Lori Blank

02

Mar

Real Estate

What To Know About Investing in Short-Term Rental Properties

Many people are looking for a way to diversify their investments, and real estate investing is a popular option. Some people might be interested in short-term rental properties. What is a short-term rental property, and what are the responsibilities of property owners? Learn more about short-term rental properties to figure out if this is a solid option. An Overview Of A Short-Term Rental Property A short-term rental property is a rental property that typically has residents and renters for fewer than 12 months at a time. Many people believe that short-term rental properties are vacation homes and Airbnb-type properties; however,…

01

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Making Sure You Are Ready To Take On A Mortgage

There is so much to know when it comes to homeownership that even wading into all of the information can seem overwhelming, but if there's one thing you need when the time comes to purchasing a home, it's to be prepared. Here are a few ways that you can ensure you're ready for what a mortgage entails so that buying your dream home will be a positive experience you won't regret. Consider All Of Your Options Instead of accepting the mortgage that your bank is offering you, it's very important to do some research and determine what some of the…

28

Feb

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 28, 2022

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on home prices from S&P Case-Shiller and the Federal Housing Finance Agency; data on pending home sales and sales of new homes were also released. The University of Michigan released its final February reading on consumer sentiment and weekly reports on average mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices: Home Price Growth Expected to Slow in 2022 December readings from S&P Case Shiller suggested a slowing pace of home price growth in 2022 but analysts said that home prices are not expected to decrease. Case-Shiller’s National Home Price…

25

Feb

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Eliminate These 5 Barriers To Saving For Your Down Payment This Month!

With all the expenses that go into monthly living and the temptations that come along with life, saving money for the down payment on your new home can be quite a struggle for many people. If you're having a hard time saving and are wondering what you can do to ensure a higher bank balance next month, here are a few things that may pose a risk to getting the home of your dreams. Forgetting To Take Lunch One of the things most likely to defeat your bank balance is the daily office trip to the deli or diner. Instead…

24

Feb

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

S&P Case-Shiller Indices: December Home Price Growth Hits Record High

While U.S. home prices grew at record speed in December, rising mortgage rates threatened rapid price appreciation as buyers were sidelined by affordability concerns. S&P Case-Shiller’s National Home Price Index reported 18.80 percent year-over-year home price growth in December. The 20-City Home Price Index posted a year-over-year gain of 18.60 percent as compared to November’s year-over-year home price gain of 18.30 percent. Home prices rose by 1.50 percent from November to December 2020. Phoenix, Arizona held on to first place in the 20-City Index with year-over-year home price growth of 32.50 percent; Tampa, Florida held second place with 29.40 percent…

23

Feb

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Which Home Equity Loan Is The Best Option?

There are a number of significant advantages that come with homeownership, and one of the biggest advantages is the ability to take out a home equity loan. As homeowners pay off the mortgage, the amount of equity in the house increases. Homeowners can borrow against the equity in their house to fund other projects. For example, homeowners could borrow against home equity to complete a home renovation, pay medical expenses, or pay down student loans. The most common home equity loans include cash-out refinances, a traditional home equity loan, and a home equity line of credit. Which is the best…

22

Feb

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 22, 2022

Last week’s economic reporting included readings from the National Association of Home Builders on housing markets, reports on sales of previously owned homes, housing starts, and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. NAHB: Rising Materials Costs, Supply Chain Problems Weigh on Builders The National Association of Home Builders’ February housing market index reading was 82 and one point lower than in January. This was the second consecutive month that builder confidence dropped by one point. Homebuilder confidence in housing market conditions remained relatively high as any index reading over 50 indicates that…

18

Feb

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

How Safe is Your Home from a Fire? Learn How to Run a Quick Fire Safety Assessment

A fire can rage through your home at a moment's notice, and it can cause a significant amount of damage in a very short period of time. Damage from the flames, intense heat, smoke and soot can cause tens of thousands of dollars or more in some cases, and a severe fire event can result in a total loss for the homeowner. More than that, a fire can create a serious health and safety risk for you and your loved ones inside the home. If you are concerned about how safe your home is from a fire, consider a few…

17

Feb

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How To Deal With An Appraisal Gap

The vast majority of people will need to go through a mortgage lender when purchasing a home. One of the last steps in the purchase process is the home appraisal. The lender wants to make sure they are not lending more money than the house is worth. If the appraisal value comes in above what the buyer is paying, then the buyer is happy because they might be getting a great deal. On the other hand, if the appraisal comes in below what the buyer is paying, this can be frustrating. What is the appraisal gap, and how does it…

16

Feb

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

What To Know About Airbnb As An Investment Strategy: Pros And Cons

Many people rely on Airbnb to go on vacation because this website often makes booking easier, affords more flexibility, and is frequently cheaper when compared to a hotel. Therefore, some real estate investors rely on Airbnb as an investment strategy. At the same time, this is not necessarily the best option for everyone. What do people need to know about using Airbnb as a real estate investment strategy? The Pros Of Using Airbnb If the property is in a great location, it is possible to make more money using an Airbnb rental strategy. On a per-night basis, Airbnb usually leads…