Lori Blank, Author at Lori Blank & Associates

02

Jul

Real Estate Tips

Exploring the Benefits of Buying a Home with a Pool

Buying a home is a major investment, and for many buyers, the idea of having a pool is an exciting feature that adds value and enjoyment. Whether you are considering a pool for recreation, relaxation, or future resale, there are many reasons why a pool can be a smart addition to your home search. A Private Retreat Right Outside Your DoorOne of the biggest benefits of owning a home with a pool is the convenience of having your own personal retreat. There is no need to pack up the car and drive to a public pool or pay for a…

01

Jul

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

Tips to Discover Off Market Properties Before Everyone Else

As a real estate agent, I can tell you that off-market properties can be a hidden gem for savvy buyers. But how do you find them? Here's what you need to know. What Are Off-Market Properties?Off-market homes, sometimes called “pocket listings” or “quiet listings,” are properties for sale that aren’t publicly advertised on popular real estate sites. Sellers may choose to keep their sale private for personal reasons or to test the waters without fully committing to the process. Work with a Connected Real Estate AgentYour best resource for finding off-market homes is a well-connected agent. We often hear about…

30

Jun

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 30th, 2025

With the passing of the previous busy weeks of rate decisions, this week features the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation report in the PCE Index, which has shown that inflation has come in hotter than expected for the month of May. This likely cements the Federal Reserve’s decision to take no action until later and further confirming most economists' predictions. The consumer confidence has also taken a hit as it has further declined again for the month of May, indicating there is still significant apprehension within the markets and consumers alike. This is accompanied by Consumer Spending data, which met expectations,…

27

Jun

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

NeighborWorks America and Building Stronger Communities Continues During National Homeownership Month

June marks National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and to highlight the programs and organizations that help make homeownership accessible and sustainable for all. One key player in this mission is NeighborWorks America, a national nonprofit network dedicated to promoting affordable housing through education, community development, and lending. What Is NeighborWorks America?NeighborWorks America supports a nationwide network of local organizations that provide a wide range of services designed to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Their work includes: Homebuyer education and counseling: Helping potential buyers understand the home buying process, budgeting, and financial management.…

26

Jun

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

How Habitat for Humanity Supports Homeownership By Building Hope and Homes

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the value of owning a home and recognize the individuals and organizations working to make homeownership more accessible to everyone. One of the most well-known and impactful organizations in this space is Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit that’s been helping families build and own safe, affordable homes for nearly 50 years. Habitat for Humanity goes beyond construction. It provides stability, empowerment, and dignity to families who may never have thought homeownership was within reach. During National Homeownership Month, it is especially important to highlight how this organization makes a lasting difference.…

25

Jun

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

Creating Fairer Housing for All and How REALTORS Are Leading the Way with Fairhaven and ACT!

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and to recognize the organizations and individuals working to make that dream accessible to all. While much of the focus is rightly on financial assistance and buyer education, it’s equally important to talk about fairness, and what’s being done behind the scenes to ensure every person has an equal opportunity to purchase a home. That’s where two powerful initiatives from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) come in: Fairhaven and ACT!. Both programs are transforming the way real estate professionals approach housing equality, reinforcing the…

24

Jun

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

How the National Association of REALTORS Supports the Path to Homeownership

June marks National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate one of the most important milestones in life, owning a home. While many organizations work to make homeownership accessible, one of the most influential is the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). As the largest trade association in the U.S., NAR plays a critical role in promoting, protecting, and expanding homeownership opportunities for all Americans. With over 1.5 million members, NAR is not just an association for real estate professionals, it’s an advocate for buyers, sellers, and communities nationwide. During National Homeownership Month, it’s the perfect time to highlight how this organization…

23

Jun

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 23rd, 2025

With the passing of the FOMC rate decision, it has become clear that the Federal Reserve is taking a wait-and-see approach to the current situation regarding tariff policies. Although the vast majority of economists around the world have made predictions about what lies ahead, the effects have not yet been pronounced. Many of the recent tariff changes have also been revoked or put on pause for the largest industries, leaving many markets uncertain about the future. The key takeaway is that conditions will likely remain steady for now. The only other data release offering insight into what’s to come is…

20

Jun

By Lori Blank

Home Selling Tips

The National Homebuyer Fund’s Role in National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month, a special time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and highlight programs that help make homeownership more attainable. One standout resource for many aspiring homeowners is the National Homebuyer Fund (NHF), an organization dedicated to providing vital financial assistance to low-to-moderate income families striving to buy their first home. What Is the National Homebuyer Fund?The NHF is a nonprofit that offers down payment and closing cost assistance to qualified homebuyers. This support often comes in the form of grants or forgivable loans, meaning that recipients may not have to repay the funds if…

19

Jun

By Lori Blank

Homeowner Tips

HUD’s Role in Homeownership and Supporting the American Dream

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the value of owning a home and to promote opportunities for more Americans to achieve that goal. One of the key players helping make homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers and those with limited financial resources, is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD plays a critical role in advancing the mission of National Homeownership Month by providing essential resources, education, and support for homebuyers. Established in 1965, HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. This month is the…