Articles by Valencia Patrice Higuera

Valencia Higuera is based in Virginia and she covers budgeting, credit cards, and student loan debt, with expertise in frugal living, general banking, and mortgages. She is a self-proclaimed personal finance junkie. Valencia has contributed to publications and outlets including MSN, The Huffington Post, CBS News, Investopedia, and more. Education: B.A. in English from Old Dominion University.

Private Mortgage Insurance: How PMI Works and When It Makes Sense Learn how private mortgage insurance (PMI) works as it relates to down payments and your monthly mortgage bill. Find out if it is required for your home loan. 4 Options to Avoid Foreclosure if You Can't Make Mortgage Payments Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera 4 Options to Avoid Foreclosure if You Can't Make Mortgage Payments Closing on a mortgage and getting the keys to your new house is an exciting... When Does a No-Cost Mortgage or Refinance Make Sense? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera When Does a No-Cost Mortgage or Refinance Make Sense? Whether you’re buying a new home or refinancing your existing home loan, getting a... Balloon Loan Payments: How Do They Work? Learn how balloon loan payments work when it comes to the amortization schedule and monthly payments towards a mortgage, auto loan, or commercial loan. When Does It Make Sense to Cash Out Refinance? Learn all about cash-out refinancing and find out when it makes the most sense to use home equity for this kind of loan that puts available cash in your hands. Washington Homeowners Insurance: How to Shop for the Lowest Rates Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Washington Homeowners Insurance: How to Shop for the Lowest Rates Homeowners insurance is a policy that covers losses and damages to your... Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tornado Damage? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tornado Damage? Tornadoes are one of nature’s most powerful forces. So it’s no surprise that... Homeowners Insurance vs. Home Warranty: What's the Difference? See the differences between homeowners insurance and home warranties and how they work to protect your property. Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Your Swimming Pool? Find out how your homeowners insurance policy can help cover damages to your swimming pool, in addition to accidents and injuries in and around the pool. Homeowners Insurance and Roof Leaks: Does Your Policy Cover Damages and Repairs? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Homeowners Insurance and Roof Leaks: Does Your Policy Cover Damages and Repairs? A leaky or damaged roof needs quick attention, or else there’s the risk of mold...