Blog - Page 5 of 114 - Lori Blank & Associates

04

Apr

Home Buyer Tips

Can You Negotiate the Purchase Price Based on the Home’s History?

When buying a home, negotiating the purchase price is a key part of the process. While factors such as market conditions, comparable sales, and property condition play a role, a home's history can also impact its value. If the property has a notable past such as prior fire damage, flooding, structural issues, or even stigmatized events it can provide leverage for buyers to negotiate a better deal. Here's how to approach negotiations when a home's history is a concern.Understanding the Impact of a Home's HistoryA home's past can significantly influence its market value and desirability. Buyers may be hesitant to…

03

Apr

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

Understanding the Risks of Buying a Home with a History of Fire Damage

Purchasing a home is a major investment, and while a property with a history of fire damage may come at a lower price, it also carries potential risks. Before moving forward with such a purchase, it is essential to understand the long-term implications and necessary precautions.Structural ConcernsFire can weaken a home s structural integrity, even if the damage is not immediately visible. High temperatures can compromise wood framing, steel components, and concrete, leading to potential safety hazards. It is crucial to have a professional home inspection that specifically assesses past fire damage, ensuring that the home meets all structural and…

02

Apr

By Lori Blank

Home Tips

10 Tips to Secure Your Home While You’re on Vacation

A vacation is a time to relax and unwind, but it's essential to ensure that your home remains safe while you're away. Nobody wants to return from a fantastic trip to find their home has been broken into. With a few precautionary measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your home becoming an easy target for theft. Here are ten tips to help secure your home while you're on vacation: Notify Trusted Neighbors or Friends: Let a few close neighbors or friends know about your travel plans. They can keep an eye on your property, pick up mail, and…

01

Apr

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How Will A Short Sale Affect Your Ability To Buy Another House In The Future?

A short sale is a real estate transaction in which a homeowner sells their property for less than the outstanding mortgage balance. While this option can provide relief to homeowners facing financial hardships, it also comes with consequences that may affect their ability to buy another house in the future. We will explore the impact of a short sale on your credit, eligibility for a new mortgage, and the steps you can take to mitigate these effects. The Short Sale and Your CreditOne of the most immediate consequences of a short sale is its impact on your credit score. When…

31

Mar

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 31st, 2025

With the introduction of tariffs on Tuesday, there is significant uncertainty across all sectors regarding the potential outcome. While important data releases—including the PCE Index, Personal Income & Spending, and Consumer Sentiment for the quarter—have taken place, their impact is expected to be largely overshadowed by apprehension surrounding the widespread tariff decisions. With the upcoming release of inflation reports, including the CPI and PPI this week, all eyes will be on these two key metrics. The focus remains on tariffs and their impact on the markets, as well as inflation, which is likely to be influenced by the new tariff…

28

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How the Direction Your Home Faces Affects Resale Value

When buying or selling a home, factors like location, size, and condition are obvious considerations—but have you thought about the direction your home faces? The orientation of a house can impact everything from natural light and energy efficiency to curb appeal and, ultimately, resale value. Here’s why the direction your home faces matters in real estate. The Influence of Home Orientation on Resale Value Natural Light and Energy Efficiency: Homes that face south tend to receive the most sunlight throughout the day, making them highly desirable in colder climates where extra warmth and brightness are valued. North-facing homes may require…

27

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Home Near an Airport

When searching for a home, location is everything. Some buyers may be drawn to properties near an airport for the convenience, while others worry about noise and air quality. If you’re considering buying a home near an airport, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. The Positives of Living Near an Airport Convenience for Frequent Travelers:If you travel often for work or leisure, living near an airport can be a huge advantage. You’ll save time commuting to and from flights, making travel much less stressful. Potentially Lower Home Prices:Homes near airports often…

26

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

How Color Psychology Influences Home Sales

When selling a home, every detail matters—including the colors you choose for walls, decor, and even the front door. Color psychology plays a significant role in how potential buyers perceive a space, influencing their emotions and decision-making. The right color choices can make a home feel warm, inviting, and move-in ready, while the wrong ones can deter buyers. Here’s how color psychology affects home sales and what shades work best to attract buyers. The Power of Color in Home Selling Colors trigger emotional responses, and in real estate, they can make or break a sale. Certain shades evoke feelings of…

25

Mar

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Buying a Home with Friends: A Growing Trend in Homeownership

For many aspiring homeowners, skyrocketing prices and strict lending requirements have made purchasing a home feel out of reach. But instead of giving up on the dream, some buyers are getting creative by teaming up with friends to buy a home together. This unconventional approach to homeownership is gaining popularity, especially among millennials and Gen Z buyers who value financial flexibility and shared responsibilities. But is buying a home with friends the right move for you? Let’s explore why this trend is growing, the potential benefits, and what you should consider before taking the plunge. Why More Friends Are Buying…

24

Mar

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 24th, 2025

The previous week had the Federal Reserve making their first rate decision since the Trump administration had taken office. With many uncertainties about the current direction of things, the Federal Reserve had decided there would not be any change necessary to the current rates. Stating that the current inflation and economic conditions have largely been a result of the Trump administration’s policies on tariffs. Chairman Powell has been strongly dovish at this point, stating they would need to “see how things actually work out.” There were a slew of other minor data releases but none were far reaching in their…