About Meera Pal

Meera Pal Articles

• Homeowners
• July 11, 2025

6 Ways to Make Moving This Summer Easier on Kids

A summer move can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, especially for kids. This is how to make it easier for everyone.

• Homeowners
• June 13, 2025

If Your Home Is Damaged by a Wildfire, These Programs May Help You Pay Your Bills

Wildfire survivors often find themselves juggling insurance claims, temporary housing, and ongoing mortgage payments. Fortunately, there are a range of relief programs.

• Homebuyers
• May 19, 2025

How VA Loan Buyers Can Be Competitive in Today’s Housing Market

With no down payment required and stricter appraisal and inspection standards, VA loans are often misunderstood by home sellers. Here's how VA buyers can make their offers more attractive.

• Homebuyers
• December 27, 2024

Seller Credits: Why Homebuyers Should Take Advantage of Them

Seller credits are financial assistance offered by home sellers to help buyers cover certain costs.

• Housing News
• December 2, 2024

The 20 Most Affordable Places in America to Buy a Home

There are still relatively affordable housing markets if you know where to look. These are the 20 metropolitan areas with the lowest median list prices.

• Homebuyers
• November 21, 2024

Low Payments Now, High Costs Later: The Truth About Interest-Only Mortgages

Interest-only loans allow borrowers to pay just the interest on a loan for a set period. But then monthly mortgage payments may increase substantially.

• Homebuyers
• November 19, 2024

What is PMI? What You Need to Know and How You Can Avoid It

Homebuyers who make smaller down payments may need to pay private mortgage insurance, also known as PMI. Here's how to avoid it—or get rid of it.

• Homebuyers
• November 14, 2024

What Is Earnest Money and How Does It Work?

Given the state of the market, homebuyers may need to take advantage of every opportunity to make their offers stand out. For some, that could include waiving contingencies or putting down an earnest money deposit.

• Homebuyers
• November 7, 2024

What Is an Escalation Clause? This Little-Known Strategy Can Help Homebuyers in Competitive Markets

An escalation clause is a tool homebuyers can use to win a bidding war—but it could backfire.

• Homeowners
• October 7, 2024

Understanding the Mortgage Amortization Schedule Can Help Homeowners Save Money

Homeowners with a mortgage receive an amortization schedule. It shows homeowners how much they will pay over the life of their loan and how long it will take to pay it off.