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 Amortization Schedule: How Payments Work
See how each mortgage payment splits between principal and interest, track equity, and use extra payments to cut years off your loan and lower interest costs.
Refinance Timeline: Usually 30 to 60 Days
Refinancing typically takes 30–60 days—expected timelines, common delays, and practical tips to speed approval and save money.
Escrow Explained for First-Time Homebuyers
Escrow explained for first-time buyers - what funds are held, common fees & contingencies, and tips to navigate escrow for a smoother, secure closing.
Using a Co-Signer to Qualify for a Mortgage
How a mortgage co-signer can boost approval odds and lower rates - plus responsibilities, risks, and safer alternatives to protect both parties.
Home Appraisals: Timing, Cost, and Impact on Mortgages
Understand appraisal timing, costs, and steps to prevent or resolve low valuations so your home purchase, sale, or refinance proceeds smoothly.
Cash to Close: What It Includes And How Much You Need
Know exactly what's included in your cash to close, how to save, and payment options so you can budget confidently and avoid last‑minute surprises.
Who Pays Property Taxes at Closing? Proration Explained
Understand how prorated property taxes are split at closing, how escrow affects payments, and how to avoid surprises in your closing costs.
Role of Real Estate Agents in Property Transactions
Agents streamline buying or selling—saving you time, reducing risk, and securing better deals through local market insight, networks & negotiation.
Hybrid Mortgages Explained: Pros, Cons, How They Work
Get clear guidance on hybrid mortgages—how fixed intro rates, rate caps, and adjustments can lower payments now or raise costs later.
FHA Loan Guide: Benefits, Requirements and How to Apply
Discover how FHA loans enable homeownership with 3.5% down and looser credit rules, plus key costs, limits, and step-by-step application guidance.