Lori Blank

08

Apr

Uncategorized

Just How Sustainable Is The Micro Housing Trend?

Something that the Europeans have been doing for decades has finally made its way over the Atlantic Ocean to North America: the trend is called micro housing, and it's turned into an entirely new way of living. With micro housing, we're beginning to do away with oversize condos and even detached homes, learning to live in a more minimalistic manner and curbing our hoarding habits for good. The affordability of micro housing is making it possible even for young adults and students to purchase their homes in the city centers across North America. But one must ask, is the micro…

07

Apr

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 7, 2014

Last week's economic news included readings on February construction spending and multiple reports on employment data. Private sector employment was higher in March, but The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Non-Farm Payrolls for March fell short of expectations. According to Freddie Mac, mortgage rates ticked upward. Employment And Unemployment News ADP's payrolls report for March was higher than February's reading, with 191,000 new private sector jobs added. In February, 178,000 jobs were added. February's reading originally showed 138, 000 new jobs added. While analysts were confident that private-sector employment was showing signs of stability, the U.S. Bureau of Labor…

04

Apr

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

7 Things You Should Do As Soon As You Move Into Your New Home To Slash Your Electricity Bill

Moving into your home is an exciting time, and you shouldn't allow higher than expected electricity bills to dampen your spirits. Every day, households around the world waste large amounts of energy. If your home uses more energy than it needs to, you are the one that is paying the price. Luckily, there are many ways to make sure your home is running as efficiently as possible. Save yourself from 'utility shock' by taking these seven steps. Make Energy Efficiency Your Electric Company's Business When you first move into your home, have your appliances inspected by an authorized technician. You…

03

Apr

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

Staging Your Home For Sale? Follow This Easy Guide And Find Success!

If you are going to be staging your home for sale in the near future, you will most likely want to do it as professionally and successfully as possible to get the best sale price. Many owners have to put a lot of money into their home before they can sell it, and some even invest in a staging expert to come to their home and do an assessment before they put it on the market. You don't have to spend too much on getting your home ready, though, and you can do a lot of it yourself. Consider these…

02

Apr

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

The Ideal Investment Property: What Features Should You Be Looking for the First Time Around?

When purchasing a piece of real estate, it is important to ensure that the features of the home meet your criteria and best serve your goals. An ideal investment property has many important features that will differ from the vital features of an owner-occupied piece of property, and therefore it's important when choosing an investment property to know what you should be looking for. Here's what you need to know if you're investing in a rental property for the very first time. Consider The Furnishings To Capitalize On Your Condo When looking to purchase a condominium, it's important to first…

01

Apr

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

While most homeowners are vigilant about regularly wiping down surfaces, disinfecting bathrooms, dusting furniture and mopping floors, there are many nooks and crannies that don’t receive as much attention. That’s why March is the perfect month to do an annual overhaul on your home. Below is a spring cleaning checklist to help you knock it out. Living Room Wash curtains and throw pillows. Take rugs outside and beat them. Vacuum and spot clean sofas. Dust lampshades. Wipe down the television and all other electronics. Kitchen Organize and clean cabinets. Sort pantry and discard items past their due date Go through…

31

Mar

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 31, 2014

Last week's economic news includes several reports about housing markets. The S&P Case-Shiller 10 and 20 city housing market indices, the FHFA House Price Index, New Home Sales and Pending Home sales reports suggest that the national housing market continues to grow, but at lower rates. Regional readings varied and suggested that winter weather was a negative influence on affected markets. In a press conference held on March 19 Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said that severe winter weather had interfered with the Fed's ability to get a clear reading on economic developments. The Case-Shiller 10 and 20-City Home Price…

28

Mar

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

Get Your Lawn Ready For Spring

If you live in a climate where your yard has been hibernating for months, then you're probably ready for warmer weather and a hint of green outside your kitchen window. So, in preparation for children running on lush grass through spritzing sprinklers, use the five tips below to get your lawn ready for spring. It will reward you with picnic perfect grass all summer long. 1. Clean Up Winter's Clutter Take a rake and remove all of the dead leaves and debris left over from the winter months. Leaving a layer of last-year's foliage on the ground can smother your…

27

Mar

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

S & P Case-Shiller Shows Home Prices Down For Third Consecutive Month

Harsh winter weather conditions contributed to home prices falling in January. The S&P Case-Shiller 20-City composite index reported that home prices dropped by 0.10 percent in January, but after seasonal adjustments, home prices increased by 0.80 percent in January as compared to December. 12 of 20 cities posted declines in home prices in January. There's no cause for alarm, as year-over-year home prices increased by 13.20 percent as compared to year-over –year readings of 13.40 percent in December and 13.70 percent in November. David Blitzer, chair of the S&P Dow Jones index committee, said "The housing market is showing signs…

26

Mar

By Lori Blank

Uncategorized

Think Like A Real Estate Agent

Before you put your home on the market, you want to make certain that it's in tip-top condition to ensure a quick sale. The key to listing your home at a competitive price and guaranteeing you have what buyers are looking for is to think like a real estate agent. To get your home ready to sell, here are five easy and inexpensive home improvements this real estate agent recommends: Layout – Take an objective look at your home and stage accordingly. Remove clutter and rearrange furniture so that potential buyers can envision each room's purpose. Also, store any obtrusive…