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Rory Arnold

Staff writer

Rory Arnold is a Los Angeles-based writer who has contributed to a variety of publications, including Rocket Mortgage, Quicken Loans, LowerMyBills, Ranker, Earth.com and JerseyDigs. Rory received his Bachelor of Science in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. He also completed the SoFi/Coursera Fundamentals of Personal Finance Specialization consisting of five courses: Introduction to Personal Finance, Saving Money for the Future, Managing Debt, Fundamentals of Investing, and Risk Management in Personal Finance.

Expertise

Mortgage

Personal Finance

Real Estate

Education

New York University

Recent Articles

A man working on paperwork, potentially related to mortgage documents or financial planning.

7-minute read

How to get a home equity loan with 'bad' credit: A guide

Wondering how you can get a home equity loan with "bad" credit? Learn more about what's required to get a home equity loan if you have a low credit score.

Couple snuggling on couch and reviewing information online on open laptop.

6-minute read

Down payment assistance programs and grants: What they are and how they work

Learn about down payment assistance programs and how you can apply for grants and loans that can help you afford the up-front costs of buying a home.

An analyst working in an office setting, focused on a laptop.

7-minute read

7 alternatives to a home equity loan

A home equity loan is a second mortgage that will give you a lump sum of cash, but it isn’t for anyone. Explore other options before deciding.

Couple snuggling and laughing together on couch.

8-minute read

A guide to first-time home buyer programs, loans and grants

If you’re new to homeownership, first-time home buyer assistance programs can help you with down payments and more. Discover some of your options.

A clean white lounge with furniture depicting modern living rooms.

9-minute read

Jumbo loan refinance: A guide for borrowers

Are you considering refinancing your jumbo loan? Learn more about how the refinancing process works and what current jumbo loan refinance rates are like.

Young girl running towards her father across their front lawn.

6-minute read

Rent vs. buy near your base (BAH + VA loan guide)

Active duty or PCS soon? Use your BAH and the VA loan to decide whether to rent or buy near your base. Pros/cons, calculators, rules, and a step-by-step fram...

Person in front of computer monitors tracking stock charts.

2-minute read

Federal Reserve statement explained – January 2026

The Federal Reserve has held the federal funds rate steady after three consecutive cuts. Here’s what that means for mortgage rates.

A beautiful brick home, showcasing real estate or homeownership.

7-minute read

Clear to close meaning: What to expect and what happens next

Clear to close is an important milestone in the mortgage process. Learn what clear to close means, how it fits into underwriting, and what happens next.

Middle-aged couple creating a budget, possibly discussing refinancing costs or financial planning.

8-minute read

How much does it cost to refinance a mortgage?

The cost to refinance a mortgage depends on your closing fees, which typically total 3% - 6% of the loan balance. Learn more about average refinancing costs....