Yahoo Finance

Laura Gariepy

Bio: Laura has been a freelance writer since 2018. Her work primarily focuses on mortgages, homebuying, loans, credit, and other personal finance and careers-related topics. Her words have been featured in U.S. News & World Report, Fortune Recommends, The New York Post, USA Today, and many other publications. She earned her MBA and a Bachelor's in Psychology during her previous career in human resources.

How to choose between a second mortgage vs. refinance

Second mortgages and refinancing are two ways to tap your home equity, but they work differently. Here’s how to decide between a refinance or a second mortgage.

last month
How to refinance from an FHA to conventional loan

Refinancing from an FHA loan to a conventional one could save you money on mortgage insurance and interest. Find out if you qualify for this type of refinance.

last month
How to use an FHA 203(k) loan to renovate a home

An FHA 203(k) loan helps you buy a fixer-upper or renovate a home you already own. Learn about the two 203(k) loan types and how to qualify.

2 months ago
What are the conforming loan limits for 2025?

The conforming loan limits for 2025 refer to how much you can borrow without needing a jumbo loan. Find out what the loan limit is where you live.

2 months ago
Cash-out refinance or home equity loan: Which should you choose?

A cash-out refinance and home equity loan are two ways to borrow against your house’s equity, but they work very differently. Learn which one is right for you.

3 months ago
What determines mortgage rates? It’s complicated.

Learn what determines mortgage rates, from inflation and the Fed to your credit score. Understanding rates allows you to be fully prepared when buying a house.

4 months ago
What is the monthly payment on a $600,000 mortgage?

A $600,000 mortgage monthly payment depends on your loan term and interest rate. Read expert advice to learn whether a $600,000 mortgage is right for you.

4 months ago
Cash-out refinance vs. HELOC: Which should you choose?

A cash-out refinance and HELOC are two ways to tap your home equity, each with pros and cons. Find out which is better for your situation.

4 months ago
How the mortgage underwriting process works

The mortgage underwriting process determines whether you qualify for a home loan. Learn about how it works and how to make the process go smoothly.

5 months ago
What is a short refinance, and how does it work?

A short refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new one for less than you owe, helping you avoid foreclosure. Learn more about short refinancing.

5 months ago
How a VA streamline refinance (VA IRRRL) works

A VA IRRRL, or a VA streamline refinance, doesn’t require an appraisal or credit check. Learn whether a VA IRRRL is the best choice for you.

6 months ago
What is a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and how do you get one?

You need a VA Certificate of Eligibility, which proves you can use your VA loan benefits, to get a VA mortgage. Learn what a VA COE is and how to get one.

6 months ago
How does title insurance work?

Title insurance can protect you and your lender from costly lawsuits for years to come. Learn how home title insurance works and how much it costs.

6 months ago
How does a fixed-rate mortgage work?

A fixed-rate mortgage locks in your interest rate for the entire loan term. Learn how a fixed-rate mortgage works and whether it’s the right fit for you.

7 months ago
Your home inspection checklist: What to expect on inspection day

A home inspection can prevent you from making a costly home-buying mistake. Review our home inspection checklist so you’re fully prepared.

7 months ago
How to prequalify for a mortgage

Mortgage prequalification is a useful step when you’re thinking about buying but haven’t started house shopping yet. Learn how to prequalify for a home loan.

8 months ago
Mortgage origination fee: Details, costs, and options for paying less

A mortgage origination fee typically costs 0.50% to 1% of your mortgage and is paid at closing. Learn about how it works and options for paying less.

8 months ago
Explaining LTV and how it impacts your mortgage

LTV ratio, or loan-to-value ratio, helps lenders determine your mortgage eligibility, interest rate, and more. Learn how it works and what to expect here.

9 months ago
How much down payment do you need for a house?

Your minimum down payment for a house will depend on the type of mortgage you want. Learn how much down payment you need and how to save money faster.

10 months ago
APR vs. interest rate: What you need to know when mortgage shopping

Understanding the difference between mortgage APR and interest rate makes you a smarter mortgage shopper and can save you money. Learn how each number affects you.

10 months ago

News

Life

Entertainment

Finance

Sports

New on Yahoo

Laura Gariepy

Most Recent

How to choose between a second mortgage vs. refinance

How to refinance from an FHA to conventional loan

How to use an FHA 203(k) loan to renovate a home

What are the conforming loan limits for 2025?

Cash-out refinance or home equity loan: Which should you choose?

What determines mortgage rates? It’s complicated.

What is the monthly payment on a $600,000 mortgage?

Cash-out refinance vs. HELOC: Which should you choose?

How the mortgage underwriting process works

What is a short refinance, and how does it work?

How a VA streamline refinance (VA IRRRL) works

What is a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and how do you get one?

How does title insurance work?

How does a fixed-rate mortgage work?

Your home inspection checklist: What to expect on inspection day

How to prequalify for a mortgage

Mortgage origination fee: Details, costs, and options for paying less

Explaining LTV and how it impacts your mortgage

How much down payment do you need for a house?

APR vs. interest rate: What you need to know when mortgage shopping