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

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.

First Home Loan

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.

First Home Loan

Are you a North Carolina First-Time Homebuyer? Discover Grants and Assistance Programs That Can Help

Did you know that North Carolina homebuyers have access to statewide, local, and even employer-sponsored down payment assistance?

First Home Loan

A Comprehensive Guide to Georgia First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Georgia has multiple down payment assistance programs that cater to different geographic areas, professions and levels of need.

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

What is Freddie Mac and How Does it Influence Your Home Loan?

Did you know your mortgage lender may not be the only entity involved in your home purchase? Freddie Mac and the federal government may also play a role.

First Home Loan

A Comprehensive Guide to Pennsylvania’s First-Time Homebuyer Grants and Assistance Programs

Pennsylvania residents can access financial assistance with downpayment and closing costs through multiple government, lending and non-profit programs.

First Home Loan

Guide to Mortgage Tax Credits: A First-Time Home Buyer’s Advantage

Did you know you may qualify for a tax deduction if you are a first-time homebuyer?

Mortgage Advisors

Why You Should Do an Annual Mortgage Checkup

If you aren’t happy with the conditions of your mortgage loan, you may be able to refinance or renegotiate your loan terms. Consider an annual mortgage checkup with your mortgage advisor.

First Home Loan

What is Title Insurance and How Does it Protect the Homebuyer?

A clean property title is worth its weight in gold.