Sarah Brodsky

St. Louis

Writer at Freelance

Freelance Writer at U.S. News and World Report

I'm now @sarahbrodsky.bsky.social.

Articles

What Is a Rate and Term Refinance?

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Sarah Brodsky |Gina Freeman |Ray Frager

Key Takeaways A rate and term refinance replaces your previous mortgage with a new loan that has a different rate, a different term or both. You can use a rate and term refinance to switch from one type of loan to another, such as going from an FHA loan to a conventional loan or from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage. If you want to use your refi to consolidate debts or access money for repairs or other expenses, consider a cash-out refinance or limited cash-out refinance.
Capital One Venture X vs. Amex Platinum Card

2 months ago | bankrate.com | Sarah Brodsky |investing. Sarah writes |Madison Hoehn

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express are two of the top premium travel cards on the market. The Venture X has an edge thanks to its higher rewards potential, but the Amex Platinum’s welcome offer outshines the former. The right option for you may come down to whether you can successfully recoup the Amex Platinum’s $695 annual fee.
Deed of Trust vs. Mortgage: Does it Matter?

2 months ago | money.usnews.com | Sarah Brodsky |Ray Frager |Gina Freeman

Key Takeaways A deed of trust is a legal instrument that is similar to a mortgage in that both documents allow financed property to be seized and sold if the borrower defaults. With a deed of trust, a trustee holds title to the property or has a lien on the property until the loan is paid off. A deed of trust generally allows the trustee to foreclose and sell the property without going through the court system.
What Happens When You're Clear to Close

2 months ago | money.usnews.com | Sarah Brodsky |Whitney Blair Wyckoff |Gina Freeman

Key Takeaways "Clear to close" is a phrase lenders use to indicate that you've met your home loan's requirements and are ready to schedule closing. It's not a guarantee that your loan will be funded. You'll review your closing disclosure, schedule a walkthrough of the property and make an appointment to sign your final documents. Once you are cleared to close, stay in close contact with your lender and follow instructions. Avoid making major changes to your finances.
What is the Fair Housing Act?

2 months ago | creditkarma.com | Sarah Brodsky

Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.
You Missed a Mortgage Payment: What Happens Next?

Mar 2, 2025 | money.usnews.com | Sarah Brodsky |Ray Frager |Gina Freeman

Key Takeaways Mortgage servicers often allow a 15-day grace period during which you can make a late payment without consequences. Paying your mortgage bill after the grace period can result in late fees. Paying more than 30 days late can harm your credit score. It's important to contact your loan servicer immediately if you think you're going to miss a payment.
Bankruptcy Recovery: You Can Buy a House After Bankruptcy

Feb 23, 2025 | money.usnews.com | Sarah Brodsky |Whitney Blair Wyckoff |Gina Freeman

Key Takeaways You can buy a house after Chapter 7 bankruptcy or while paying into a Chapter 13 bankruptcy plan. How soon you can apply for a mortgage after bankruptcy depends on the type of bankruptcy, the outcome of your bankruptcy and the loan program. If circumstances outside your control led you to file for bankruptcy, you might be eligible for a shorter waiting period. It's possible to buy a house after bankruptcy, but your choice of mortgage programs may be limited.
Why Your Mortgage Payment Went Up

Feb 17, 2025 | money.usnews.com | Sarah Brodsky |Ray Frager |Gina Freeman

Key Takeaways Monthly mortgage payments can increase even if your interest rate is fixed. If your mortgage payment includes homeowners insurance, property taxes, homeowners association dues or other homeownership costs, changes in these components will be reflected in your monthly payment. The monthly payment on an adjustable-rate mortgage can increase if the loan's interest rate goes up. Once the introductory fixed rate expires, ARM rates are subject to movements in financial markets.
Non-Arm's-Length Transaction: How to Buy a House From a Family Member

Feb 13, 2025 | money.usnews.com | Sarah Brodsky |Ray Frager |Gina Freeman

Key Takeaways Buying a house from a family member is a non-arm's-length transaction, meaning you have a relationship with the seller. A non-arm's-length transaction entails extra care when you apply for a home loan. The seller might gift some equity when selling a home to a family member, making the property more affordable. Buying a house from a family member can make sense, especially if it saves you money or makes it easier to get financing.
A tradition-breaking leadership transition

Jan 31, 2025 | familybusinessmagazine.com | Sarah Brodsky

For generations, R.C. Merchant — a Farmington Hills, Mich.-based manufacturer's rep firm that specializes in electronics — was passed down to the family's male offspring as a matter of course. But today, fourth-generation owner Mallerie Merchant is preparing to take the helm as the firm's first woman president.