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Marianne Hayes

Author

Marianne Hayes, Personal Finance Writer

Marianne Hayes is a longtime freelance writer who's been covering personal finance and home ownership for over a decade. She has written for CNBC, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping and more. Marianne lives in Tampa with her three daughters and two miniature Dachshunds.

Articles by Marianne Hayes

Mortgage Comparison

Escrow 101 For First-Time Homebuyers: What You Need to Know

An escrow account is managed by a neutral third party and used to hold funds during the home-buying process.

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First Home Loan

Can You Have a Co-signer on a Mortgage Loan?

Applying for a mortgage with a co-signer could improve your chances of getting approved, but it has its risks.

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First Home Loan

Timing and Importance of Home Appraisals in the Mortgage Process

If You’re Buying, Selling, or Refinancing a Home, Understanding How the Home Appraisal Process Works Can Make for a Smoother Transaction

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First Home Loan

Understanding "Cash to Close:" Your Key to a Smooth Home Purchase

“Cash to close” is the total amount of money you’ll need to come up with to close on a new home.

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First Home Loan

Property Taxes at Closing: Who Bears the Burden?

Property taxes are typically prorated during a home sale, with the buyer and seller each paying a portion.

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First Home Loan

Solving the Real Estate Puzzle: The Integral Role of Agents in Property Transactions

Real estate agents are in a unique position to help home buyers and sellers alike – here’s how.

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Refinancing

How Long Does it Take to Refinance Your Home? What to Expect from Start to Finish

The refinancing process typically takes 30 to 60 days, but it could be longer if you run into a delay.

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Mortgage Comparison

Hybrid Mortgages Demystified: Features, Advantages, and Things to Watch

A hybrid mortgage combines the pros and cons of both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. Learn what this can mean for your bank account.

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Mortgage Comparison

The FHA Loan: Benefits, Qualifications, and Application Process

FHA Loans can open up the mortgage process to buyers who don't have lots of cash on hand, but there may be some additional costs to consider.

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The information provided to you in Own Up blog is intended to be for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. This blog is not a substitute for obtaining legal or tax advice from a qualified professional. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Own Up or describe Own Up's business model. Own Up makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.