Larissa Runkle

Freelance Writer at Freelance

Real estate writer 🔑 Telling stories that sell homes 🏠 Helping Realtors unlock their potential 🌟

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Articles

What’s It Really Like To Live in a Mobile Home, According To Owners and Agents

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Larissa Runkle

Mobile homes are the new starter homes. Between sky-high interest rates, high home prices, and limited availability of real estate overall, becoming a homeowner is something many Americans feel they can’t afford. While renting is a good option for some, others are finding creative ways to live in their desired locations, despite the prohibitive price tag – like mobile homes. Mobile homes are no longer just the go-to preference of thrifty retirees.
How to protect yourself from HELOC fraud

1 week ago | bankrate.com | Larissa Runkle |Troy Segal

HELOC fraud is defined as someone stealing funds from an existing home equity line of credit or opening a new HELOC account in a homeowner’s name for the purpose of withdrawing funds from it. Common scams include account takeovers, identity fraud, title fraud, and even the creation of counterfeit HELOC checks — all typically carried out via phishing or stolen data.
How to protect yourself from HELOC fraud

1 week ago | kimatv.com | Larissa Runkle

How to protect yourself from HELOC fraudby Larissa RunkleThu, May 29th 2025 at 2:27 PMImage by GettyImages/Illustration by BankrateShare
How to protect yourself from HELOC fraud

1 week ago | ktul.com | Larissa Runkle

How to protect yourself from HELOC fraud
Home Sellers Who Pay Up for a Pre-Appraisal Before Listing May Regret It

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Larissa Runkle

Even if you’re new to this whole selling-a-house thing, chances are good you’ve heard of a home appraisal. And if you know just a little about the process, you know that the appraisal—a value put on your home by an objective third-party expert—can make or break your home sale. For many sellers, it seems logical: Get a professional opinion on your home’s value before you list, set the right asking price, and attract serious buyers.
The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Living in a Log Cabin-Told by Someone Who Bought One

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Larissa Runkle

There’s just something about log cabins that makes people want to pack all their earthly possessions and set up camp in one of these charming homes, usually close to nature—and away from the chaos of the world. I would know. I’m one of those people. I’ve lived in a log cabin in Colorado for roughly two years now, and I’ve learned a thing or two about what it’s really like to inhabit such a rustic home.
Sale Pending Doesn’t Mean Sold: Expert Tips on How To Make a Counteroffer on a Home

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Larissa Runkle

If you’re in the process of buying a home, there’s no doubt you’ve seen the term “Sale Pending” or “Pending Offer” on more than a few real estate listings—perhaps even on the very home you’re trying to buy!But what exactly does that mean? Can you make an offer on a pending home, knowing someone else is already in the running? And what is the difference between pending and contingent? We spoke with real estate agents from coast to coast to bring you the answers.
How to refinance when you have a second mortgage

1 month ago | wjactv.com | Larissa Runkle

Key takeawaysTo find the best FHA lender, shop around with at least three lenders and compare their loan offers and terms. Ask FHA lenders about their current rates, if they offer down payment assistance and a rate lock and what kinds of FHA loans they offer, among other questions. Knowing your credit score, the APR lenders offer and how closing costs work can help you find the best FHA loan lender.
How to refinance when you have a second mortgage

1 month ago | komonews.com | Larissa Runkle

Key takeawaysYou can refinance a second mortgage on its own fairly easily. Refinancing first and second mortgages together requires you to meet certain requirements but it is possible. Refinancing your primary mortgage while keeping a second mortgage requires resubordination. Refinancing a second mortgage — like a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) — is a popular way for many to get a lower interest rate.
How to refinance when you have a second mortgage

1 month ago | katu.com | Larissa Runkle

How to refinance when you have a second mortgageby Larissa RunkleFri, April 18th 2025 at 1:54 PMWestend61/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate