Lori Blank

14

Oct

Real Estate

The Top Tips To Get Your Offer Accepted

The housing market today is very competitive, and you might be wondering how you can get your offer accepted. If the seller has multiple offers on the table, it can be a bit of a challenge. Many people assume that the best way to get an offer accepted is to offer the most money. Even though that is certainly helpful, there are several other tips you should follow to make sure your offer is the one the seller picks. Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage First, you must make sure that you get pre-approved for a mortgage. Unless you are paying…

13

Oct

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

What To Know About Flood Insurance

Flooding can happen in any location at any time. Even though many people associate floods with coastal properties, flooding can take place inland as well. That is why you always need to take a look at the map to figure out whether your property is located in a flood zone. There are some situations where your lender might require you to purchase flood insurance. What do you need to know? What Is Protected And What Is Not? When you purchase flood insurance, there are three broad components that you should examine. You need to check and see whether the policy…

12

Oct

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Current Servicemember or Veteran? 4 Reasons Why a VA Home Loan Is an Excellent Choice

Are you current or former member of the US military service who is looking to buy a new home? If so, you will be pleased to know that there are some special mortgage programs that are open to you. Let's take a look at five reasons why a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs is an excellent choice when buying your new home. You Can Borrow Up To 100% Of The Home's Value You read that correctly! VA-backed mortgages are available to you even if you choose to put no money towards your down payment. This can be…

11

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

Let’s Talk Closets: Why a Walk-in Closet Is a Must Have for Any New Home Buyer

Are you in the market for a new house or condo? Whether you're looking for something luxurious or intimate, you'll want to ensure that you have enough space for all of life's necessities. Many home buyers focus on bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas as their top priorities. But have you given any thought to your closet space? In today's blog post we'll explore why a spacious walk-in closet should be high on your list of "must-haves" for your new home. Enough Storage For A Stylish Couple An upgrade in storage space is the main reason to have a large walk-in…

10

Oct

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 10, 2022

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on construction spending, public and private sector job growth, and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Construction Spending Falls in August The Commerce Department reported less construction spending in August as spending fell by -0.70 percent to $1.78 trillion as compared to July’s reading of $1.79 trillion. August construction spending was lower than the expected reading of -0.20 percent and July’s revised construction spending reading of -0.60 percent. Year-over-year construction spending rose by 8.50 percent. Mortgage Rates Mixed, Jobless Claims Rise Freddie Mac reported lower…

07

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Seller Tips

Selling Your House? 3 Strange Questions That Potential Buyers Might Ask and How to Answer Them

Are you listing your home for sale now, or in the near future? If so, you have probably come to terms with the fact that soon you'll be having strangers tour through your home asking all kinds of questions about it. In today's blog post we'll take a look at three strange questions that buyers might ask and how to approach answering them. "Has Anyone Died In This House Or Is It Haunted?" You might have chuckled when you read that, but questions about paranormal activity are more common than you think. Many people have beliefs and superstitions about ghosts,…

06

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Seller Tips

4 Home Staging Ideas That Are Heavy on the “Wow” Factor but Light on the Wallet

Staging is one of the most important aspects of any home sale. The more attractive your home is to potential buyers, the faster you can finalize the sale and move on. With that in mind, let's explore four home staging ideas that won't cost a fortune but are sure to impress your buyers. #1: Clean The Place Until It Shines The first and most obvious option is not going to cost much more than your time. Your home needs to be absolutely, positively spotless. The floors should be so clean that you would have no issue with eating off of…

05

Oct

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

3 Reasons to Hit the Accelerator on Your Mortgage Payments – If You Can Afford It

Does the thought of repaying your mortgage for the next twenty-plus years leave you feeling a little down? Whether you've had your mortgage for weeks or years, accelerating your payments is an excellent option that can help get your mortgage fully paid off in a shorter time frame. Let's explore three great reasons to accelerate your payments so that your mortgage debt is paid down faster. You'll Be Debt-Free That Much Faster It may seem obvious, but it's worth stating that you'll be debt-free that much quicker if you accelerate your repayment schedule. Every extra payment you make against your…

04

Oct

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

An Overview Of A Buyer’s Agent

If you plan on purchasing a home in the near future, you have probably noticed that there are plenty of options available. The market changes quickly, the perfect house may come and go before you get a chance to see it, and you might have a hard time figuring out which house is right for you. A buyer's agent can be helpful, but do you actually need to work with one? There are several important points to keep in mind. A Buyer’s Agent Represents Your Interests You should consider working with the buyer's agent because they will represent your best…

30

Sep

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

The Minimum Credit Score For VA Home Loan Approval: What To Know

When you are applying for a home loan, you need to make sure that you meet the minimum credit score requirements. If you decide to go with a traditional loan, the credit limit can be high, making it hard to qualify for a home loan. In contrast, you might be able to qualify for a VA home loan with a much lower credit score. What do you need to know? The VA Does Not Have A Minimum Credit Score Requirement One of the major benefits of applying for a VA home loan is that you do not need to worry…