them

Mortgage discount points are a one-time payment buyers can make to reduce the interest rate on their home loan.

Down Payments

19 First-Time Home Buyer Programs for Florida Residents

Eligible Florida homebuyers have access to statewide, local, and even employer-sponsored down payment assistance. Find out if you make the cut.

Down Payments

First-Time Home Buyer in Massachusetts? Discover Grants and Assistance Programs That Can Help

Did you know that Massachusetts homebuyers have access to statewide and local down payment assistance?

Mortgage Comparison

Understanding Mortgage Prepaids

Learn about additional costs you may incur while moving through the closing process on your home.

Down Payments

Texas: Down Payment Assistance Programs

Texas has multiple statewide, local, and employee-focused down payment assistance programs for eligible first-time homebuyers and other types of borrowers.

Down Payments

A Comprehensive Guide to Illinois First-Time Home Buyer Grants and Assistance

There are multiple statewide and local assistance programs to help homebuyers buy their first home.