Mary Beth Eastman

Mary Beth Eastman

Writer, Fox Money

Writer

  • Award-winning journalist
  • Mortgage and personal loan expert
  • Bylines at The Balance, U.S. News & World Report, CNN, and New York Post

Experience

Mary Beth Eastman is a personal finance writer and award-winning journalist. Eastman has worked as an editor for The Beaver County Times, content manager at West Hall Publishing and Consulting, and content editor for The Balance and Investopedia. She has provided her expertise to Money Under 30, U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, Newsweek Vault, CNN, CNN Underscored, Bankrate, and New York Post.

Eastman won awards from the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, the Pennsylvania Women's Press Association, and the Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors for design. She is a member of ACES: The Society for Editing and the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

Expertise

  • Mortgages
  • Insurance
  • Student loans
  • Credit cards
  • Home equity loans
  • Home buying

Education

Eastman has a bachelor's in journalism from Bowling Green State University.

Mary’s Latest Articles

How to buy land and build a house
MortgageHow to buy land and build a house

Buying land and building a house lets you customize a home exactly the way you want it — but the process is a little different from buying an existing house. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, it took an average of ...

By Mary Beth Eastman

August 23, 2024

PenFed mortgage review 2024
MortgagePenFed mortgage review 2024

Best for good creditPenFed Credit Union offers a variety of mortgage products, including FHA, VA, conventional, and jumbo loans. Because PenFed’s credit requirements are a little stricter than some competitors, they’re a good f...

By Mary Beth Eastman

August 7, 2024

What is a VA Loan? Types, terms, and how to apply
MortgageWhat is a VA Loan? Types, terms, and how to apply

A VA home loan offers service members and veterans an affordable way to buy a home. Since the program’s creation, the Department of Veterans Affairs has guaranteed over 28 million loans. VA loans can be used to buy a new home, ...

By Mary Beth Eastman

June 21, 2024

What is a warranty deed and how does it work?
MortgageWhat is a warranty deed and how does it work?

A warranty deed is a type of deed used in real estate transactions to guarantee to the buyer that there is a clear title to the property. They’re used to transfer ownership of a property, and often a mortgage lender will requir...

By Mary Beth Eastman

August 7, 2024

How much does a $300,000 mortgage cost?
MortgageHow much does a $300,000 mortgage cost?

When shopping for a home, you’ll want to understand the costs involved in paying for it, especially those associated with your mortgage. A $300,000 mortgage comes with many costs aside from the amount you borrow — not only upfr...

By Mary Beth Eastman

August 14, 2024

How to get a mortgage
MortgageHow to get a mortgage

Most Americans take out a mortgage to purchase their home — a whopping 80% of buyers, according to a study from the National Association of REALTORS®. Knowing how to get a mortgage before you’re ready to buy a home will make th...

By Mary Beth Eastman

September 12, 2024

How to compare mortgage rates
MortgageHow to compare mortgage rates

Mortgage interest rates can make a big difference in what you’ll pay for your new home or mortgage refinance. When mortgage rates are high, borrowers spend more in interest, but when mortgage rates are low, borrowing becomes mo...

By Mary Beth Eastman

September 25, 2024

How to qualify for a mortgage
MortgageHow to qualify for a mortgage

Buying a home is an exciting milestone in life — but it can be nerve-wracking, too. It helps to know ahead of time whether you’ll be likely to qualify for a mortgage. In fact, mortgage rates continue to rise, exceeding 7% for t...

By Mary Beth Eastman

August 7, 2024

First-time homebuyer guide to getting a house in 2024
MortgageFirst-time homebuyer guide to getting a house in 2024

For a first-time homebuyer, the process of buying a home can be as nerve-wracking as it is exciting, but you’re not alone. The National Association of REALTORS® found that first-time homebuyers accounted for 32% of home purchas...

By Mary Beth Eastman

September 9, 2024

What is an FHA 203(k) loan and do you need one?
MortgageWhat is an FHA 203(k) loan and do you need one?

Looking for a fixer-upper home? The Washington Post reported that in some markets, a fixer-upper could be priced “5 to 10 percent below comparable homes.” A 203(k) loan, also known as a rehabilitation loan, is a mortgage backed...

By Mary Beth Eastman

August 29, 2024

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Fox Money is a property of Credible Operations, Inc., which is majority-owned indirectly by Fox Corporation. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. All rights reserved. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of Fox's Terms of Use and Updated Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices.