Liz Freeman is the primary spokesperson and finance expert for Shoprate. She has over a decade of experience in mortgage lending and writes for several mortgage publications, including Mortgage News Daily. Liz is trained and certified on Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter computer-based underwriting system. She graduated with High Distinction from the University of Nevada with a degree in Financial Management and minors in accounting and economics.

She has worked as a loan agent for both mortgage brokers and bankers and provides the insider's view into mortgage pricing, presenting applicants favorably and honestly, explaining mortgage disclosures, spotting shady practices, dealing with credit issues, and overcoming obstacles like unexpected title or property problems. She prides herself on teaching consumers the importance of their mortgage choice as a part of their entire financial plan and helping them through the maze of today's mortgage lending.She teaches classes to new home buyers and seasoned investors on residential mortgage financing.

Author Joe Taylor Jr. researched America's biggest mortgage lenders hands-on, by taking a job inside the home loan industry. As a corporate trainer, Joe developed front line service strategies for some of the country's most prominent banks. He taught lending consultants how to explain the complex home loan process, while learning the secrets of finding the best refinancing deals from experienced underwriters. Today, Joe puts the current mortgage market into context by separating facts from hype in his columns and feature articles on ShopRate.com.

Karen Lawson is a freelance writer with extensive background in mortgage banking. She holds BA and MA degrees in English from the University of Nevada,Reno.

Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Money Makeover for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.

Scott Van Voorhis is a veteran business freelance writer who specializes in both online and print journalism and corporate writing. His background includes more than 12 years covering everything from real estate development to financial services. Scott has an undergraduate degree in English and a master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.