Blog

20
May
By Lori Blank
Home Buyer Tips

Avoiding Home Buyer Remorse: 5 Tips for a Happier Homeowner

The rush of excitement that comes with finding the home you've been looking for is ideal, but just because it seems like the perfect place, it doesn't mean there aren't other factors to consider. Instead of getting hit with buyer's remorse, here are some tips so that your home purchase doesn't become something you'll regret. Forget About The Competition If you're contemplating a house and happen to be dragged into a bidding war, it's important to take a step back and determine if it's really the right home for you. It can be easy to get carried away and up…
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19
May
By Lori Blank
Home Buyer Tips

Evaluating Neighborhoods: 4 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Home

From finding the right agent to discovering the home you can truly feel comfortable in, there are a variety of things involved in the home buying process. However, it's important not to get caught up in the home and ignore altogether the community you'll be living in. If you're planning a move to a new neighborhood, here are some things you should look into before putting in an offer. Local Amenities A peaceful, picturesque community is ideal, but if there are not a lot of resources nearby for your family, it's possible that your new neighborhood may not be the…
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18
May
By Lori Blank
Home Buyer Tips

Suffering in a ‘Low Inventory’ Real Estate Market? 3 Helpful Tips for Finding a Home to Buy

Many homebuyers struggle with finding a home that is within their price range, but many of those perusing the market also struggle when it comes to the search. If you're currently in the real estate market and are having difficulty finding a good selection of homes, here are some ways to expand your search so you can find an opportunity you're prepared to invest in. Look Over The Old Listings Whether you do it on your own or enlist the help of your real estate agent, it's worth looking through the old listings to determine if any old opportunities are…
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17
May
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

Should Your First Home Be A Starter Home Or Forever Home?

If you are looking for a house for the first time, you might be wondering whether you should purchase a starter home or a forever home. A starter home is a home in which you intend to live for a few years before you sell it and upgrade to a better home. A forever home is a home that you intend to be in for ten years or more. You can see yourself moving into the house and potentially spending your entire life there. How do you decide which type of home you should purchase? A Starter Home If your…
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16
May
By Lori Blank
Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 16, 2022

Last week’s economic reporting included readings and forecasts on inflation and the University of Michigan’s preliminary consumer sentiment survey. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Inflation Reports: Mixed Results for April Commerce Department readings on consumer inflation showed mixed results in April; the Consumer Price Index dropped to 0.30 percent growth from the March reading of 1.20 percent inflation. Analysts expected 0.30 percent growth from March to April. The Core Consumer Price Index, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, rose by 0.60 percent in April as compared to the March reading of 0.30 percent…
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13
May
By Lori Blank
Home Buyer Tips

Getting to Know the Neighbors: 3 Tips for Building Good Relationships

One of the factors involved in feeling truly comfortable in your community is the relationships that you've been able to establish with the locals in your neighborhood, but it can be hard to know how to nurture a good relationship. Whether you're moving to a new home soon or are wondering how to make some nearby friends, here are some simple tips for ingratiating the ones that live closest to you. Offer up Your Favorite Dish It might seem like a bit of a risk, but one of the best ways to get to know your neighbors is to knock…
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12
May
By Lori Blank
Real Estate

Manufactured, Mobile, And Modular Homes: What Are The Differences

There are a lot of different types of homes available, and it is important for people to understand the differences. When people are considering purchasing a house, particularly a rental property, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the different houses available. Some of the most common options include manufactured homes, mobile homes, and modular homes. What are the differences? A Mobile Home A mobile home is a home that has been built with axles directly underneath the house. The axles make it easier to transport the home from place to place. The axles stay on the home even if…
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11
May
By Lori Blank
Real Estate

Offering Asking Price: Is This Offer Competitive In The Current Market?

The current real estate market is incredibly competitive, and a lot of potential homeowners are wondering how they can separate themselves from the crowd. In the past, many people would think about how much under the asking price they could offer and still get the house. Now, it appears that the market has flipped. It is not unusual for a seller to have dozens of offers on the first day, so what do potential buyers need to do to be competitive? Houses Are Selling Quickly The current market is highly abnormal. According to statistics that have been published, the average…
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10
May
By Lori Blank
Real Estate Tips

The Pros and Cons of ‘Mortgage Before Marriage’ for Young Couples

There was a time when a higher percentage of people were married before they committed to buying a home together, but it's a lot more common to co-habit and invest in a home together. If you're considering the commitment of a mortgage without being married, here are some things to be aware of before you start searching the market. Relationship Status Won't Affect Your Rates It might seem like there are greater risks involved if two individuals purchasing a property are not legally bound, but it actually makes no difference to the mortgage lender. If two people are buying a…
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09
May
By Lori Blank
Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 9, 2022

Last week’s scheduled economic reports included readings on construction spending, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee statement, and the Fed Chair’s press conference. Readings on public and private-sector jobs growth and the national unemployment rate were released along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims. Construction Spending Slows in March, Fed Raises Key Rate Construction spending fell in March according to the Commerce Department. Spending increased by 0.10 percent as compared to the expected reading of 0.80 percent and February’s reading of 0.50 percent. Less construction spending could indicate a slowdown in building as builders face rising…
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