Victoria Araj
Writer, Managing Editor
Background
Victoria Araj is the Senior Director, Managing Editor at Freedom Mortgage. In her 20 years of working for top mortgage lenders, she’s held roles in mortgage banking, public relations, editorial content, and more. She has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Political Science from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Michigan. She has spoken at several industry conferences, where she’s discussed the importance of editorial content for brands.
Expertise
- Mortgages
- Real Estate
- Credit
- Personal Finance
Education
- MPA in Public Administration, University of Michigan
- BA in Journalism (emphasis in Political Science), Michigan State University
Organization Affiliations
- Freedom Mortgage
Latest Articles by Victoria Araj
VA Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: How It Works and When It Makes Sense
3-minute read
VA Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Explained
FHA-Approved Condos: What They Are and How To Find Them
3-minute read
Learn How FHA-Approved Condos Work and Why Approval Matters
Land Loans: Your Guide to Financing a Property Purchase
3-minute read
Understand Your Options for Buying Vacant Land
What Is a Hard Money Loan in Real Estate?
3-minute read
Learn How Hard Money Loans Work and When They Make Sense
Tax Lien Investing: How It Works, Considerations, and Risks
3-minute read
What to Know Before Investing in Tax Liens and Real Estate
Understanding Quitclaim Deeds: A Guide to Property Transfers
3-minute read
Find Out What They Are and How They Work
Prime Rate: What It Is and How It Affects Mortgage Rates
3-minute read
Understand How the Prime Rate Influences ARMs and HELOCs
Non-Conforming Loan: Definition and Considerations
3-minute read
A Homebuyer’s Guide to Non-Conforming Loans
What Is a 7/1 Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)?
3-minute read
7/1 ARM Meaning, Requirements, Pros, and Cons
Cash Out Refinancing on Investment and Rental Properties
3-minute read
Learn More About the Benefits, Costs, and Requirements
Grantor vs. Grantee: What’s the Difference?
3-minute read
Understanding the Difference Between Grantor and Grantee
Mortgagor vs. Mortgagee: What’s the Difference?
3-minute read
Learn Why These Terms Matter for Homebuyers
Should You Refinance at a Higher Interest Rate?
3-minute read
Reasons Why Refinancing with a Higher Rate Might Make Sense
VA Streamline Refinance (VA IRRRL): What Is It and How Does It Work?
3-minute read
A VA IRRRL replaces your VA home loan with better rates and, ideally, better payments.
What Is a USDA Streamline Refinance and How Does It Work?
3-minute read
A USDA streamline refinance can replace your existing USDA mortgage with one that offers better rates.
Refinancing an FHA Loan to a Conventional Loan
3-minute read
What Goes into Refinancing an FHA Loan to Conventional?
How to Remove PMI from Your Mortgage
3-minute read
Removal of Mortgage Insurance on FHA and Conventional Loans
How to Refinance a Mortgage
3-minute read
Learn More About How to Refinance Your Home and What Your Options Are
FHA Streamline Refinancing: Is It Right for You?
3-minute read
What Is an FHA Streamline Refinance and How Does It Work?
What Is an FHA Cash Out Refinance & How Does It Work?
3-minute read
How an FHA cash out refinance works, who qualifies, and how much you could access from your home’s equity.
What Are Restrictive Covenants in Real Estate?
3-minute read
Learn about Declarations of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs)
Property Easement: Definition, Types, and Impact
3-minute read
Property Easement: Definition, Types, and Impact
6 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Living Space
3-minute read
Renovation Ideas That Don’t Require Major Construction
What Are Homestead Exemptions?
3-minute read
How Exemptions Might Lower Your Property Taxes and More
How Much Does a Home Renovation Cost?
3-minute read
Home Projects Can Increase the Value of Your Home
APR vs. Interest Rate: Key Differences
3-minute read
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) Helps Explain a Mortgage’s Total Cost
What Is a Mortgage Broker and What Do They Do?
3-minute read
Understanding the Role, Fees, and Expertise of Mortgage Brokers
Property Lien: Definition, Types, and How To Avoid Them
3-minute read
Learn How Property Liens Work and How They Affect Homeowners
What Is a USDA Loan and How Does It Work?
3-minute read
A great option for those looking to buy a home in a qualifying area
What Is a Conventional Loan and How Does It Work?
3-minute read
Understand Conventional Loans and What Sets Them Apart
What Are HOA Fees and What Do They Cover?
3-minute read
Average Homeowners Association Fees and What You Can Expect
Buyer’s or Seller’s Market: A Complete Guide
3-minute read
How Buyers and Sellers Can Get the Most Out of the Housing Market
Conforming Loan: Definition, Limits, and Considerations
3-minute read
Understand Conforming Loans and What Sets Them Apart
What Is the VA Home Loan Guaranty?
3-minute read
How VA-Guaranteed Loans Have Been Helping Veterans Since 1944
How to Get a VA Certificate of Eligibility
3-minute read
Learn More About VA COEs and How to Apply for One
Understanding VA Loan Limits for 2026
3-minute read
What To Know About VA Home Loan Limits Before You Buy
Types of VA Loans: Which Is Right for You?
3-minute read
A Quick Guide to Common VA Home Loan Options
How To Refinance an Investment Property
3-minute read
See How Much You Can Save by Refinancing Your Investment Property
Real Estate Guide: Buying, Selling, and Investing
3-minute read
Real Estate Basics for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors
Mortgages for Investment and Rental Properties
3-minute read
Understand Which Loan Types Can Finance Alternate Homes
FHA Loan for Investment Properties
3-minute read
FHA loans can be an option for financing an investment or rental property. Understand what’s required and what to consider.
How To Get a Mortgage When You're Self-Employed
3-minute read
Self-Employment Means More Paperwork, Not Fewer Mortgage Options
How Often Do Mortgage Rates Change?
3-minute read
Learn How Changing Rates Affect Home Affordability
Mortgage Fraud: What It Is and How To Avoid It
3-minute read
Helpful Tips to Spot Mortgage Fraud and Stay a Step Ahead of Scams
Adverse Possession: What It Means and How To Prevent It
3-minute read
Learn How Adverse Possession Can Impact Property Ownership
How Many Times Can You Use a VA Loan?
3-minute read
Learn How You Can Use Your VA Loan Entitlement Multiple Times
What Is a Jumbo Loan?
3-minute read
Get the Details About How You Can Qualify for a Larger Mortgage Loan
VA Entitlement: What It Is and How It Affects Homebuying
3-minute read
Discover What Your VA Entitlement Is and Why It Matters
What Is a Credit Score?
3-minute read
How Credit Scores Are Calculated and What Is a Good Credit Score
Qualifying for a VA Loan After Bankruptcy
3-minute read
Veterans Can Buy a Home After Bankruptcy or Foreclosure
What Are the Pros and Cons of 55+ Communities?
3-minute read
Decide Whether or Not These Communities Are Right for You
FHA Loans Explained: What They Are and How They Work
3-minute read
FHA loans are designed to help those with lower credit scores and down payments. Discover how they work.
FHA Loan Limits: How They Work and How Much You Can Borrow
3-minute read
Find Out the FHA Loan Limits for 2026
What Is the Fair Market Value of a Home?
3-minute read
Find out How a Home's Fair Market Value Is Calculated
What Are Fair Lending Laws and Regulations?
3-minute read
How Fair Lending Laws Help Protect Homebuyers and Homeowners
15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgages
3-minute read
Learn About Interest Rates and Monthly Payments for These Loans
How to Decide Where to Live
3-minute read
Ask These 11 Questions Before Moving to a Different Community
Do FHA Loans Have Income Requirements?
3-minute read
How Debt-to-Income Ratio Affects Your FHA Eligibility
Credit Score to Buy a House: What You Need to Know
3-minute read
Learn More About Credit Scores for Homebuyers
What Is the Mortgage Application Process?
3-minute read
Learn About Initial and Closing Disclosures Plus Much More
Guide to VA Home Inspection Requirements
3-minute read
Learn What the VA Requires for Home Inspections and Appraisals
What Is a Proof of Funds Letter for Real Estate?
3-minute read
Why You May Need This Document in Order to Purchase a Home
What Is the Mortgage Underwriting Process?
3-minute read
Learn More About One of the Last Steps of Buying a New Home
How to Make a Successful Offer on a House
3-minute read
Step-by-Step Tips for Getting Your Bid Accepted
How to Get a USDA Home Loan: 6 Steps
3-minute read
Getting a USDA Loan Can Make Homeownership More Affordable
What Is ARV in Real Estate and How Is It Calculated?
3-minute read
Estimating Your Property’s Value Post-Renovation
Is HELOC Interest Tax Deductible?
3-minute read
Figure Out If You Can Deduct HELOC Interest This Year
How To Apply for an FHA Loan: Step-by-Step Guide
3-minute read
Learn More About Eligibility and FHA Loan Applications
9 Handy Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
3-minute read
You Can Save Time, Money, and Worry with This Practical Advice
What Is a VA Cash Out Refinance and How Does It Work?
3-minute read
Discover if a VA Cash Out Refinance Is Right for You
What Is a Final Walkthrough When You’re Buying a Home?
3-minute read
Learn What You Should Expect and What to Look for
FHA Appraisal Requirements: What To Know
3-minute read
Learn More About FHA Home Loan Appraisals and Their Guidelines
Common Types of Homebuying Contingencies
3-minute read
Learn About Common Contingencies for Home Purchase Offers
VA Loan Closing Costs: What to Expect
3-minute read
Learn How Much You Might Pay for Closing Costs on a VA Loan
Should You Put a Down Payment on a VA Loan?
3-minute read
While a Down Payment Is Not Required, It Might Save You Money
What Percentage of Your Income Should Go Toward Your Mortgage?
3-minute read
Learn About the 28%- and 36%-Income Guidelines
Mortgage Buydown: What It Is, Types, and When It Makes Sense
3-minute read
How Rate Buydowns Can Make Buying a Home More Affordable
How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a House?
3-minute read
Decide Whether You Can Afford to Buy a Home
How Much Do Housing Prices Rise a Year?
3-minute read
Learn How Much Home Prices Have Increased over Time
How to Make Buying a Home More Affordable
3-minute read
These 11 Homebuying Tips Might Help You Save Money
First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Loans, Programs, and Grants
3-minute read
Learn about programs designed to help first-time homebuyers.
Guide to FHA Loan Down Payments
3-minute read
Low Minimum Down Payments Make FHA Loans More Affordable
Pay for Home Improvements with a Cash Out Refinance
3-minute read
Get the Money You Need from Your Home's Equity
Home Equity Loan vs. Home Improvement Loan: Which is Best?
3-minute read
Compare Financing Options for Your Home Improvement Goals
What Are the Requirements for a HELOC?
3-minute read
Learn About Qualifying for a Home Equity Line of Credit
How Does a HELOC Affect Your Credit Score?
3-minute read
Will Opening a HELOC Affect My Credit Score?
Tax Implications of a Cash Out Refinance
3-minute read
Will Taking Cash from Your Home’s Equity Affect Your Taxes?
Maximum LTV for Cash Out Refinance
3-minute read
Loan-to-Value Ratios (LTV) for Cash Out Refinancing
Cash Out Refinance Credit Scores
3-minute read
Find Out the Minimums for Conventional, FHA, and VA Loans
What Is a Cash Out Refinance and How Does It Work?
3-minute read
Learn What a Cash Out Refi Could Look Like for You
A Guide to Down Payment Assistance Programs and Grants
3-minute read
Down Payment Assistance Can Make Homebuying Affordable
VA Loan Eligibility Requirements
3-minute read
VA Loan Requirements Focus on Military Status, Credit, and Property
How to Apply for a Mortgage: A Step-by-Step Guide
3-minute read
About Your Mortgage Loan Application
