Lori Blank, Author at Lori Blank & Associates

11

Sep

Home Buying Tips

Everything You Need to Know About Home Appraisals

Your home is likely one of your most valuable investments, which is why understanding home appraisals is essential. Whether youíre buying, selling, or refinancing, knowing what an appraisal involves can help you make informed decisions. What is a Home Appraisal and Why Does It Matter?A home appraisal is a professional estimate of your property's value. It's often requested by lenders to ensure that a home's price aligns with its fair market value. Appraisers evaluate factors like the property's condition, size, age, layout, and features when determining its worth. It's important to note that an appraisal is not the same as…

10

Sep

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

How Property Taxes Are Calculated and What Every Buyer Should Know

When you are planning to buy a home, there is one number that should never be overlooked: property taxes.Property taxes can have a big impact on your monthly budget and your long-term costs of ownership. Whether you are buying your very first home, moving to a new area, or considering an investment property, it is important to understand how these taxes are calculated. Knowing what to expect will help you avoid surprises and give you a clearer picture of what you can comfortably afford. Property Taxes ExplainedAt the most basic level, property taxes are based on two things, the assessed…

09

Sep

By Lori Blank

Home Selling Tips

Unlocking the Key to a Faster, Stronger Home Sale

When it comes to selling a home, many people assume that success depends on luck, timing, or even the perfect buyer stumbling across the listing. But the truth is, most successful sellers share one common strategy, and it has little to do with home staging, marketing, or even upgrades. The key? Getting the price right from the very beginning. Why Price Sets the ToneYour asking price is more than just a number. It frames how buyers perceive your home, and in today's market, perception is everything. With mortgage rates shifting and more properties available than last year, buyers are cautious.…

08

Sep

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 8th, 2025

The release of major inflation data has once again arrived with the Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index, offering insight into the current state of the economy. Based on recent statements from the Federal Reserve, there is considerable speculation that rate cuts may occur regardless of the trajectory of inflation. More recent data releases have shown that the economy is still on shaky ground after changes to tariff policies, leading things to be more unstable than anticipated. Trade deficits have also shown to have bounced back significantly from the prior months, while the manufacturing side are still showing…

05

Sep

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How to Spot a Good Investment Property Before Everyone Else Does

Investing in real estate can be a powerful way to build wealth, but not all properties are created equal. The key to successful investment is identifying opportunities before the competition does. From understanding market trends to analyzing property fundamentals, knowing what to look for can make all the difference between a profitable investment and a costly mistake. Location, Location, Location One of the most important factors in identifying a strong investment property is location. Look for areas with growing employment opportunities, good schools, and convenient amenities. Neighborhoods with increasing property values and low crime rates tend to attract long-term tenants…

04

Sep

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Pet-Centered House Hunting, Why Fenced Yards and Pet-Friendly HOAs Are Dealmakers

When buyers walk into a home, their attention is often drawn to one particular space more than any other, the kitchen. It is no coincidence that real estate professionals often call the kitchen the heart of the home. Beyond its practical function, the kitchen carries emotional and psychological weight that can influence a buyer’s decision more than any other room. The Emotional Connection The kitchen is where families gather, meals are shared, and memories are created. It represents comfort, warmth, and togetherness. Buyers often imagine themselves cooking Sunday dinners, hosting friends for brunch, or helping children with homework while preparing…

03

Sep

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Why Buyers Fall in Love with Kitchens, The Psychology Behind the Most Important Room in the House

When buyers walk into a home, their attention is often drawn to one particular space more than any other, the kitchen. It is no coincidence that real estate professionals often call the kitchen the heart of the home. Beyond its practical function, the kitchen carries emotional and psychological weight that can influence a buyer’s decision more than any other room. The Emotional Connection The kitchen is where families gather, meals are shared, and memories are created. It represents comfort, warmth, and togetherness. Buyers often imagine themselves cooking Sunday dinners, hosting friends for brunch, or helping children with homework while preparing…

02

Sep

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 2nd 2025

With the release of the PCE Index, inflation has shown to still be creeping upwards but there is significant speculation that the Federal Reserve will continue with their interest rate cut in the future. Meanwhile, the Consumer Sentiment report has been growing pessimistic amidst the job market, which has been shown to be in a pattern of cooling down. This is offset by the strong growth by the GDP estimates for the second quarter, as it was initially predicted the tariff changes would have a significant impact on the GDP estimates, but the impact has been less prominent than expected.PCE…

01

Sep

By Lori Blank

Holidays

Happy Labor Day!

Today we honor the hard work and dedication that helps families build the lives they dream of. Labor Day isn’t just about a well-deserved day off, it is about celebrating what that hard work makes possible… like creating memories in a home you love. Whether you’re relaxing on the porch, hosting a backyard BBQ, or spending quality time with loved ones, home is where the best moments happen. As a real estate professional, it’s an honor to help people find not just a house, but a place where all their hard work pays off. Wishing you a safe, restful, and…

29

Aug

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How Virtual Tours and Smart Marketing Are Changing the Way Homes Are Sold

The real estate industry has seen a dramatic transformation in recent years. Technology has reshaped how homes are marketed and sold, creating a faster, more engaging experience for buyers and sellers alike. Virtual tours and advanced marketing strategies are at the forefront of this change, offering unique benefits that were once unimaginable. The Rise of Virtual Tours: Virtual tours have revolutionized the home buying process. Buyers can now explore properties from the comfort of their own homes, viewing every room and detail with just a few clicks. This convenience saves time, reduces the need for multiple in-person showings, and helps…