Blog - Lori Blank & Associates

26

Jan

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 26th, 2026

The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator — the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index — released under delayed conditions, but it was within expectations. Next week will be another Federal Reserve Rate Decision, and it is expected that the Federal Reserve will reduce rates at least one more time. The optimism among the broader market has been showing that multiple sectors that seem unphased by the administrative decisions and current political climate. PCE IndexThe PCE Index came in at 2.8% in November on an annualized basis. According to data from the Commerce Department, core PCE, which excludes food and energy, also…

23

Jan

By Lori Blank

Mortgage

The Perks of Buying a Home in a Gated Community

Welcome to our consumer blog, where we delve into the finer details of real estate and homeownership. Today, we're exploring the enticing realm of gated communities and why they might just be the perfect fit for your next home purchase. 1. Enhanced Security: One of the most obvious perks of residing in a gated community is the heightened sense of security it offers. With restricted access points and often round-the-clock security personnel, gated neighborhoods provide a level of safety and peace of mind that is hard to match. For families, this means children can play freely and residents can rest…

22

Jan

By Lori Blank

Credit Scoring

Unlocking Lower Mortgage Rates By Boosting Your Credit Score

The interest rate you qualify for when securing a mortgage can make a huge difference in your financial journey. The good news is, that by understanding how credit scores impact mortgage rates and implementing strategic steps to boost your score, you can potentially unlock lower rates and save thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Lenders use credit scores as one of the primary factors in determining the interest rate they offer you on a mortgage. Generally, the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be. This is because a higher credit score indicates to…

21

Jan

By Lori Blank

Mortgage

Exploring Home Improvement Loans

Want to upgrade your home but short on cash? Home improvement loans can help! They're like a financial boost for fixing up your place without draining your savings. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? Let’s review the options. Home improvement loans are like a cash lifeline for home projects. Unlike some loans, they don’t need your home as collateral. You get the money upfront and pay it back over time. What's the difference between home improvement and renovation loans? Improvement loans are more flexible and cover various projects, like a new roof or landscaping.…

20

Jan

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 20th, 2026

Inflation reports have shown their cards, and they have come in line with expectations. These newer reports rely on less data from sources overall, which is why the PCE Index remains the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation indicator—and that distinction is even more relevant now. Despite inflation coming in as expected, consumers are still feeling the steady pressure of price increases that are not keeping pace with wage growth. This is also consistent with what the PPI has shown, indicating that manufacturers are experiencing persistent inflationary pressure as well, though still in line with expectations. The Federal Reserve is still expected…

16

Jan

By Lori Blank

Mortgage Tips

How Automation and Technology are Changing Real Estate

In the rapidly evolving landscape of real estate, smart homes are emerging as a transformative force, reshaping the way we live and interact with our living spaces. Automation and technology have become integral components of modern homes, offering unprecedented levels of convenience, efficiency, and sustainability. This article delves into the burgeoning realm of smart homes, exploring the impact of automation and technology on the real estate industry and the future trends that promise to redefine our concept of home. The Rise of Smart Home Technology The past decade has witnessed an explosion in smart home technology, with devices ranging from…

15

Jan

By Lori Blank

Homebuyer Tips

Uncovering the Hidden Issues Beyond Real Estate Inspections

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial investments one can make in one’s lifetime. However, beneath the glossy exterior of a prospective dream home lies a world of hidden issues that can have a profound impact on your investment. While a traditional home inspection is a crucial part of the process, there's more to consider beyond the surface. Let’s explore the importance of going beyond standard home inspections to uncover the hidden issues in real estate transactions and how they can save you from future headaches. The Basics of Home Inspections Before delving into hidden issues, it…

14

Jan

By Lori Blank

Homebuyer Tips

A Comprehensive Guide to Explaining Escrow Accounts

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner considering a refinance, the term "escrow account" often looms as a source of confusion. Yet, understanding the ins and outs of escrow accounts is crucial for managing your homeownership responsibilities effectively. In this article, we'll address some common questions and concerns regarding escrow accounts to shed light on their importance and functionality. What is an Escrow Account? Escrow accounts, sometimes referred to as "impound" accounts, serve as a financial mechanism to facilitate the payment of property taxes and homeowner's insurance. Typically, lenders require homeowners to contribute a portion of these expenses…

13

Jan

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

4 Common Remodeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Investing in your home by remodeling or renovating is an excellent way to increase its value. However, a significant renovation project can quickly turn into a disaster, especially for those who are inexperienced. Let's take a look at four of the more common home renovation mistakes that homeowners make and how you can avoid them. Mistake #1: Skipping The Permit Process The first mistake you will want to avoid is undertaking any home renovation without the required permits. While some remodeling projects will not require a permit, others will. Regardless, it is more than worth taking the time to do…

12

Jan

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 12th, 2026

The trade deficit dropped significantly this month, resulting in the smallest gap in the last 16 years. This has been entirely driven by the ongoing gold rush and, to a much less impactful degree, businesses working their way around high tariffs. The unemployment reports, however, have shed another light, showing a steady trend of unemployment rising and reaching a four-year high as of last week. This is somewhat offset by consumer sentiment, which showed a slightly positive increase alongside relative improvements in the economy. All in all, the data points to mixed results for the broader market. The upcoming week…