About Meera Pal

Meera Pal

Contributing Writer, New American Funding

Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer who spent many years as a journalist, before venturing out on her own. She has extensive experience writing about a variety of topics, including real estate, technology, personal growth, and pets.

Meera Pal Articles

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.

A couple on the couch looks at paperwork and a tablet.

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.

Blocks spell out PMI on a piece of paper with a gold pen in front of them.

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.

A real estate agent and a couple making an offer on a home

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.

A real estate agent talking to a family inside of a home.

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 should understand their amortization schedules so they can decide if it makes sense to pay off their loans early.

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.

A Black couple talks while looking at a laptop and paperwork

Homebuyers
September 10, 2024

Mortgage Rates vs APR: Knowing the Difference May Save Homebuyers Big Money

Two important terms every potential homebuyer should learn are mortgage interest rates and annual percentage rate (APR). Both terms directly relate to how much money you'll pay each year, but there are some key differences that can really add up.

woman going over details in front a house for sale

Homebuyers
September 5, 2024

Bidding Wars: How Homebuyers Can Triumph in the Housing Market—And Know When to Walk Away

With mortgage rates hitting their lowest level in over a year, more buyers are expected to come off the sidelines. The additional competition could lead to one of homebuyers’ fears: a resurgence in bidding wars.

Homebuyers
August 28, 2024

Tips to Boost Your Credit Score Before Buying a Home

Many first-time homebuyers focus their attention on attending open houses, saving for a down payment, and figuring out if they can afford their preferred home. However, there is one big thing that many forget to do: Check their credit scores.

Homebuyers
August 1, 2024

Looking for a Low Rate? Why Homebuyers May Want to Consider a Mortgage Rate Buydown

Homebuyers facing elevated home prices and frustratingly high mortgage rates are looking for ways to make homeownership possible. That's leading many to discover mortgage rate buydowns.