Lori Blank, Author at Lori Blank & Associates

13

Jul

Home Care Tips

Quick and Simple Home Improvements: Transform Your Space with Ease

When it comes to home improvements, you might envision lengthy renovation projects or a significant investment of time and money. Not all home improvements have to be big projects. There are many quick and simple changes you can make to transform your space without breaking the bank or disrupting your daily routine. Fresh Coat of Paint: One of the most effective and budget-friendly ways to revitalize any room is by applying a fresh coat of paint. A new color scheme can completely transform the ambiance, making it brighter, cozier, or more sophisticated. Choose colors that align with your desired mood…

12

Jul

By Lori Blank

Selling Your Home

Selling a House “As-Is”: Pros, Cons, and Considerations

When it comes to selling a house, homeowners have different options available to them. One approach that some sellers consider is selling their house "as-is." This means selling the property in its current condition without making any repairs or renovations. Pros of Selling a House "As-Is" Convenience: One of the primary advantages of selling a house as-is is the convenience it offers. By selling the property in its current condition, you can avoid the time, effort, and cost associated with repairs and renovations. Cost Savings: Selling a house as-is can potentially save you money. When you sell a property in…

11

Jul

By Lori Blank

Investment Properties

Unveiling the Secrets of Successful Real Estate Investing

Real estate investing has been recognized as a great opportunity for building wealth and achieving financial freedom. Achieving success in the real estate market does require a strategic approach, careful analysis, and informed decision-making. Before diving into the world of real estate investing, it is essential to define your investment goals. Are you looking for long-term rental income, quick fix-and-flip profits, or a combination of both? Clarifying your objectives will guide your investment decisions and help you stay focused on your path to success. Educate Yourself: The first secret to successful real estate investing is to educate yourself thoroughly about…

10

Jul

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 10, 2023

Last week’s scheduled economic reporting included readings on construction spending, June’s FOMC meeting minutes, and reports on jobs and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Construction Spending Increased in May The Commerce Department reported spending for construction rose to 0.90 percent in May as compared to a month-to-month increase of 0.40 percent posted in April. The year-over-year reading showed $1.93 trillion in construction spending in May. April’s data was revised downward from the original reading of 1.20 percent growth to 0.40 percent growth in construction spending. Readings for construction spending include…

07

Jul

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

What is a Home Warranty

A home warranty is a type of service contract that provides coverage for repairs or replacements of major systems and appliances in a home. It typically covers items such as heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, plumbing, water heaters, and kitchen appliances. Home warranties are purchased by homeowners to protect against unexpected expenses for repairs or replacements that may occur due to normal wear and tear. When a covered item breaks down, the homeowner can contact the home warranty company, which will send a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the issue. If the item cannot be repaired, the home…

06

Jul

By Lori Blank

Home Mortgage

How to Calculate Mortgage Payments

Calculating mortgage payments involves several variables, including the loan amount, the interest rate, and the loan term. Here are the steps to calculate mortgage payments: Determine the loan amount: This is the amount you will borrow to purchase the property. For example, if you plan to buy a house for $300,000 and you plan to put down a 20% down payment ($60,000), your loan amount will be $240,000. Determine the interest rate: The interest rate is the cost of borrowing the money. It is expressed as a percentage. For example, if the interest rate is 4%, you will pay 4%…

03

Jul

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – Juy 3, 2023

Last week’s scheduled economic news includes readings on inflation, new home sales, pending home sales, and consumer sentiment. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell spoke at a banking conference in Spain. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. New Home Sales Rise as Pending Home Sales Fall May readings for new and pending home sales showed mixed results for May. 763,000 new home sales were expected on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Analysts expected a reading of 675,000 sales based on April’s year-over-year reading of 680,000 new home sales. May’s increase in new home sales was the largest…

31

Oct

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 31, 2022

Last week’s economic news included readings on home prices from S&P Case-Shiller home price indices along with sales of new homes and federal government data on inflation. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices: Home Price Growth Slows in August U.S home prices fell by 9.8 percent year-over-year in August according to S&P Case-Shiller’s National Home Price Index. National home prices fell by -5.3 percent in July. The 20-City Home Price Index rose 13.1 percent year-over-year but reflected readings from markets that were stronger in 2021. Miami. Florida, Tampa, Florida, and…

28

Oct

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices: U.S. Home Price Growth Slows in August

U.S home price growth slowed for the second consecutive month in August according to S&P Case-Shiller’s national home price index. National home price growth fell by -9.8 percent year-over-year as compared to July’s year-over-year reading of -5.3 percent. Home price growth slowed by -1.1 percent month-to-month from July to August. Rising Mortgage Rates and Recession Worries Dampen Homebuyer Interest The Mortgage Bankers Association forecasted a recession in 2023 and expects mortgage rates to fall to approximately 5.40 percent by the end of 2023. Mike Fratantini, senior vice president and chief economist at the MBA, said: “The upside of [a potential…

27

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

Downsizing? Here’s What You Can Expect When You Move From a House to a Condo

Whether the kids have moved out or you just aren't using the extra bedrooms, having a house that feels 'too big' is rarely fun. In today's post, we will share a few changes you can expect when you downsize from a large house to a smaller apartment or condo. Why Downsize At All? As you might imagine, having too much space is the primary reason that couples and families downsize. Larger homes cost more to maintain and can feel empty if it's just one or two people living there. In many cases, old items and clutter tend to build up…