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

VA Funding Fees: What Are They and How Much Do They Cost?

Understand VA funding fees—what they are, typical rates (0.5–3.6%), payment options, and who may be exempt so you can estimate your out‑of‑pocket cost.

Refinancing

Streamline Refinance Explained: FHA, VA, USDA

Find out if FHA, VA or USDA streamline refinance can lower your rate, cut costs and close faster with less paperwork—eligibility and tradeoffs.

First Home Loan

How To Repay Your Mortgage Faster: Best Practices

Practical steps to stay current, cut years and interest from your mortgage, and weigh whether extra payments or refinancing fit your finances.

Mortgage Advisors

Mortgage Discount Points: How They Work and When to Buy

Understand mortgage discount points - how they lower your rate and monthly payment, tax-deductibility, and when the upfront cost pays off.

First Home Loan

Florida First-Time Homebuyer Programs (19 Options)

Explore 19 Florida first-time buyer programs offering down-payment & closing-cost aid (up to $50K), eligibility tips and regional details to help qualify.

Mortgage Advisors

Mortgage Prepaids Explained: What They Cost

Understand mortgage prepaids, what they cover, how lenders calculate them, and practical ways to lower what you'll owe at closing.

First Home Loan

North Carolina First-Time Homebuyer Grants & Assistance

North Carolina first-time buyers: compare statewide, local, and employer down payment programs offering up to $80K+ and find options you may qualify for.

First Home Loan

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance in Georgia

Compare Georgia first-time homebuyer programs — eligibility, max aid (up to $25,000), and how to apply so you save on down payment & closing costs.

First Home Loan

What Is Freddie Mac and How It Affects Your Mortgage

Understand how Freddie Mac shapes mortgage availability and rates—use county loan limits and conforming rules to find more affordable home loans.

First Home Loan

Mortgage Credit Certificate Guide for First-Time Homebuyers

See how mortgage tax credits (MCCs) can cut federal taxes, often 20-40% of mortgage interest, and lower monthly payments, who qualifies, fees & next steps.