Lori Blank & Associates

21

Dec

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 21, 2021

Last week’s economic reports included readings from the National Association of Home Builders on housing markets and the monthly post-meeting statement from Federal Reserve policymakers. Fed Chair Jerome Powell also gave a press conference. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. Builder Confidence in Housing Markets Rises by One Point in December Homebuilder confidence in current national housing market conditions rose one point to an index reading of 84 in December and met analysts’ expectations. December’s reading was the highest since February. Component readings for the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index were lower…

17

Dec

By Lori Blank

Home Seller Tips

Yard Staging: How to Stage Your Front and Back Yard to Appeal to Home Buyers

Whether you're just listing your home for sale or you've already started entertaining potential buyers, focusing on your "curb appeal" can drastically increase your chances of a quick and successful sale. In today's blog post we'll discuss how to stage your front and back yards in order to make them seem more inviting and welcoming to home buyers. It All Starts with a Great Lawn Whether you're standing on the street looking at the front of your home or you're on your patio looking out over your back yard, your lawn sets the tone and is one area that potential…

16

Dec

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

3 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Plumbing

Everyone wants their pipes to last as long as possible, but there are a couple of simple problems that might be sucking the life out of your plumbing. Long-term stress is the enemy when it comes to your water system. The three most common enemies are high water pressure, mineral-laden hard water, and grease. Avoid these three mistakes, and your water system will last years longer. Take The Pressure Off Your Pipes You might enjoy high water pressure when you're taking a shower, but your pipes aren't enjoying it at all. Over time, this high pressure stresses your plumbing system…

15

Dec

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Owning A Home With Boat And RV Parking: The Benefits

Everyone is looking for something slightly different in a home. Even though the location is still the most important factor, some people have specific criteria they require. For example, those who love the water might be looking for a house with parking for boats and RVs. What are a few benefits of purchasing a house with room for these extra vehicles? Reduced Storage Expenses The first benefit of owning a home with a boat for RV parking is reduced storage expenses. Owning a boat means you have to take care of it, and some people have to pay for space…

14

Dec

By Lori Blank

Around The Home, Mortgage

Goodbye, Curtains: Try These Fun and Fashionable Ways to Dress up Your Windows

Windows can add a lot to the look of your home, and this means that dressing them up properly is an important key for aesthetic appeal. While draggy, neutral-colored curtains can be one of the less exciting aspects of decorating your home, here are a few ways you can adorn the most basic of home fixtures and turn your windows into something truly unique. A Reconstituted Valance A short curtain can be a nice, less fussy way to adorn your windows, but if you have a kitchen space in need of warming up, try a piece of wood or metal…

13

Dec

By Lori Blank

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 13, 2021

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on job openings and quits, month-to-month and year-over-year readings on inflation, and the University of Michigan’s preliminary consumer sentiment survey for December. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released Job Openings Increase as Quits Decrease as Inflation Remains High The U.S. Labor Department reported that workers quit their jobs at record levels in October as job openings rose to 11 million openings as compared to expectations of 10.6 million job vacancies, which matched September’s reading for job openings. Fewer people quit jobs in October as 4.2 million workers left their…

10

Dec

By Lori Blank

Homebuyer Tips

The Three R’s Of Fixing Historic Homes For Sale

If you enjoy history and fixing things, then it may be hard to drive by historic homes for sale without feeling the urge to buy one and fix it up. Before you do, you need learn the three R's of fixing up historic homes and the differences between them. The three R's of fixing up historic homes are restoration, renovation and repair. Some of the differences are minor, but they can make all the difference in cost, time and problems. Restoration "Restoration" literally means returning something to its original state. Restoring historic homes for sale involve city and state programs.…

09

Dec

By Lori Blank

Around The Home

$500 Renovations That Will Boost Your Home’s Value and Speed Up Your Sale

The idea of home renovations when you're selling your home can be unpopular because of the cost and time that can go into sprucing up a place you're about to leave behind. However, making a few simple, economical touches can go a long way to capitalizing on your home's value and making a difference in dollars. If you're curious about cheap options for an easier sale, here are a few that may make the deal a little sweeter. Kick Up The Kitchen A Notch With all of the time that a family spends in the kitchen, it's unsurprising that it…

08

Dec

By Lori Blank

Real Estate Tips

Qualifying For A Mortgage Credit Certificate

Purchasing a house can be expensive, but there are measures in place to make it easier, particularly for people buying a home for the first time. One option is a mortgage credit certificate. What is the certificate, and how does it work? A Mortgage Certificate Is A Tax Credit A mortgage credit certificate, usually shortened to MCC, is a credit issued to first-time homebuyers by the local or state government. This certificate allows first-time homeowners to claim a federal tax credit for mortgage interest paid on the loan, with a limit of up to $2,000. When someone takes out a…

07

Dec

By Lori Blank

Real Estate

Tips For Buying A Home In Another State

There are many reasons why people need to move. Some people might be moving to be closer to a school. Other people might be moving to live closer to family members. Some people might have gotten a job in another state. Purchasing a home in another state can be a challenge, but technology has made it easier. Even though a lot of people still prefer to see a potential home in person, it is possible to take a virtual tour of a house. As a result, some people purchase homes they have never seen in person. On the other hand,…