Troy Segal
@TroySegal
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Culture/lifestyle writer & editor, specializing in the arts, dining, travel, and personal finance
Manhattan, NY
Joined May 2015
Calling all #croissant lovers: Check out my review for this new site, In My Expert Opinion (IMEO), on freezer-to-oven croissants. Even if you don't think of yourself as a baker, you can make these. Bon appétit! #baker #baking #pastries
https://t.co/dZU8iSMDqA
inmyexpertopinion.com
Sold through Williams Sonoma, Galaxy Desserts' Classic Croissants are frozen dough you thaw overnight and then cook for a fresh-baked taste.
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With existing home supply tight, new construction is booming — and the price gap has nearly vanished, making new builds a tempting option for more buyers.
bankrate.com
New construction homes have always been pricier than existing homes, but the gap between prices has narrowed.
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Home prices hit a record $435,300 in June, but sales stayed sluggish as high mortgage rates and tight supply kept affordability out of reach. Read the latest here:
bankrate.com
July 2025 saw slow existing-home sales — but home prices keep setting records, the National Association of Realtors reports.
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Home equity loans vs. HELOCs. Is there a better choice for this economy? While everyone’s financial situation is different, one option seems more popular than the other right now.
bankrate.com
Why home equity loans are more popular than HELOCs right now -- and what advantages these fixed-rate products offer borrowers.
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Think a refinance doesn’t involve as much thought as your first mortgage? It can actually be an even bigger decision. Find out the top regrets homeowners have when they go through refinancing.
bankrate.com
Avoid making these mistakes when refinancing your mortgage. Learn from someone who has been there and save yourself time, money, and hassle.
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Have you started using AI to help you buy a home yet? New technologies are streamlining the process of finding, evaluating and purchasing real estate:
bankrate.com
Homebuying technology keeps making the process easier and more efficient. Here are four new advancements buyers are using today.
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Lenders don’t always like it when you borrow from one home to buy a second one. But there are a few situations in which you might be able to use home equity to buy another house.
bankrate.com
Home equity loans and HELOCs are both options to buy another house, but using home equity in this way comes with both upsides and risks.
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In today’s competitive housing market, having a mortgage commitment letter could be essential. Here’s how to use your letter to successfully buy a home:
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More than 60 percent of homeowners are even more worried about covering maintenance and repair costs than they were just a few months ago, says Angie Hicks of @Angi. Here’s the list of the most common home maintenance costs:
bankrate.com
Here are some of the most expensive ongoing costs of homeownership — the regular maintenance expenses you can count on running into.
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Should you worry if your home equity is negative? It depends on whether you can afford to stick around until your equity turns positive again. If you’re selling your home, negative equity can be a very bad thing.
bankrate.com
You might end up with negative equity in your home if its value depreciates. Let’s look at how this happens and what you can do if it does.
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Since 2020, U.S. home equity has surged by an average of 142%! Explore the state-by-state breakdown on @Bankrate:
bankrate.com
Some states have seen bigger increases in home equity than others. Where has homeownership paid off the most--and the least? And why?
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Homeowners are often confused about home equity, which is why my colleague @lindanbell listed the biggest home equity myths and misconceptions. Some of them may surprise you:
bankrate.com
We cut through the myths and misconceptions surrounding home equity, explaining what homeowners often get wrong, and why.
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Should you hold off on refinancing until interest rates drop? Maybe, and maybe not. Do the math before you make any decisions.
bankrate.com
Do you really need to wait until rates go down a full percentage point to refinance your mortgage? Not necessarily.
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People generally think of home equity as a long-term wealth generator. However, home equity can also be a good medium-term tool for people who want to maintain or improve their home while they’re living in it:
bankrate.com
Building equity in your home is a smart financial move that enhances your net worth and provides cash via a home equity loan or HELOC.
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Home equity loans and HELOCs come with closing costs and ongoing fees. Compare lenders, negotiate terms and know what you're really paying upfront.
bankrate.com
Know the types of HELOC and home equity loan closing costs to expect if you want to tap your ownership stake for cash.
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Rising insurance premiums are straining homeowners and pricing out buyers, adding to already high housing costs and shrinking affordability even further.
bankrate.com
An increase in extreme weather events has seen homeowners insurance rates spike, straining the budgets of both homebuyers and existing owners.
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Your home is the collateral when you borrow against it. This means defaulting on a HELOC or home equity loan can lead to foreclosure, credit damage and wage garnishment.
bankrate.com
If you default on a home equity loan or HELOC, your home could be foreclosed on, your credit score will drop, and forget about future loans.
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Mortgage payments have doubled since 2020, and homes are shrinking. But experts say buying now — even if it’s smaller — is better than waiting for perfect.
bankrate.com
While home prices are increasing, experts note that buying a smaller home doesn't necessarily mean getting less value.
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HELOC fraud is rising fast. If you have a line of credit, monitor it closely. Unusual transactions or missing statements could be a warning sign.
bankrate.com
HELOC fraud on the rise, and it can be hard to detect. Here's how to protect yourself and your hard-earned home equity.
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