Lori Blank

22

Feb

Home Care

Maximizing Your Home Improvement Budget

Many homeowners seek to enhance their living spaces while concurrently adding value to their properties. However, numerous home improvement initiatives often come with exorbitant price tags, reaching six figures for extensive renovation projects. Nonetheless, there exist cost-effective alternatives that homeowners can explore. What are some of the top considerations for homeowners? Invest in Quality Ceiling Fans: The installation of high-quality ceiling fans represents a prudent investment for homeowners. Beyond mere aesthetics, ceiling fans play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal indoor comfort levels throughout the year. Energy Star-certified models not only contribute to energy efficiency but also demonstrate a commitment…

21

Feb

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

A New Homebuyer’s Guide to Understanding Property Taxes

Purchasing a new home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with various responsibilities, including understanding property taxes. Property taxes are a crucial aspect of homeownership, as they contribute to local government funding and services. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about property taxes as a new homebuyer. What Are Property Taxes? Property taxes are taxes imposed by local governments on property owners. These taxes are based on the assessed value of real estate properties, including land, buildings, and improvements. The revenue generated from property taxes is used to fund essential services such as…

20

Feb

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 20th, 2024

Last week's release of CPI and PPI resulted in slightly higher than expected inflation rates which led to speculation that the Federal Reserve's decision to cut rates will likely come much further in the year than anticipated. There was some suspicion that if inflation rates would continue to exceed predictions, it could result in another rate hike. Lending partners have responded in kind with the first significant increase in lending rates since the end of November. However, The Federal Reserve will likely maintain its current stance. Other reports such as US Retail Sales are showing a drop, but this is…

16

Feb

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

The Importance of a Pre-Sale Home Inspection: A Wise Move Before Listing

Preparing to sell your home requires numerous decisions: Should you freshen up the paint? Finally, finish the basement. Renovate the bathroom? These questions often dominate the pre-sale planning. However, before diving into renovations, it is important to understand how your home has held up over time. One fundamental step in this process is investing in a professional home inspection. Here's why. Assessing Your Home's Current Condition Consider your home's age and its maintenance history. When was its last professional inspection? Has it weathered any significant damage? Take a stroll around your property, paying close attention to key structural elements. Are…

15

Feb

By Lori Blank

Home Mortgage

Unveiling the Power of VA Loans for Veterans

For the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces, the dream of homeownership becomes more attainable and rewarding through the power of VA loans. We will discuss the unique features that make VA loans a tool for veterans, empowering them to secure homes with financial flexibility and favorable terms. No Down Payment: Breaking the Barriers VA loans stand out prominently by eliminating one of the most significant barriers to homeownership – the down payment. For veterans, this means the opportunity to own a home without the burden of accumulating a substantial upfront amount. The power of…

14

Feb

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Four Easy Ways to make the most of your outdoor living space

In today's fast-paced world, finding ways to unwind and connect with nature is increasingly important. One of the best ways to do this is by making the most of your outdoor living space. Whether you have a smaller backyard or a cozy balcony, there are plenty of easy ways to transform it into a welcoming oasis where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. In this article, we'll explore four simple yet effective ways. Create Comfortable Seating Areas: One of the keys to enjoying your outdoor space is having comfortable seating where you can relax and…

13

Feb

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Consider an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage If You Plan to Sell Within 5 Years

Which is better -- a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)? It's a common question among home buyers and refinancing households. The answer? It depends. Fixed-rate mortgages offer the certainty of a known, unchanging principal and interest payment for the life of the loan. This stability can aid in budget-setting and financial planning, providing homeowners with a sense of security and peace of mind. On the other hand, adjustable-rate mortgages do not provide the same level of certainty. After an initial introductory period, the interest rate on the loan adjusts periodically based on prevailing market conditions. While this uncertainty…

12

Feb

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 12th, 2024

This week is the release of Core CPI and PPI numbers for January. The only data release of note is the trade deficit and the usual unemployment reports for the prior week. The current trade deficit for the U.S. is operating precisely within expectations and correlating GDP numbers. This current week will provide further guidance for the Federal Reserve as the next release of inflation data is released. U.S. Trade Deficit The U.S. trade deficit rose slightly in December, but the annual gap still fell to the lowest level in three years and added to the economy's strong performance in…

09

Feb

By Lori Blank

Student Loans

Balancing Educational Debt with Homeownership Goals

In the pursuit of the American dream, many individuals find themselves walking a tightrope between educational aspirations and the desire to own a home. The burden of student loan debt can often seem impossible, making the prospect of homeownership feel like a distant dream. With strategic planning and disciplined financial management, it's possible to strike a balance between educational debt and homeownership goals. Here are a few effective strategies to help you navigate this delicate balancing act. Understand Your Student Loan Landscape: Before diving into homeownership, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of your student loan portfolio. Take stock…

08

Feb

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

Home Warranty Plans: Protecting Your Investment and Budget

Owning a home is a significant milestone, representing a culmination of hard work, dreams, and financial investment. However, as any homeowner knows, unexpected repairs and maintenance issues can quickly arise, posing a challenge to both your peace of mind and your budget. This is where home warranty plans step in, offering a layer of protection and financial security for homeowners. In this guide, we'll explore what home warranty plans entail, how they work, and why they are a valuable asset for protecting your investment and budget. Understanding Home Warranty Plans A home warranty is a service contract that covers the…