Lender credits: What are they and how do they work?
It saves costs upfront, but it’s not free money.
5 min read
Jun 16, 2025
Taylor Freitas
Contributor, Personal Finance
EXPERTISE
- Real estate
- Home equity loans and mortgages
- Personal finance
- Consumer loans
- Small business loans
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Southern California
Taylor Freitas is a Bankrate contributor with over a decade of professional journalism experience. Over her career, she has covered various topics, including personal finance, credit cards, travel rewards, home ownership, mortgages, and home improvement.
When she isn’t writing, Taylor can be found using points and miles to explore new countries (most recently, Cambodia and Vietnam), discovering new music, and cheering on her beloved USC Trojans.
Find Taylor Freitas beyond Bankrate
- LA Weekly
- CNET
- ZDNet
Taylor's latest articles
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What is an alienation clause?
It’s the reason your mortgage lender gets paid back first from your home sale’s proceeds.
3 min read May 23, 2025 -
Can you pay off your HELOC early?
Yes, you can. But do you want to pay it or actually close it?
6 min read May 22, 2025 -
What to do when your mortgage application gets denied
First, you cry. Then you fix the issue. Here’s how.
6 min read May 19, 2025 -
Custodial Roth IRA: How and why to start a Roth IRA for kids
This type of account can help your child save for retirement as soon as they start earning income.
5 min read May 14, 2025 -
What is an HFA loan?
HFA loans are designed to make homeownership more affordable.
5 min read May 12, 2025 -
What is the right of redemption? How it works during foreclosure
This legal process could help you keep your home — but it comes with a catch.
5 min read Apr 25, 2025 -
What is a home appraisal? Everything you need to know
Mortgage lenders require appraisals to ensure they’re not loaning you more than the home is worth.
6 min read Apr 07, 2025