Blog - Lori Blank & Associates

27

Aug

Real Estate Tips

How Mature Trees Can Affect a Home Purchase

Large, established trees can make a property feel beautiful and inviting. They may provide shade, privacy, character, and an established landscape that would take years to recreate. But mature trees also come with responsibilities that buyers should consider before purchasing a home. Look at the Condition of the TreesA healthy mature tree can be a valuable part of a property, while a damaged or diseased tree may eventually require professional attention or removal. Look for large dead branches, visible decay, significant leaning, damaged trunks, or other unusual conditions. When concerns arise, a qualified tree professional can provide a more informed…

26

Aug

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

What Buyers Should Know About Shared Driveways

A shared driveway may seem like a minor detail when you are focused on a home's layout, condition, and location. However, because the driveway is used by more than one property owner, it is important to understand exactly how access, maintenance, and responsibilities are handled before you buy. Understand Who Owns the DrivewayA shared driveway does not always mean both homeowners own equal portions of it. In some cases, one property owns the driveway while a neighboring property has a legal right to use part of it through an easement. In others, ownership may be divided between properties. Ask your…

25

Aug

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

How to Evaluate a Home’s Energy Efficiency Before You Buy

When shopping for a home, buyers naturally pay attention to the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and overall condition of the property. But energy efficiency can have a significant impact on what it actually costs to live in the home. Taking a closer look at how efficiently a property uses energy can help you anticipate monthly expenses and identify improvements you may want to make after purchasing. Look at the Windows and DoorsOlder or poorly sealed windows and doors can allow heated or cooled air to escape, making the home more expensive to keep comfortable. Look for drafts, damaged weatherstripping, condensation between…

24

Aug

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 24th, 2026

The latest FOMC minutes reinforced the Federal Reserve’s continued focus on price stability, with policymakers voting to maintain the current federal funds rate for the time being. However, the path forward remains uncertain, particularly as persistent inflation continues to complicate the case for additional rate cuts. In fact, several policymakers have indicated greater concern about inflation and favored tighter monetary policy at the most recent meeting. With the more recent departure of former Fed Chair Jerome Powell, there is a lot of uncertainty about where the Federal Reserve will move under the current administration. There is also a lot of…

21

Aug

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

What Every Buyer Should Know About Property Lines

When buying a home, the yard, driveway, fence, and surrounding space may appear to clearly define the property. In reality, visible features do not always match the legal boundaries recorded for the land. Understanding property lines before closing can help you avoid future disputes, unexpected restrictions, and costly mistakes involving fences, additions, landscaping, or shared access. Do Not Rely Only on Fences A fence may have been installed for privacy or convenience rather than directly on the legal boundary. Trees, hedges, driveways, and retaining walls can also create the impression of a property line without confirming where the property actually…

20

Aug

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

The Hidden Costs of Buying a Larger Home

A larger home can offer extra bedrooms, more storage, and additional space for entertaining or working from home. While those benefits may be appealing, the purchase price is only one part of the financial picture. Bigger homes often bring higher ongoing expenses that are easy to underestimate during the excitement of house hunting. Understanding these costs can help you decide how much space truly fits your lifestyle and budget. Higher Utility Expenses More square footage generally requires more energy to heat, cool, and light. Homes with high ceilings, multiple HVAC systems, large windows, or older insulation may cost significantly more…

19

Aug

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

Rent or Buy? How to Decide What Makes Sense for You

Deciding whether to rent or buy a home isn’t always as simple as comparing a rent payment with a mortgage payment. Both options come with benefits, costs, and tradeoffs—and the right choice depends on where you are financially, what you want from your lifestyle, and how you see the next several years unfolding. If you’re weighing your options, here are a few important factors to consider. 1. How Much Flexibility Do You Want? One of the biggest advantages of renting is flexibility. If your career, family situation, or future plans could take you somewhere new in the next few years,…

18

Aug

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

How Nearby Development Could Affect Your Home’s Future Value

When buying a home, it is easy to focus only on the property in front of you. However, what happens around the home can be just as important as what happens inside it. New roads, schools, shopping centers, apartment communities, and commercial projects can influence traffic, convenience, demand, and future property values. Understanding planned development can help you make a more informed decision before you buy. Research What Is Already Planned Before making an offer, look beyond the current appearance of the neighborhood. City planning departments, county websites, and public meeting notices may provide information about approved or proposed projects.…

17

Aug

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 17th, 2026

Both the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) reported figures that were either entirely in line with expectations or just slightly below them. This does not set any new precedent for the potential of a rate increase from the Federal Reserve, as inflation is still rising, just at a largely expected rate. Retail sales have also shown signs of a slump compared to previous quarters, with gas prices and Amazon Prime Day among the primary culprits. This isn’t necessarily a broader indicator of overall economic health, but there is certainly pressure being felt from persistent inflation across…

14

Aug

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

How to Read Between the Lines of a Real Estate Listing

Real estate listings are designed to highlight a property's strongest features, but the language used can also provide clues about what deserves a closer look. Learning how to interpret common phrases, photos, and missing details can help you enter a showing with better questions and more realistic expectations. Pay Attention to Descriptive Language Phrases such as cozy, full of potential, or ready for your personal touch may describe a charming property, but they can also suggest limited space or needed updates. Terms like recently refreshed may refer to cosmetic improvements rather than major system replacements. Treat listing language as an…