Becca Stanek has worked as an editor and writer in the personal finance space since 2017. She previously served as the managing editor for investing and savings at LendingTree and as an editor at SmartAsset focused on financial advisor content. Prior to that, she was a staff writer on The Week where she covered news and politics. Becca is based in Valatie, New York, and is currently freelancing while she earns her MFA in creative writing from Queens University in Charlotte.
Borrowers wondering how to get rid of PMI, or private mortgage insurance, may be surprised to learn there are multiple ways to cancel it. PMI is usually required when a buyer puts down less than 20% on a home. While this unique type of insurance h... read more
As a new homeowner, you may wonder exactly what does homeowners insurance cover and why do you need it. Your home is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, so it makes sense that you’d want to safeguard it in any way you can. That̵... read more
Homebuyers shopping for a mortgage frequently ask what is a lender credit. When you take a lender credit, the mortgage company agrees to pay some or all of your closing costs. In return, you agree to pay a higher interest rate. You may want to consi... read more
Hazard insurance protects a homeowner against damage to their dwelling or building caused by certain disasters, severe weather, or crime. Covered perils include fires, hail, snowstorms, lightning, or falling trees. The coverage also includes human-c... read more
When considering what kind of home you want to buy, it’s important to know the difference between a condo and townhouse. Many people use the term “condo” to refer to an apartment-style home and “townhouse” to refer to a multi-story attache... read more
You’ve probably heard of a down payment when buying a home, but there’s another payment you have to provide when you make an offer on a home called earnest money. If you’re wondering what is earnest money, it’s simply a depos... read more
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