Blog - Lori Blank & Associates

10

Nov

Home Buyer Tips

Why Buyers Should Check the Slope of a Backyard Before Making an Offer

A backyard can look beautiful during a showing, especially when the grass is freshly cut and the landscaping is tidy. But one detail deserves a closer look before you make an offer: which direction does the ground slope? The answer can affect drainage, maintenance, and how comfortably you use the outdoor space. Where Water Is Likely to TravelRainwater follows the grade of the land. A yard that slopes gently away from the house may help move water toward an appropriate drainage area. A yard that slopes toward the foundation can create concerns if runoff collects near walls, patios, or basement…

09

Nov

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 9th, 2026

With a relatively light week for economic releases, the primary focus of the economic landscape is the nonfarm payroll report, which has shown a positive trend over the last few releases. This should help consumers keep up with current inflation levels, although the Federal Reserve has remained firm in its commitment to reaching its 2% inflation target. The unemployment rate has also continued to trend downward after reaching a high of 4.5% last year. The economy continues to be reported as healthy, but with ongoing geopolitical conflicts and other uncertainties, inflation remains a major concern for many. The likelihood of…

06

Nov

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

What the Space Behind a Refrigerator Can Tell Buyers About a Kitchen

A kitchen can photograph beautifully and still have layout problems that become obvious only after you move in. One surprisingly useful place to look is the space around the refrigerator. Its placement can affect door clearance, walking paths, ventilation, and how easily you can reach nearby cabinets. Check How the Doors Open Open the refrigerator and freezer doors, if the seller or agent permits it. See whether they can swing far enough to remove drawers and shelves for cleaning. A refrigerator positioned tightly against a wall may have less usable access than it appears to offer. Pay attention to nearby…

05

Nov

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

Why Buyers Should Look at the Space Around the Electrical Panel

Most homebuyers know to ask about the age of a home's electrical system. Fewer think to look at the space surrounding the electrical panel. Its location, accessibility, and nearby storage can affect routine maintenance, emergency access, and the ease of future electrical work. Find the Panel During the Showing Electrical panels may be in garages, utility rooms, basements, closets, or other areas. Ask the agent to show you where the main panel is located. You do not need to remove the cover or touch any wiring. Simply observe whether the panel is easy to find and approach. Notice whether shelves,…

04

Nov

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

The Closet Door Test: Small Details That Affect Everyday Living

Closet space is easy to judge by looking at a floor plan or counting shelves. What buyers sometimes overlook is whether the doors and surrounding layout make that storage convenient to use. A closet may technically be large enough for your belongings but still create daily frustration if you cannot open it comfortably or reach what is inside. Open Every Door Fully During a showing, open the closet doors in bedrooms, hallways, and laundry areas. Watch for doors that hit furniture, nearby walls, light fixtures, or another door. Sliding doors can save floor space, but they may limit access to…

03

Nov

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

Why Buyers Should Check Where Rainwater Goes After Leaving the Roof

A house can look beautiful on a sunny afternoon, but the way it handles a heavy rainstorm may reveal important details about its condition. Before buying, it is worth looking beyond the roof itself and examining where water travels after it reaches the gutters. Poor drainage can affect landscaping, walkways, crawl spaces, and even the foundation over time. Where Downspouts Release Water Walk around the exterior and locate every downspout. Notice whether it empties directly beside the foundation, onto a walkway, or into a drainage extension that carries water farther away. Water collecting near the base of the house may…

02

Nov

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 2nd, 2026

The FOMC rate decision has been announced, and the Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged.In a press statement, the Federal Reserve stated that inflation risks have eased in recent months.However, recent releases of the PCE Index inflation data have shown that, while inflation remains within expectations, the current rate of 3% is still significantly higher than the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target, which it has been aiming to achieve throughout the year. Given the current economic data releases, there are still reasons to believe that another rate hike could occur in the future. Personal income has also…

30

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Buying Tips

What Buyers Can Learn by Looking Inside Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets

When touring a home, buyers naturally notice countertops, faucets, and cabinet finishes. The spaces behind cabinet doors may receive far less attention. Yet the inside of a kitchen or bathroom cabinet can reveal useful clues about storage, plumbing access, moisture, and how well a room will function. A quick, respectful look can help you see beyond the staged presentation. Start Under the Sinks The cabinets beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks are especially informative because they contain plumbing connections. Look for water stains, warped cabinet bottoms, peeling surfaces, or signs of past repairs. A musty smell can be another reason to…

29

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Buying Tips

Why Buyers Should Check the Condition of Decks and Outdoor Stairs

A deck can make a backyard feel like an extension of the house. Outdoor stairs can connect a porch to the lawn or provide access to an upper-level entrance. These features are easy to admire during a showing, especially when they are freshly stained or surrounded by attractive landscaping. But decks and exterior stairs are exposed to weather and repeated use, so their condition deserves more than a quick glance. Look Beyond the Surface Deck boards are the most visible part of a structure, but the supports underneath are just as important. Posts, beams, joists, fasteners, and connections all help…

28

Oct

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

The Laundry Room Test: Is There Enough Space to Actually Use It?

A laundry room can look perfectly adequate in listing photos. The washer and dryer fit, the paint is fresh, and a shelf holds a few neatly arranged baskets. But everyday laundry involves more than two appliances. You need room to open doors, move clothes, sort loads, and handle cleaning supplies. Before buying a home, it is worth testing whether the laundry area works for the way you live. Start With Appliance Clearance Look at the space in front of the washer and dryer. Can both doors open fully without hitting a wall, cabinet, or each other? Is there enough room…