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Lauren Hargrave

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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

Annual Mortgage Checkup: Save Money and Review Terms

Get an annual mortgage checkup to uncover savings, drop PMI, refinance at a lower rate, and align your loan with your life and financial goals.

Title Insurance: How It Protects Homebuyers

Clear guide for homebuyers: how title insurance protects ownership, who pays, and typical costs to avoid costly title disputes.

Can a Mortgage Advisor Help After Loan Approval?

After approval, a mortgage advisor guides you through conditions, reviews closing disclosures, and fixes paperwork to keep your loan on track to closing.

How to Shop for a Home Loan: 9 Tips

Shop mortgages smarter: 9 practical tips to compare lenders, boost credit, negotiate terms, and get pre-approved to buy within your budget.

5 Common Types of Mortgages Explained

Compare five mortgage types—what they cost, who they suit, and how to qualify—so you can pick the right loan with confidence.

Pending Status in Real Estate: What It Means

Understand 'pending' real estate status—what it means, typical timelines, why deals fall through, and when you can submit a backup offer.

How HOA Fees Impact Your Home's Affordability

Understand HOA fees, typical costs and special assessments—avoid surprise bills and see how they affect your monthly budget and home affordability.

Mortgage Prequalification Vs Preapproval: Key Differences

Understand mortgage prequalification vs. preapproval, which strengthens offers, when to get each, and how they help you win homes and close faster.

Home Buying Contingencies: What They Mean & Why They Matter

Understand real estate contingencies—what they are, 4 main types, and how they protect buyers/sellers so you can negotiate safer, smarter offers.

How To Negotiate Your Mortgage Rate And Costs

Discover which mortgage fees and rates you can negotiate, when to do it, and tips to save thousands on interest and closing costs.

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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.