Lori Blank, Author at Lori Blank & Associates

28

Mar

Real Estate

How the Direction Your Home Faces Affects Resale Value

When buying or selling a home, factors like location, size, and condition are obvious considerations—but have you thought about the direction your home faces? The orientation of a house can impact everything from natural light and energy efficiency to curb appeal and, ultimately, resale value. Here’s why the direction your home faces matters in real estate. The Influence of Home Orientation on Resale Value Natural Light and Energy Efficiency: Homes that face south tend to receive the most sunlight throughout the day, making them highly desirable in colder climates where extra warmth and brightness are valued. North-facing homes may require…

27

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Home Near an Airport

When searching for a home, location is everything. Some buyers may be drawn to properties near an airport for the convenience, while others worry about noise and air quality. If you’re considering buying a home near an airport, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. The Positives of Living Near an Airport Convenience for Frequent Travelers:If you travel often for work or leisure, living near an airport can be a huge advantage. You’ll save time commuting to and from flights, making travel much less stressful. Potentially Lower Home Prices:Homes near airports often…

26

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How Color Psychology Influences Home Sales

When selling a home, every detail matters—including the colors you choose for walls, decor, and even the front door. Color psychology plays a significant role in how potential buyers perceive a space, influencing their emotions and decision-making. The right color choices can make a home feel warm, inviting, and move-in ready, while the wrong ones can deter buyers. Here’s how color psychology affects home sales and what shades work best to attract buyers. The Power of Color in Home Selling Colors trigger emotional responses, and in real estate, they can make or break a sale. Certain shades evoke feelings of…

25

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Buying a Home with Friends: A Growing Trend in Homeownership

For many aspiring homeowners, skyrocketing prices and strict lending requirements have made purchasing a home feel out of reach. But instead of giving up on the dream, some buyers are getting creative by teaming up with friends to buy a home together. This unconventional approach to homeownership is gaining popularity, especially among millennials and Gen Z buyers who value financial flexibility and shared responsibilities. But is buying a home with friends the right move for you? Let’s explore why this trend is growing, the potential benefits, and what you should consider before taking the plunge. Why More Friends Are Buying…

24

Mar

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 24th, 2025

The previous week had the Federal Reserve making their first rate decision since the Trump administration had taken office. With many uncertainties about the current direction of things, the Federal Reserve had decided there would not be any change necessary to the current rates. Stating that the current inflation and economic conditions have largely been a result of the Trump administration’s policies on tariffs. Chairman Powell has been strongly dovish at this point, stating they would need to “see how things actually work out.” There were a slew of other minor data releases but none were far reaching in their…

21

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

The Role of a Title Company in Real Estate Transactions

When buying or selling a home, several key professionals work behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transaction. One of the most critical players in this process is the title company. But what exactly does a title company do, and why is their role so essential? The Role of a Title Company A title company is responsible for verifying a property's legal ownership and ensuring there are no outstanding claims or legal issues that could interfere with the sale. Their primary functions include: Conducting a Title Search – This involves reviewing public records to confirm the seller has the legal…

20

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Understanding the Probate Process

The probate process can seem complicated, but for homeowners and beneficiaries, understanding its key steps can make a significant difference. Whether you are dealing with a loved one’s estate or planning for the future, knowing how probate works can help you navigate the legal aspects of transferring property efficiently. What is Probate? Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone passes away. It ensures that the deceased person’s debts are settled and their remaining assets, including real estate, are distributed to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. If the deceased left a valid will, the probate court follows their…

19

Mar

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

10 Steps to Buying a Home with Confidence

Buying a home is a major milestone, but it can also be overwhelming. Understanding the process will help you navigate each step with confidence. Here’s a simplified guide to buying a home: 1. Check Your Credit Score Your credit score impacts your loan approval and interest rate. Get free reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to check for errors. A higher score (typically 720+) can secure better loan terms. 2. Determine Your Budget Before house hunting, assess how much home you can afford. Consider your savings, income, and monthly expenses. Use online mortgage calculators to estimate your buying power. 3.…

18

Mar

By Lori Blank

Home Seller Tips

Is Your Low Interest Rate Holding You Back? You Have Options!

In today’s real estate market, many homeowners find themselves at a crossroads. They locked in an ultra-low mortgage rate years ago, but now their home no longer fits their lifestyle, family size, or future plans. The thought of giving up that great rate can feel daunting—but is staying in a home that no longer serves you really the best option? The truth is, you don’t have to feel stuck. You have choices that can help you move forward while still making smart financial decisions. 1. Buy a Home You Love A low interest rate is great, but it shouldn’t keep…

17

Mar

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 17th, 2025

The inflation data report released last week showed a surprising result—it was cooler than expected across the board. This has led to a much more positive outlook, even in light of recent events regarding the Trump administration. While consumer sentiment reports from the University of Michigan still showed more dissatisfaction than expected, they were accompanied by largely positive data across various releases. There are strong expectations that there will be no interest rate increases, with some potential for rate cuts this year. Consumer Price Index The consumer price index increased a mild 0.2% last month, the government said, breaking a…