Lori Blank

11

Oct

Home Buyer Tips

Advice on Downsizing or Upgrading Your Home

Whether you're looking to downsize to a smaller space or upgrade to a larger home, both decisions come with their own set of considerations. Knowing the right timing, understanding the current market, and being well-prepared can make the transition smoother. Here are some insights to help you navigate either path with confidence: 1. Consider Timing and Market Conditions Timing is crucial when deciding to downsize or upgrade. In a seller’s market, you might get a higher price for your current home, but finding a new home could be more competitive. In contrast, a buyer’s market offers more options and potentially…

10

Oct

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Select the Best Herbs for Your Organic Garden

Growing your herbs not only enhances your meals but also adds natural beauty to your garden. Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling backyard, cultivating herbs offers a rewarding and sustainable way to enrich your home. Let’s explore how to select the best herbs for your garden, provide them with optimal growing conditions, and even harvest and preserve your bounty. Plus, you’ll learn how to create flavorful herb-infused vinegars to enjoy all year long! Selecting the Best Herbs for Your Garden When choosing herbs for your garden, it's essential to consider your climate, soil type, and how much…

09

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Building Tips

First-Time Homebuyer Checklist for Success When Embarking on the homebuying journey

Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming without a clear plan. With so many moving parts, from financial prep to evaluating potential homes, having a comprehensive checklist can help simplify the process. Here's everything you need to consider to make your home-buying journey smoother and more successful: 1. Get Your Finances in Order Check Your Credit Score: Lenders rely heavily on your credit score. Aim for a score of 620 or higher to qualify for a conventional loan, though some programs accept lower scores. Save for a Down Payment: Depending on the type…

08

Oct

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

5 Tips for Staging Homes to Sell Faster

When selling a home, staging can be the key to a faster sale. It helps buyers imagine living in the space and showcases the home’s best features. Here are five simple tips to stage your home and make it more appealing: 1. Declutter and Depersonalize To make your home inviting, remove excess items and personal belongings. Too much clutter can overwhelm potential buyers, and personal photos or unique decor can make it harder for them to picture the space as their own. Stick to simple, clean lines and open spaces to highlight the home’s best features. 2. Boost Curb Appeal…

07

Oct

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 7th, 2024

Last week was a fairly light week, with the non-farm payroll data being the most significant release. The data showed that payrolls are growing at a faster rate than historical trends suggest, which could indicate that inflation is still above the Federal Reserve's target. In contrast, the upcoming week has a busy schedule, with many important economic releases lined up back to back. Non-Farm Payrolls Hourly pay for American workers rose a sharp 0.4% in September - above expectations - to put the increase over the past 12 months at 4.0%. That's up from 3.9% in the prior month. Wages…

04

Oct

By Lori Blank

Homebuyer Tips

20% Down Payment vs. Mortgage Insurance

When it comes to buying a home, one of the biggest decisions is whether to save up for a 20% down payment or opt for mortgage insurance. While a 20% down payment has traditionally been the gold standard, mortgage insurance is becoming an increasingly viable option for many buyers. Here's a closer look at both paths to help you determine which is right for you. The 20% Down Payment: Stability and Long-Term Savings A 20% down payment has long been viewed as a smart financial move, and for good reason. Here’s why it continues to be a popular option: Instant…

03

Oct

By Lori Blank

Bankruptcy History

How to Buy a Home After Bankruptcy

Filing for bankruptcy can make your dream of homeownership feel distant, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the journey. While there are challenges, understanding how bankruptcy impacts your finances and planning strategically can set you on the right path. Here's a step-by-step guide to buying a home after bankruptcy. The Long-Term Impact of Bankruptcy Bankruptcy creates immediate financial relief but also leaves a lasting mark on your credit report. This can affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage, but it’s important to remember that bankruptcy doesn't close the door to homeownership forever. The Role of Credit…

02

Oct

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

Why the Cost of Title Insurance is Worth the Investment

When buying a home, there are many expenses to think about, title insurance might seem like just another one on the list. Conversely, this investment is important and can save you a lot of stress and money in the long run. Here’s why the cost of title insurance is well worth it. Protecting Your Ownership Rights Title insurance protects you against claims from others who might say they have rights to your property. For instance, if a previous owner failed to pay property taxes or there are undisclosed heirs, you could face legal battles without title insurance. This coverage ensures…

01

Oct

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How to Find Out If Your Dream Neighborhood Is In a Buyer’s Market?

When you're searching for a home, knowing the state of the local market is essential. Whether it's a buyer's or seller's market can influence everything from price negotiations to how quickly homes sell. So, how can you tell if your dream neighborhood is favoring buyers? Here are some useful tips to help you gauge the market: 1. Check Housing Inventory High Inventory: A large number of homes for sale often indicates a buyer’s market. With more choices, sellers may be more open to negotiations. Low Inventory: Fewer available homes suggest a seller’s market, where demand is high and buyers face…

30

Sep

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 30th, 2024

With the release of the PCE Index data, we are seeing the trend hold as inflation continues to slow down. This gives the Federal Reserve room to continue its rate cuts in the future. Following the positive news for inflation data, the GDP has also seen a larger-than-expected growth of 3% this quarter. The only data running against the tide is the Consumer Confidence reports, which reported to show that consumers are at their most anxious since 2021. We should expect a greater impact on the lending and broader markets ahead of the elections. PCE Index The Federal Reserve’s preferred…