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.

Georgia Homeowners Insurance: What are the Average Rates? See the average homeowners insurance rates for Georgia homes and the coverages and riders that you might consider as part of your policy. Is a Four-Year College Degree Overvalued? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Is a Four-Year College Degree Overvalued? School counselors, teachers, and parents sometimes push the idea that college is... Job Loss Before Closing: How Your Mortgage is Affected? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Job Loss Before Closing: How Your Mortgage is Affected? A mortgage loan approval gives you the go-ahead to start shopping for a... 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 Learn what you can do when you're struggling to make your mortgage payments, including options to tweak your home loan and monthly payments. 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? Photo of Valencia Patrice Higuera Valencia Patrice Higuera Balloon Loan Payments: How Do They Work? Some mortgage loans allow applicants to choose between a 15-year, 20-year, and... 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 Find out what the average homeowners insurance rate is for Washington state and the standard coverage and optional riders and coverages to consider. 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...