What is the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA)?
It’s a way that you can get a sense of how a lender treats borrowers like you.
3 min read
Jul 01, 2025
Erik J. Martin
Contributor, Personal Finance
EXPERTISE
- Personal finance
- Mortgages
- Housing market
- Home improvement
- Credit cards
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts, Loyola University Chicago
- Dale Carnegie Training
Erik J. Martin is a contributor to Bankrate covering personal finance, including mortgages, the housing market, home improvement and credit cards. Based in the Chicago area, he is host of the “Cineversary” podcast and blogs on Cineversegroup.com and Martinspiration.com.
In addition to Bankrate, Martin has contributed to AARP The Magazine, Tte Chicago Tribune, Reader’s Digest, The Costco Connection and USAA, among other outlets.
Erik J.'s latest articles
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How to change the name on your credit card
Reach out to your credit card issuer to request a name change on your card.
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Credit card hacks that don’t actually work
Credit card hacks are popular, but do they actually work? Here’s what to know.
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Should you use a HELOC as an emergency fund? Here are the pros and cons
Why not keep a home equity line of credit in reserve for a rainy day?
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How to access your home equity
Your home isn’t a piggy bank, but there are wise ways to tap your ownership stake for cash.
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How and when to refinance your HELOC
Your payments could go up drastically once the draw period ends. Here’s how to cope.
8 min read Jun 16, 2025 -
What is a prepayment penalty?
This fee is meant to discourage you from settling your mortgage early.
6 min read Jun 05, 2025 -
Pros and cons of a balance transfer
Balance transfers are useful tools in wiping out high APR debt with responsible use.
8 min read Jun 04, 2025