Lori Blank

29

Nov

Mortgage Tips

Three Reasons Why You Might Consider a Reverse Mortgage When Nearing Retirement

As retirement approaches, many individuals find themselves faced with financial challenges and uncertainties. One option that is often overlooked but can be incredibly beneficial is the reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage is a financial tool that allows homeowners aged 62 and older to convert a portion of their home equity into tax-free funds. Here are three compelling reasons why you might consider a reverse mortgage when nearing retirement: Supplement Your Retirement Income: One of the most common concerns for retirees is whether they will have enough income to maintain their desired lifestyle throughout their golden years. Social Security and retirement…

28

Nov

By Lori Blank

Homeowner Tips, Mortgage Tips

Comparing Temporary and Permanent Mortgage Buydowns

When it comes to mortgages, a "buydown" generally refers to paying an extra fee upfront to reduce the interest rate over a specific period. There are typically two types: temporary buydowns and permanent buydowns. Permanent Buydown: With a permanent buydown, the borrower pays extra fees at the beginning of the loan to permanently reduce the interest rate over the entire life of the loan. This differs from a temporary buydown because the reduced rate remains constant for the entire loan term, potentially resulting in lower overall interest payments. Temporary Buydowns A temporary buydown is a type of mortgage financing in…

22

Nov

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Which Big Tax Breaks Are Available From Home Credits

There are several big tax breaks available from home credits that can help homeowners save money on their taxes. Here are some notable examples: Mortgage Interest Deduction: This is one of the largest tax breaks for homeowners. You can deduct the interest paid on your mortgage loan, up to a certain limit, as an itemized deduction on your federal income tax return. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 reduced the mortgage interest deduction limit for new mortgages, but it still remains a significant tax break for many homeowners. Property Tax Deduction: Homeowners can deduct the amount they pay…

21

Nov

By Lori Blank

Home Mortgage

Understanding Why You Don’t Need to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

In the world of personal finance and homeownership, there's a common debate: should you pay off your mortgage early, or is it better to take a more relaxed approach to your home loan? While the idea of being mortgage-free is undoubtedly appealing, there are compelling reasons why you might not need to rush to pay off your mortgage ahead of schedule. Tax Benefits: Mortgage interest payments are tax deductions that can help reduce your taxable income, potentially lowering your overall tax bill. Before you rush to pay off your mortgage, consult with a tax professional to determine how this deduction…

20

Nov

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 20, 2023

With the release of the CPI and PPI data, much of the broader market has been anticipating the potential cooling of inflation numbers month-to-month and those expectations have been met. There’s a consistent trend of inflation slowing down which brings a greater potential for the end of any rate hikes from the Federal Reserve, signaling a soft-landing for the economy which has been touted by Jerome Powell. With a soft landing, it does also signal a strong potential for the Federal Reserve to begin lowering rates in the coming future. Consumer Price Index Despite the report beating inflation expectations and…

17

Nov

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Exploring the Diversity of Property Types: Finding Your Ideal Home

When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, the variety of property types available can be both exciting and overwhelming. The real estate market offers a plethora of options, each with its own unique features, advantages, and considerations. From the cozy solitude of a single-family home to the dynamic potential of multi-family units and beyond, understanding these property types is key to making an informed and satisfying choice. Single-Family Homes: Embrace Privacy and Independence Single-family homes stand out for their independence and privacy. They are typically detached structures, providing you with sole ownership of both the house…

16

Nov

By Lori Blank

Homeowner Tips

Biggest Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes

Kitchen remodeling projects can be exciting, but they also require careful planning and execution to avoid common mistakes that can lead to disappointment or costly errors. Here are some of the biggest kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid: Inadequate Planning: Rushing into a kitchen remodel without thorough planning is a recipe for disaster. Take the time to carefully plan every aspect of the project, including the layout, functionality, materials, and budget. Ignoring the Workflow: The kitchen's layout and workflow are crucial for its functionality. Avoid the mistake of creating a design that hampers the efficiency of food preparation, cooking, and cleaning.…

14

Nov

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

Negotiating Homebuying Costs: Securing Your Dream Home at the Right Price

Buying a home is one of life's significant milestones, but it often comes with a significant price tag. Fortunately, the sticker price on a house isn't always set in stone. When buying a home, negotiating certain costs can save you a significant amount of money. Here are some costs that every homebuyer should negotiate: Closing costs: Closing costs are the fees associated with finalizing the purchase of a home. They typically include things like appraisal fees, title search fees, and attorney fees. Closing costs can be a significant expense, so it's worth trying to negotiate them with the seller or…

13

Nov

By Lori Blank

Homeowner Tips

How Can Home Renovations Protect You from Natural Hazards

Home renovations can be an effective way to protect your home and family from natural hazards. Start by identifying the potential hazards in your area. This can include natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tornadoes, as well as man-made hazards such as gas leaks and fires. Once you've identified the potential hazards in your area, create a plan for how you will respond to them and prepare your home to take on these natural disasters and keep your home and family safe. Here are some ways home renovations can help protect you: Reinforce Your Home's Structure: One…

13

Nov

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 13, 2023

The week following the FOMC rate decision meetings are typically very light, with the two most influential releases being the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment and the weekly Job Claims reports. The more positive news is mortgage lending rates have been on the decline in the last two weeks. Consumer Credit Reports Consumer sentiment fell in November for the fourth month in a row due to tensions with the Middle East and there is lingering hawkishness from the Federal Reserve, which could spell continued rate hikes in the future. The preliminary reading of the sentiment survey declined to 60.4 from…