Blog - Lori Blank & Associates

31

Oct

Home Buying Tips

What to Do If Your Home Appraisal Comes in Low

Home appraisals are a crucial step in the home buying process. It determines the property's fair market value and helps lenders decide how much money to loan for the purchase. Ideally, the appraisal matches or exceeds the agreed-upon purchase price. However, when the appraisal comes in lower than expected, it can cause stress for both buyers and sellers. Knowing how to handle this situation calmly and strategically is key to keeping the deal on track. Why Appraisals Come in LowA low appraisal can happen for several reasons. Sometimes, the market moves faster than the data appraisers use, especially in competitive…

30

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

How to Negotiate Home Repairs After an Inspection

A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the home buying process. It gives buyers a clear picture of the property's condition and can uncover issues that are not visible during a showing. From roofing problems to electrical concerns, an inspection helps ensure you know exactly what you are purchasing. However, once the report arrives, the next step, and negotiating repairs, can feel overwhelming. Reviewing the Inspection ReportWhen you receive the inspection report, take time to review it carefully with your real estate agent. Not every issue requires a repair or credit request. Focus on major concerns…

29

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Seller Tips

What Happens If a Seller Backs Out of a Deal

Buying a home is an emotional and financial journey, and most buyers expect the process to move smoothly once an offer is accepted. However, there are times when a seller decides to back out of the deal. This situation can be stressful, especially for buyers who have already started preparing for closing. Understanding your rights and the possible outcomes can help you respond calmly and confidently. Can a Seller Legally Back Out?Once both parties have signed a purchase agreement, the contract becomes legally binding. This means that in most cases, a seller cannot simply change their mind without valid legal…

28

Oct

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How to Decide Between a Condo, Townhouse, or Single-Family Home

Choosing the right type of home is one of the most important decisions a buyer can make. Condos, townhouses, and single-family homes each offer unique benefits and challenges. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. Understanding what sets them apart can help you make a confident and informed decision. The Condo LifestyleCondos are ideal for buyers who want convenience and minimal maintenance. In most communities, the homeowner's association takes care of exterior upkeep, landscaping, and shared amenities. This can be especially appealing for people with busy schedules or those who prefer not to handle maintenance themselves.…

28

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Mortgage Tips

Understanding Mortgages and Inflation and How Borrowers Can Benefit

Inflation affects nearly every part of the economy, from grocery prices to the cost of borrowing. For homeowners and buyers, understanding how inflation impacts mortgage rates and payments can be a powerful advantage. While rising prices can feel discouraging, there are strategic ways borrowers can benefit during inflationary periods. How Inflation Impacts MortgagesWhen inflation rises, the value of money decreases, and interest rates increase. This is because lenders want to protect the value of the money they lend. Higher inflation can mean higher mortgage rates for new loans, which may reduce affordability for buyers. However, for existing homeowners with a…

27

Oct

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 27th, 2025

While the government shutdown remains ongoing, inflation data for both the CPI and PPI has been released, indicating that inflation came in below expectations. It’s worth noting that under the new policy, more data will be simulated rather than collected from broader sources, there is still a significant degree of data collection. This was followed by the Consumer Sentiment report, which suggests that the economy may be gaining momentum again, as sentiment has risen and broken its recent downtrend. Although many reports are still delayed due to the government shutdown, some essential releases have started to be prioritized. With the…

27

Oct

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 27th, 2025

While the government shutdown remains ongoing, inflation data for both the CPI and PPI has been released, indicating that inflation came in below expectations. It’s worth noting that under the new policy, more data will be simulated rather than collected from broader sources, there is still a significant degree of data collection. This was followed by the Consumer Sentiment report, which suggests that the economy may be gaining momentum again, as sentiment has risen and broken its recent downtrend. Although many reports are still delayed due to the government shutdown, some essential releases have started to be prioritized. With the…

24

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Buying Tips

How to Compete Against Cash Buyers and Win

In today’s competitive real estate market, buyers often find themselves going up against all cash offers. It can be discouraging to see a dream home slip away to someone who can pay outright. However, buyers who use financing still have powerful ways to compete, and win, when they approach the process strategically. Get Preapproved, Not Just PrequalifiedA mortgage prequalification is a good starting point, but a full preapproval shows sellers that your financing is solid. It demonstrates that a lender has verified your income, credit, and assets. With a preapproval letter in hand, you send a message to the seller…

23

Oct

By Lori Blank

Home Buyer Tips

The Hidden Costs of Homeownership and How to Prepare for Them

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, but it also comes with ongoing responsibilities that many first-time buyers overlook. The purchase price and mortgage are only part of the picture. Once the excitement of closing day fades, new homeowners often discover a range of hidden costs that can affect their monthly budgets and long-term financial stability. Regular Maintenance and RepairsEvery home, no matter how new, requires upkeep. From cleaning gutters to servicing heating and cooling systems, routine maintenance helps prevent expensive problems down the road. Experts often suggest setting aside one to three percent of your home’s value…

22

Oct

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

Pet-Centered House Hunting and Why Fenced Yards and Pet-Friendly HOAs Are Dealmakers

For many homewners, pets are not just animals, they are cherished family members. As a result, more buyers are prioritizing pet needs when searching for their next home. Whether it is a fenced backyard for a playful puppy or a neighborhood that welcomes animals, pet-centered home buying has become one of the most important trends in real estate. The Rise of Pet-Inclusive PrioritiesHomebuyers today are thinking beyond kitchens and curb appeal. They want spaces that accommodate every member of the household, including their pets. A secure yard, durable flooring, and proximity to parks or trails are now high on the…