Lori Blank

07

Mar

Credit Scoring

Understanding Debt-to-Income Ratio: A Key Factor in Mortgage Approval

When it comes to securing a mortgage for your dream home, there's a crucial number that can make or break your application: your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Understanding and managing your DTI is essential for navigating the mortgage approval process smoothly. Let's delve into what DTI is, why it matters, and how you can calculate it. What is Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)? Your debt-to-income ratio is a financial metric that compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. Lenders use DTI as a measure of your ability to manage your monthly payments and repay debts promptly. It helps them assess…

06

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

Loan Servicing Companies

What happens when you suddenly get a notice to pay your mortgage to a company you may have never heard of? How do you determine if this is a legitimate request or a scam? A borrower may get a written notice or an email that their mortgage has been sold to another entity or that a new loan servicing company will now be collecting the mortgage payments. The borrower needs to exercise extreme caution before just sending in a payment to the new company. It is prudent to double-check to see if the communication is legitimate because many people get…

05

Mar

By Lori Blank

Investment Properties

The Impact of Inflation on Real Estate Investments

In the dynamic landscape of financial markets, real estate has long been considered a stable and lucrative investment. However, as economic forces continue to shape our world, investors must comprehend the multifaceted relationship between inflation and real estate. The Inflation-Real Estate Nexus: Inflation, the rise in the general price level of goods and services, can have a profound impact on real estate investments. One key factor is the devaluation of currency over time, influencing property values and rental incomes. As inflation erodes the purchasing power of money, investors need to adopt strategic approaches to safeguard and optimize their real estate…

04

Mar

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 4th, 2024

A number of important consumer related data reports were released last week, giving us a clearer picture on inflation impacts and the state of the economy on a broader scale. First up, looking at the First Revision of GDP numbers, we are seeing they had fallen slightly below expectations, but still showing the economy has not deflated at all as of the result of the prior years’ repeated rate hikes. With inflation trending down, this makes for a convincing argument that rate cuts are due this year. This also sets the stage for the official consumer confidence reports, revealing mounting…

01

Mar

By Lori Blank

Homebuyer Tips

Embracing the Future: Work-From-Home and Its Impact on Housing Needs

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the way we work underwent a profound change in the way most people do business. It became apparent that working from home was more than a temporary change. As companies adapted to remote work models, many employees found themselves unleashed from traditional office spaces. The rise of remote work not only reshaped our professional lives but also had a profound impact on our housing needs and choices. As we move forward, it's essential to understand the dynamics of this shift and how it shapes the future of housing. The Rise of Remote Work:…

29

Feb

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

Why You Need to Be Truthful on Your Mortgage Application

There are few things better than finding your dream home and being able to afford it, but simply because you've found the perfect place doesn't mean you should stretch the truth. It might seem tempting to polish your mortgage application a little in the hopes of making a better impression, but here are a few reasons why you should stick to the truth when signing off on your home. Your Credit History Tells All It can be tempting to bump up your salary or make some hefty deposits into your savings account. However, lenders will be taking a look at…

28

Feb

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Understanding the Psychology of Home Buying: How Emotions Influence Real Estate Decisions

Buying a home is often considered one of the most significant financial and emotional investments in a person's life. Beyond the mere transactional aspect, the process of purchasing a home is deeply intertwined with human emotions and psychology. From excitement to anxiety, hope to hesitation, the journey of home buying is laden with a complex interplay of feelings that greatly influence our decisions. Let’s explore how emotions can sway real estate decisions. The Emotional Rollercoaster of Home Buying: The journey of buying a home is akin to riding a rollercoaster of emotions. Initially, there's the thrill of embarking on a…

27

Feb

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Renting Out Your Property and Becoming a Landlord with a Mortgage

Becoming a landlord can be a profitable undertaking, providing a steady income stream and potential long-term investment growth. It is important to understand the complexities of managing a property while still under a mortgage. We will discuss the key insights into renting out your property and becoming a landlord while maintaining a mortgage. Understanding Your Mortgage Terms: Before deciding if you would like to be a landlord, it's imperative to thoroughly understand your mortgage terms. Some mortgages may have clauses restricting renting out the property without prior consent from the lender. Review your mortgage agreement carefully and consult with your…

26

Feb

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 26th, 2024

A government holiday followed by an extremely light release schedule has led to a limited amount of data, with the FOMC Minutes being the only impactful report for the prior week. The Federal Reserve had stated they will continue to maintain their current stance in light of the most recent inflation data. With rates holding into the year, as a result, lending partners have started back tracking some of their recent rate cuts. Lastly, Unemployment Numbers are seen to be well within expectations. FOMC Minutes “Most” officials noted the risks of moving too quickly to cut rates and wanted to…

23

Feb

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Understanding Short Sales: What They Are and Why You Might Want One

In the world of real estate, the term "short sale" often surfaces in conversations, but its meaning and implications might not be immediately clear to everyone. As a real estate agent, it's important to not only understand what a short sale is but also to effectively communicate its potential benefits to your clients. Let's delve into the intricacies of short sales and explore why they might be advantageous for certain buyers. What is a Short Sale? A short sale occurs when a homeowner sells their property for less than the outstanding mortgage balance. In essence, the proceeds from the sale…