Blog - Page 11 of 129 - Lori Blank & Associates

05

Aug

Real Estate

The Importance of a Home Inspection Before Purchasing

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments most people make in their lifetime. While the process can be exciting, it is also full of important steps that protect your investment. One of the most critical yet sometimes overlooked steps is the home inspection. Uncovering Hidden Issues A home may look perfect on the surface, but only a thorough inspection can reveal what is going on behind the walls, under the roof, or in the foundation. A certified home inspector checks the major systems of the home, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural components. These findings help you…

04

Aug

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 4th, 2025

There were several notable releases this last week, with the largest being the PCE Index — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator. The PCE Index may be the more accurate indicator going forward, as data collection for the Consumer Price Index has been recently cut, thereby reducing its reliability. As expected, the inflation numbers have been steadily rising with the PCE Index, indicating that impacts from the tariffs are now filtering into prices for both producers and consumers. As a follow up, Personal Income & Spending has had a light upturn after the initial panic with the tariffs. Lastly, the…

01

Aug

By Lori Blank

Home Buying Tips

The Top Home Buying Regrets and How to Avoid Them

Purchasing a home is one of the most important financial and emotional decisions most people will make. While it can be exciting, it can also lead to disappointment if key factors are overlooked during the process. As a real estate professional, I often hear from buyers who wish they had done things differently. Below are the most common home buying regrets and what you can do to avoid them. 1. Underestimating Total CostsOne of the most common regrets is failing to account for the full cost of homeownership. Many buyers focus solely on the mortgage payment, overlooking additional expenses such…

31

Jul

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How to Buy a Home Before Selling Your Current One

Buying a new home before selling your current one can feel like walking a financial tightrope. While it allows for a smoother transition and avoids the need for temporary housing, it also requires thoughtful planning and the right strategy. If you are considering making a move without selling first, here are key factors to understand and steps to take to make the process work for you. Assess Your Financial PositionThe first and most important step is to review your financial situation in detail. Can you afford to carry two mortgages, even for a short time? Speak with a lender to…

30

Jul

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

How Earnest Money Protects Both Buyers and Sellers

What Is Earnest Money?Earnest money is a good faith deposit that a buyer submits shortly after their offer on a home is accepted. It is typically held in an escrow account by a third party, such as a title company or real estate brokerage, until the transaction is complete. This deposit shows the seller that the buyer is serious and financially prepared to proceed with the purchase. The amount of earnest money can vary depending on the market and the price of the home, but it generally ranges from one percent to three percent of the purchase price. In more…

29

Jul

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Trends

The Most Important Rooms to Focus on When Buying a Home

When searching for a new home, buyers often get caught up in curb appeal, square footage, or how recently the roof was replaced. While those details are certainly important, focusing on the most impactful rooms inside the home can help determine whether a property will truly meet your needs and lifestyle. Here are the key rooms to evaluate carefully when buying a home. The Kitchen: The Heart of the HomeFor many buyers, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. It is not only where meals are prepared, but it often serves as a central gathering spot for…

28

Jul

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 28th, 2025

Very little was released this week due to the major inflation data releases from the previous week. The Leading Economic Index was the most significant—and only—impactful release this week, showing a further decline in overall sentiment about the current economic situation. The majority of the decline was largely driven by expectations for business conditions. The decline was faster than expected, enough to warrant continued monitoring of the Leading Economic Index going forward. Leading Economic IndicatorsThe Conference Board Leading Economic Index for the US declined by 0.3% in June 2025 to 98.8, after no change in May (revised upward from -0.1%…

25

Jul

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

How to Spot a Great Deal in Real Estate

The first step to spotting a great deal in real estate is to understand the current market conditions. Is it a buyer's market with plenty of inventory and lower prices, or a seller's market, where competition is high and prices rise quickly? Knowing the market type helps you identify opportunities. In a buyer's market, you might find undervalued homes or motivated sellers. In a seller's market, great deals might be rare but still possible with the right strategy. Compare Comparable PropertiesResearching comparable properties, often called comps, is essential. Look at recent sales in the neighborhood for homes similar in size,…

24

Jul

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

Why Your Real Estate Agent is Your Secret Weapon

Expert Market KnowledgeYour real estate agent understands the local market in a way that online searches cannot match. They know which neighborhoods are rising in value, where new developments are planned, and what comparable homes are selling for. This knowledge helps you avoid overpaying and ensures you focus on properties that truly fit your goals. Whether buying or selling, your agent uses their market expertise to help you make informed decisions every step of the way. Skilled NegotiatorNegotiating the best deal takes experience and strategy. Your real estate agent is trained to handle negotiations professionally, without letting emotions affect the…

23

Jul

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

How to Research a Neighborhood Before You Buy

Before you begin researching a neighborhood, it is important to identify what matters most to you. Do you prioritize a short commute to work, good schools, or proximity to shopping and dining? Maybe you are looking for quiet streets, larger lot sizes, or vibrant community events. By understanding your personal priorities, you will have a clearer idea of what to look for during your search. Visit the Neighborhood at Different TimesIt is easy to fall in love with a neighborhood based on one sunny afternoon visit. However, a truly thorough evaluation means spending time in the area at various times…