Aly J. Yale, contributor

Aly J. Yale is a mortgage and real estate writer based in Houston who has contributed to Forbes and worked for organizations such as The Dallas Morning News, PBS, NBC, and Radio Disney.

Articles by Aly J. Yale

HELOCSeptember 3, 2025
Credit Cards to HELOCs: Smart Debt Strategy or Just Delay?
HELOC debt consolidation can cut interest rates and free up cash but it also carries big risks. Learn when this strategy makes sense.
Home EquityJuly 11, 2025
How to Use Home Equity to Your Advantage
Many U.S. homeowners are equity-rich. As home values rise, so do equity levels. Learn how to use home equity to your advantage.
First-Time Home BuyersMay 2, 2025
Best First-Time Home Buyer Loans of 2025
Searching for the best first-time home buyer loans? Learn about loan programs that offer low down payments and great benefits.
First-Time Home BuyersMarch 27, 2024
Buying Your First Home Could Mean a Lower Tax Bill Soon
President Biden's State of the Union Address introduces the eagerly anticipated $10,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.
Real Estate NewsFebruary 20, 2024
Why 46% of Recent Mortgage Borrowers Should Think About a Refinance This Year
Are you a recent homeowner? Find out why 2024 could be the perfect year to refinance your mortgage.
Real Estate NewsFebruary 6, 2024
Are Falling Mortgage Rates Enough to Get Homeowners Off the Sidelines?
Mortgage rates have fallen substantially since last fall. But are they appealing enough to bring borrowers back to the market?
Real Estate NewsJanuary 18, 2024
More People Think Mortgage Rates Are Going to Fall — How Likely Is It?
Explore the rising optimism among consumers as a record-high number expects mortgage rates to fall in the next 12 months.
First-Time Home BuyersSeptember 22, 2023
Can I buy a house without a 2-year job history? (Podcast)
You typically need a two-year job history to buy a house. But there are exceptions to that rule. Learn how to buy a house without a two-year job history.
Buying a homeJanuary 26, 2023
Can you buy a house with credit card debt? (Podcast)
You can still qualify for a mortgage and buy a house with credit card debt. However, paying it off first can help you get there sooner.
Buying a homeJanuary 16, 2023
Which real estate contingencies are most important? (Podcast)
When buying a home, make sure you understand all relevant real estate contingencies. Learn about the various contingencies and what they mean.
Buying a homeJanuary 4, 2023
Should you buy the most expensive house you can afford? (Podcast)
It's tempting to max out your preapproved home buying budget. But experts warn against buying the most expensive house you can. Here's why.
First-Time Home BuyersDecember 28, 2022
6 steps to buying a home in your 30s (Podcast)
How do you become a home buyer in your 30s? Learn the first steps you should be taking, according to one mortgage professional.
Buying a homeDecember 14, 2022
Should you buy a house now or wait for rates to drop? (Podcast)
Should you buy a house now? Or wait for rates to drop and make your home loan more affordable? One mortgage expert weighs in.
Mortgage StrategyDecember 1, 2022
When should I start shopping for a mortgage lender? (Podcast)
Most home buyers know to shop around for their mortgage lender. But timing your shopping? That’s a different story.
Mortgage RatesNovember 9, 2022
When should you shop for mortgage rates as a home buyer?
Shopping for mortgage rates is key to getting an affordable loan. But when in the home buying process do you start rate shopping?
Buying a homeNovember 1, 2022
Hacks for buying a house in a high-rate market (Podcast)
High interest rates are putting the squeeze on home buyers. But these nine tips can help you succeed regardless of the interest market.
Mortgage NewsNovember 1, 2022
FHFA cuts upfront mortgage fees for about 1 in 5 home buyers
The FHFA is eliminating risk-based loan fees for many first-time home buyers. Here's what it might mean for you.
Mortgage NewsOctober 24, 2022
New Freddie Mac rule makes it easier to buy a house in 2022
A new Freddie Mac rule in 2022 could make it easier for many home buyers to qualify for a mortgage. Here's how.
Buying a homeOctober 19, 2022
Pro-level home buying tips that “no one talks about” (Podcast)
Everyone knows home-buying mantras like "start saving early." But these seven lesser-known tips could give you a more competitive edge.
Homeownership TopicsSeptember 27, 2022
Why a HELOC might be better than moving right now (Podcast)
Did rising rates throw a wrench in your plans to move and upsize this year? A HELOC for home improvements could be a good alternative.

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