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

First Home Loan

10 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

10 practical tips to help first-time buyers set a budget, improve credit, get preapproved, shop smarter, and lock a better mortgage rate.

First Home Loan

Closing Disclosure: What It Is and How to Review

Understand your Closing Disclosure: what to check, how to compare it to your Loan Estimate, and quickly spot errors to avoid closing delays or extra costs

First Home Loan

Pennsylvania First-Time Homebuyer Grants And Assistance

PA first-time buyer assistance: programs that can cover down payment/closing costs—many offer up to $10,000, forgivable loans, and homebuyer counseling.

First Home Loan

Real Estate Comps: Definition and How to Use Them

Use real estate comps to estimate a home's market value, spot fair prices, and strengthen offers—practical guidance on finding and adjusting comparable sales.

First Home Loan

Massachusetts First-Time Homebuyer Grants & Assistance

Find Massachusetts state and local down payment aid—grants and forgivable loans up to $75K to help eligible first-time buyers afford a home.

First Home Loan

Illinois First-Time Homebuyer Grants & Assistance

Explore Illinois down payment & closing-cost programs—find grants, forgivable loans, eligibility and up to $25,000 to help first-time buyers qualify.

First Home Loan

Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs For Homebuyers

Compare Texas down payment assistance—statewide and local programs, income eligibility and typical aid amounts to help you afford a home.

First Home Loan

Home Equity: What It Is and How It Works

Clear guide to home equity: what it is, how it grows, how to build and monitor it, and how to tap it for upgrades, debt payoff, or wealth.

First Home Loan

Escrow Accounts: What They Are & How They Work

Understand how escrow accounts protect buyers, streamline tax, insurance and closing payments, and when they're required — plus tips to manage yours.

First Home Loan

Open House: What It Is and How It Works

Open houses explained: how they work, what buyers and sellers should expect, etiquette, and practical tips to tour, compare, and follow up.