Blog - Lori Blank & Associates

14

Jul

Homeowner Tips

Important Steps to Take After Closing on Your Home

Congratulations! You have closed on your new home! After weeks (or even months) of searching, negotiating, and signing paperwork, you finally have the keys in hand. But before you kick back and start decorating, there are a few essential steps to take to protect your investment and make the transition as smooth as possible.Here’s a checklist of important things to do after closing on your home: Change the Locks and Update SecurityYou never know who might still have a key to your home, previous owners, contractors, or even neighbors. One of the first things you should do is change the…

13

Jul

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 13th, 2026

The Trade Balance has offered little new insight, as it has largely returned to levels seen prior to the earlier period of unstable tariff policies. Consumer Credit had been trending upward nearly every month; however, this latest report breaks that pattern by showing a decline in consumer credit usage. Meanwhile, the Fed’s Minutes revealed nothing particularly substantial, instead reflecting a dovish stance and a willingness to maintain current interest rates for the foreseeable future. Consumer CreditTotal US consumer credit fell by $0.18 billion in May 2026, following an upwardly revised $20.82 billion increase in April and missing market expectations for…

10

Jul

By Lori Blank

Home Buying Tips

How Pets Can Influence the Home You Should Buy

For many people, pets are more than companions. They are family. While buyers often focus on square footage, kitchens, and curb appeal, it is just as important to consider how well a home fits the needs of your four-legged family members. Thinking about your pets before making an offer can help you choose a home that is comfortable, practical, and enjoyable for everyone. Consider the Outdoor SpaceA yard can be a wonderful feature for dogs, but bigger is not always better. Think about whether the yard is securely fenced, easy to maintain, and provides enough room for your pet to…

09

Jul

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

What Buyers Often Wish They Had Measured Before Closing

It is easy to fall in love with a home during a showing. The layout feels right, the kitchen is beautiful, and you can already picture where your furniture will go. Unfortunately, many buyers discover after moving in that some of their belongings do not fit quite as expected. Taking a few simple measurements before closing can save time, money, and frustration once moving day arrives. Measure Your Furniture FirstLarge sectionals, dining tables, bed frames, and entertainment centers often become part of a home's design in our imagination. Before purchasing a home, measure your largest pieces of furniture and compare…

08

Jul

By Lori Blank

Homeowner Tips

The Hidden Costs of Owning a Larger Yard

A spacious yard is one of the most desirable features for many homebuyers. It offers room for children to play, space for entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to create your own outdoor retreat. However, a larger yard also comes with ongoing responsibilities that are easy to overlook during the excitement of purchasing a home. Understanding these costs before you buy can help you choose a property that truly fits both your lifestyle and your budget. Think Beyond Lawn MowingMany buyers assume the biggest expense of a larger yard is simply mowing the grass. In reality, routine maintenance often includes fertilizing, weed…

07

Jul

By Lori Blank

Homeowner Tips

How to Revive a Brown Lawn This Summer

A healthy green lawn can quickly turn brown during the hot summer months. While extreme heat is often blamed, it’s not always the only reason your grass may start to lose its color. The good news? A brown lawn is not always a dead lawn. In many cases, your grass may simply be stressed or dormant, and with the right care, it can bounce back. What Causes a Lawn to Turn Brown? One of the most common reasons for a brown lawn is drought stress, which happens when grass does not receive enough moisture during periods of hot or dry…

18

Jun

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

The Questions Buyers Should Ask During Every Home Showing

Touring homes is one of the most exciting parts of the buying process. It is your opportunity to see properties in person, compare options, and determine which homes may be the best fit for your needs. While many buyers focus on features they can see, asking the right questions during a showing can provide valuable information that may not be immediately obvious. How Long Has the Home Been on the Market?Understanding how long a property has been listed can provide useful context. A home that was just listed may generate significant interest, while a property that has been available for…

17

Jun

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

How to Tell if a Home Layout Will Work for Your Daily Life

When buyers tour a home, they often focus on square footage, finishes, and upgrades. While those factors are important, the layout of a home can have an even greater impact on how comfortable and functional the property feels once you move in. A well-designed floor plan can improve daily living, while a poor layout can create frustrations that become more noticeable over time. Think About How You Use Your SpaceEvery household uses space differently. Some families spend most of their time together in common areas, while others value privacy and separation between rooms. As you walk through a home, imagine…

16

Jun

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

Why Your Dream Home Might Not Be the Right Home

Every buyer starts their home search with a vision of the perfect property. It may be a stunning kitchen, a large backyard, or a home that looks exactly like the ones saved on social media. While it is important to know what features excite you, it is equally important to make sure those features align with your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. Sometimes the home that feels like a dream at first glance may not actually be the best fit for your future. Emotion Can Influence DecisionsBuying a home is one of the most emotional purchases most people will ever…

15

Jun

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 15th, 2026

With the inflation reports showing their cards, the Consumer Price Index has shown to be in line with expectations, but unexpectedly the Producer Price Index has come in substantially higher than expected. This may indicate that future core cost increases are headed for consumers, as rising costs are passed through producers and businesses down to the customer level. This is somewhat offset by Consumer Sentiment having risen, breaking a three-month downward trend. Largely due to the deal with Iran that took place this weekend, there appears to be considerable optimism that fuel prices will return to previous norms. This makes…