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Sarah Jenkins

Senior Editor, Home Lending

Sarah leads VeloraLend’s home lending desk, covering conventional, FHA, VA and USDA mortgages, refinancing and home equity borrowing. She focuses on translating lender disclosures and federal housing rules into plain English for first-time buyers.

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Articles by Sarah Jenkins (25)

Mortgage

First-Time Homebuyer Guide 2024: Navigating the US Market

Learn everything you need to know about buying your first home in the US, from FHA loans to down payments and credit requirements.

Mortgage

Jumbo Loans Explained: Financing Luxury US Real Estate

What is a jumbo loan? Learn the requirements, limits, and rates for financing high-value homes in expensive US markets.

Mortgage

Understanding Mortgage Closing Costs in the US

What are closing costs? Learn how to calculate them, what they cover, and how to negotiate them when buying a US home.

Mortgage

What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and How to Avoid It

Learn how PMI works, how much it costs, and the strategies US homebuyers use to avoid or cancel it.

Mortgage

How to Buy a Foreclosed Home in the US

Interested in real estate bargains? Learn the risks and steps involved in purchasing a bank-owned foreclosed property.

Personal Loans

What is a Personal Loan and How Does It Work in the US?

Learn exactly what a personal loan is, how it works, and whether it's the right financial choice for US borrowers.

Personal Loans

What is a Good Interest Rate for a Personal Loan?

Discover average personal loan APRs by credit score and learn how to secure the best possible rate in the US market.

Bad Credit Loans

The Truth About No Credit Check Loans in the US

Are no credit check loans a scam? Learn the risks involved and how to find legitimate lenders if you have a thin credit file.

Personal Loans

Using a Personal Loan for Home Improvements

Don't have home equity? Learn how to use an unsecured personal loan to fund your next major home renovation project.

Personal Loans

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending: An Alternative to Banks

Discover how P2P lending platforms like LendingClub work and whether they offer better rates than traditional US banks.

Auto Loans

How to Finance a Car: The Ultimate US Auto Loan Guide

Buying a new or used car? Learn how to navigate dealership financing, credit unions, and online auto lenders.

Auto Loans

The Truth About 0% APR Car Deals and How to Qualify

Are 0% auto financing offers too good to be true? Learn what credit score you need and the hidden costs to watch out for.

Auto Loans

How to Get a Private Party Auto Loan

Buying a car from an individual rather than a dealership? Learn how private party auto loans work in the US.

Auto Loan Refinance

Can You Refinance an Upside-Down Car Loan?

Learn the options available if you want to refinance your auto loan but currently owe more than the vehicle's market value.

Business Loans

How to Get a Small Business Loan in 2024

From traditional banks to online lenders, discover the steps to secure financing for your US small business or startup.

Business Loans

How to Get a Business Loan for a Startup

Startups lack revenue history, making traditional loans hard. Explore alternative financing options for new US businesses.

Business Loans

The Hidden Dangers of Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs)

MCAs offer fast cash but astronomical APRs. Understand the risks before giving a lender a slice of your daily credit card sales.

Business Loans

Commercial Real Estate Loans: A Guide for Investors

Learn the requirements for securing a commercial mortgage for retail, office, or multi-family properties.

Credit Score

What is Credit Utilization and Why Does It Matter?

Credit utilization accounts for 30% of your score. Learn how to manage it and maximize your US credit rating.

Credit Score

What is a Good Credit Score in 2024?

Explore the US credit score ranges. Find out what constitutes a 'good', 'very good', and 'exceptional' FICO score.

Personal Finance

Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: Which Payoff Method is Best?

Compare the two most popular strategies for paying down debt. Discover which mathematical or psychological approach fits you.

Debt Consolidation

Top 5 Strategies for Debt Consolidation in 2024

Struggling with high-interest debt? Discover the top strategies, from personal loans to HELOCs, to simplify your payments.

Personal Finance

How US Inflation Impacts Interest Rates and Your Loans

Understand the connection between inflation, Federal Reserve rate hikes, and how much you pay for mortgages and personal loans.

Personal Finance

How to Protect Your Finances During a US Recession

Recession fears looming? Learn steps to recession-proof your career, emergency fund, and investment portfolio.

Personal Finance

Term vs. Whole Life Insurance: Which Should You Buy?

Understand why financial experts almost universally recommend term life insurance over expensive whole life policies.