Blog

28
May
By Lori Blank
Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 28th, 2024

The Consumer Sentiment Report was the sole important report to take place the prior week, keeping with the  trend of the cooling-off period that happens the weeks following the CPI and PPI data releases. Consumer sentiment this time around has come to be slightly below expectations and falling to a 6-month low, marking a great change in overall sentiment towards the clear trend in rising costs in goods and services. It is largely expected that the Federal Reserve, even with the recent improvement in data, will maintain its stance at holding rates at the current position until a later date…
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24
May
By Lori Blank
Staging

Using the Art of Staging to Elevate Your Home’s Appeal to Potential Buyers

Today we will help you unlock the secrets to making your home irresistible to potential buyers without breaking the bank. Selling a house can be an overwhelming task, but with the right staging techniques, you can significantly enhance its appeal and attract more buyers. Let’s discuss some practical tips and tricks to help you showcase your home in the best possible light. Declutter and Depersonalize: Before you even think about staging, start by decluttering and depersonalizing your space. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that could distract potential buyers from envisioning themselves living in the space. Clear countertops, closets,…
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23
May
By Lori Blank
Real Estate

Essential Mortgage Considerations When Looking Into A Second Home

So, you're considering buying a second home? Whether it's a cozy cabin in the woods, or a beachfront retreat, the idea of owning a second property is undoubtedly exciting. However, before you get swept away by visions of lazy weekends and family gatherings, it's crucial to understand the financial implications, especially when it comes to mortgages. Here are some suggestions to help you work through the mortgage considerations when buying a second home. Assess Your Financial Situation: Before diving into the world of second-home mortgages, take a good look at your finances. Evaluate your income, debts, credit score, and existing…
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22
May
By Lori Blank
Home Care

How to Budget for Your Home Maintenance and Repairs

Owning a home is a dream come true for many, but amidst the joy of owning a piece of property, many responsibilities can often catch homeowners off guard. While the initial purchase price and mortgage payments are the most obvious expenses, the lesser-known significant costs associated with home maintenance and repairs can wreak havoc on your finances if not properly anticipated. We will discuss the hidden costs of homeownership and provide valuable insights on how to prepare and estimate future expenses, ensuring you're equipped to manage your home without breaking the bank. Understanding the True Cost of Homeownership When you…
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21
May
By Lori Blank
Home Values

Simple and Affordable Tips for an Impressive Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, especially when it comes to your home. Whether you are planning to sell your house or simply want to make it more inviting, enhancing its curb appeal can work wonders. The good news is that you don't need a hefty budget or a team of professionals to achieve noticeable improvements. Here are some simple and affordable ways to elevate your home's exterior charm: A Fresh Coat of Paint: Nothing revitalizes a home's appearance quite like a fresh coat of paint. Consider repainting your front door, shutters, and trim to add a pop of color and enhance visual…
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20
May
By Lori Blank
Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 20th, 2024

The prior week showed a surprising display of inflation,  in that for consumers, it was less than expected. This is giving way to some optimism that inflation is on the right track to being under control. On the other end of the spectrum, for producers, inflation had shown to be slightly higher than expected. But the far higher impact of the two reports is the Consumer Price Index.  The Federal Reserve had still stuck to their stance as from the last FOMC opting to withhold any rate reduction decisions until late in the year, but the data coming in largely…
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17
May
By Lori Blank
Home Buyer Tips

Tips for Home Buyers: Homes with Shared Fences

You're on the exciting journey of purchasing a new home, and you might find yourself in a situation where the property has a shared fence. This may not seem like a big deal at first, but shared fences can sometimes come with their own set of considerations and challenges. As a seasoned real estate agent, I'm here to share some valuable tips to help you navigate the process smoothly. Understand the Shared Responsibility: One of the first things you should do when considering a property with a shared fence is to understand who is responsible for its maintenance and upkeep.…
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16
May
By Lori Blank
Home Buyer Tips

How to Discuss Repairs or Defects with a Seller

When it comes to selling a home, it is a common belief that once the offer is accepted, there is nothing else to be negotiated. However, issues and obstacles that can arise during the home inspection can be a cause for discussion with the seller. Whether you're currently searching for houses or your offer has already been accepted and you're preparing for the next step, here are some tips in the event that the home inspection isn't up to par. Be Cautious About What You Say Without a doubt, anything that you discuss with the real estate agent regarding the…
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15
May
By Lori Blank
Real Estate

Real Estate Agents: Buyer’s vs. Seller’s Agents and Dual Representation

The roles of buyer's agents and seller's agents often swirl together in a complex dance of negotiations, contracts, and property evaluations. Understanding the distinctions between these two types of agents is crucial for consumers looking to navigate the labyrinth of buying or selling a home. Moreover, there's a scenario where one agent might take on both roles, adding another layer of intricacy to the process. What is a Buyer's Agent? A buyer's agent represents the interests of the buyer in a real estate transaction. They act as advocates for the buyer, assisting them in finding suitable properties, negotiating deals, and…
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14
May
By Lori Blank
Real Estate

Understanding Closing Costs When Buying a Home

Buying a home is an exciting journey, but it's not without its twists and turns. One specific daunting aspect for many homebuyers is understanding the sphere of closing costs. These additional expenses can catch even the most prepared buyers off guard if they're not properly understood. So, let's discuss the world of closing costs and shed some light on what to expect when purchasing your dream home. Appraisal Fees: Before finalizing a mortgage, lenders typically require an appraisal to ensure the property's value aligns with the loan amount. Appraisal fees can vary depending on the size and location of the…
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