Lori Blank

13

Apr

Home Care Tips

The Top Issues Homeowners Cannot Ignore

Owning a home can be a major investment, but it is also a significant responsibility. From time to time, issues can pop up, and it is important that homeowners do not to ignore them. Ignoring these issues can lead to significant repair bills down the road. What are some of the top issues that homeowners should not ignore? 1. Mold Mold is a sign that the humidity level in the home is off or that there is standing water present somewhere. Mold thrives in warm, moist conditions. If homeowners do not address mold as quickly as possible, it will proliferate…

12

Apr

By Lori Blank

Homeowner Tips

Does Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Cover Storm Damage?

If you own a home, you must make sure it is properly protected. Hazards can change throughout the year, and one of the biggest threats during the spring is the arrival of frequent thunderstorms. If your home is damaged by a severe storm, it might be covered by your homeowner's insurance policy. You need to take a closer look at your policy to see if you have the right coverage. An Overview Of Home Insurance An insurance policy is supposed to protect you against potentially severe financial consequences. For example, if your home is damaged, the repair bills could be…

11

Apr

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 11, 2022

Last week’s economic news included remarks given by Federal Reserve Board Governor Lael Brainard and the release of the minutes of the most recent meeting of the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Federal Reserve Leaders Prepared to Address Inflation Lael Brainard, a Governor of the Federal Reserve Board, addressed the central bank’s concerns over rapidly rising inflation in her remarks made at a financial conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “Currently, inflation is much too high and is subject to upside risks. It is of paramount importance to get inflation down”…

08

Apr

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

Renovating on a Budget? Check Out These Equity-boosting Inexpensive Home Upgrades

The idea of embarking on home renovations may strike many homeowners as an expensive one, but there are plenty of ways that you can easily upgrade your home without spending a lot of money. If you're looking for improvements that will truly (and frugally) improve the value of your home, here are a few do-it-yourself options you may want to consider. Change The Lighting There are few small fixes that will improve the look of your home like lighting, so one of the best things you can do for the overall look of your house is change out some of…

07

Apr

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How Can You Invest in Real Estate?

Many people believe that investing in real estate is something reserved only for the super-wealthy. In reality, this is not the case. Investing in real estate is a smart idea because property can generate a consistent cash stream while providing significant capital appreciation combined with tax breaks. There are multiple ways to invest in real estate, and no single path is better than the others. Consider Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) A real estate investment trust is a low-cost alternative to buying an entire property. Usually shortened to REIT, this is a company that allows investors to pool their money…

05

Apr

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Advice For Purchasing A House On A Single Income

Even though a lot of people have two incomes they can use to purchase a house (theirs and their partner’s), this is not necessarily required. There are lots of people who want to take advantage of current interest rates to purchase a house, and some people are trying to do it on their own. Even though it can be a challenge to buy a house with only one income, it is certainly not impossible. There are several tips that can make it easier for everyone to afford a house with just a single income. Always Check Your Credit Score If…

05

Apr

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

The Top Ways To Use Home Equity

Equity is a powerful tool. As homeowners pay off the mortgage, the amount of equity in the house grows. As the house appreciates in value, homeowners accrue even more equity. Then, homeowners can tap into this equity for a variety of purposes. What are a few of the ways homeowners might be able to use this equity? Purchase A New House One of the top ways homeowners can use the equity in their existing home is to purchase a house that better suits their needs. Even though homeowners may find a house that is right for them now, it might…

04

Apr

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 4, 2022

Last week’s financial and economic reporting included readings from S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, the Federal Housing Finance Agency and the federal government reported on construction spending. Reports on public and private-sector jobs growth and the national unemployment rate were also published along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims. S&P Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Expected to Slow in 2022 National home prices grew by 19.20 percent year-over-year in January as compared to December’s year-over-year pace of 18.90 percent according to the monthly S&P Case-Shiller National Home Price Index. The 20-City Home Price Index revealed no change in…

01

Apr

By Lori Blank

Home Seller Tips

Thinking About Selling Your Home Without A Real Estate Agent? Don’t – Here’s Why

If you're considering selling your home in the near future, you may be tempted to simply cut out the middleman and opt for an FSBO sale. However, selling a home is a major undertaking, and most "For Sale By Owner" home sales run into obstacles. So why is an FSBO sale such a problem for most homeowners? Here are three reasons why you'll want an agent to represent you instead of going it alone. An FSBO Puts You At Risk Of A Lawsuit Selling a home involves mountains of paperwork, and in order to make the transfer of ownership legal…

31

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Comparing Long-Term And Short-Term Rentals

Owning rental properties is a great way to diversify investments. Similar to the stock market, homes come in many shapes and forms. Some people are looking for short-term rental properties while other people are looking for long-term rental properties. What are the differences between them, and why might one person choose to own one of these properties over the other? What Is A Long-Term Rental? In general, long-term rental property is defined as any property that has a standard lease that is longer than 12 months. Many people think about apartments, condos, and single-family homes as long-term rental properties. There are…